THE BAHAMAS TOURISM CENTERS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER HURRICANE IRMA AND MARIA

All Airports, Seaports, Hotels and Marinas are Business as Usual on Major Tourism Islands

NASSAU, Bahamas, September 27, 2017 – The Islands of The Bahamas are open for business in spite of being brushed by two hurricanes in as many weeks. Tourism operations resumed quickly after Hurricane Irma and resorts, hotels, marinas and attractions are operating normally on Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and across the Out Islands. All airports, seaports, hotels and marinas on these islands are open and welcoming visitors.

Hurricane Maria did damage Ragged Island and Acklins Island severely, but the nation of 700 islands is fortunate that most were spared the worst of both Irma and Maria. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) continues to support recovery efforts in the southern islands and will seek to aid efforts throughout the Caribbean for those adversely impacted by these storms.

“We are thankful that most of The Islands of The Bahamas escaped severe damage not once, but twice this month,” said Hon. Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with all those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but we also realize that these hurricanes can impact us greatly if there is an inaccurate perception that we are not able to offer the hospitality so valued by our visitors.”

New travelers began to arrive in The Bahamas following Hurricane Irma on September 11, and visitors remained in The Bahamas during Hurricane Maria as minor tropical storm conditions affected parts of the southern and central islands.

“We are fortunate to be back in business, and look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to our islands,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Below are additional updates for travelers to The Bahamas:

HOTELS

The majority of hotels and resorts throughout The Islands of The Bahamas are open and

operating at full capacity. Many hotels in the Out Islands close annually after the summer season for maintenance. Reservation holders are encouraged to contact their respective hotels for more information.

AIRPORTS

All of the major airports throughout The Bahamas are operational including international and domestic service. See below for a list of international airports that continue to operate as usual:

· Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau

· Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO),

· Exuma International Airport (GGT) in The Exumas

· Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) in The Abacos

SEAPORTS

The Port of Nassau and the Freeport Harbour are open for business and cruise lines from the U.S. have resumed service.

MARINAS

The Bahamas recreational marinas are open and receiving visitors after most member marinas of the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) reported no damage.

All BMOTA updates regarding Hurricanes Irma and Maria can be found on