Nassau Paradise Island has launched a cruise-and-stay programme for the first time in a bid to attract British travellers back to the Bahamian capital in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
The new partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line means visitors can cruise overnight onboard the 1,680-passenger Grand Classica from West Palm Beach in Florida to Nassau, staying for up to six nights at one of several participating hotels on the island, before returning to the US.
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It is among a host of new product on Nassau, which also includes a $250 million expansion of the port and surrounding area, which began earlier this year, and a $300 million investment in hotel development Baha Mar to upgrade the Melia property and add a water park in 2021.
Douglas Trueblood, senior vice president of marketing for the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, said: “Right now the perception is still that we were closed after the hurricane hit, so I think it’s important the people to look at the geography.
“Nassau Paradise Island is booming right now and it’s wonderful to see people investing into the destination.
The UK office of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board has enhanced its agent incentive scheme, doubling booking rewards to £40 for a four-night stay and introducing a new £50 reward for agents who book a seven-night stay in participating hotels. The incentive is set to be extended beyond its original November 15 closing date.
“For the trade, it’s important to understand that our doors are open.”
A Margaritaville resort is also due to open on June 1, 2020, offering 155 rooms in the midst of an entertainment complex including a cinema, bowling alley and restaurants.