The Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar recently attended the 60th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) which made a big splash in support of The Bahamas.

Promotions: The Bahamas brand is displayed on trucks and banners during the show. (Photo courtesy of MOTA, FLIBS and J. Christopher)

Organizers – the US Boat Shows at Informa Markets and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida – selected The Bahamas as the event’s exclusive vacation destination during the show, which ran October 30-November 3, 2019 in Fort Lauderdale.

There were several fundraising initiatives with proceeds earmarked for aid to residents in Abaco impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

“We feel it is our duty and a privilege to support our friends and neighbours, and we are committed to Grand Bahama and the Abacos’ full recovery. In addition to helping raise funds, we endeavour to get the word out that The Bahamas is still open for tourism and business, as there are beautiful and pristine areas not affected and tourism is their number one industry,” said Andrew Doole, president of US Boat Shows at Informa Markets.

Pictured: WSVN Channel 7 (FOX) reporter Andrew Dymburt (left) interviews Minister D’Aguilar on the status of the Bahamas, post Dorian. (Photo courtesy of MOTA, FLIBS and J. Christopher)

The opening ceremony to the boat show was conducted in conjunction with the Bahamas Consul General in Miami Linda Mackey, to symbolize the unique partnership with the organizers, The Bahamas and Florida.

Throughout the show, the Bahamas brand was promoted widely.

Showgoers participated in Junkanoo rush outs by Nassau’s popular groups, Colors and the Junkanoo Gawds, as others sipped on Kalik beer, the national beer of The Bahamas.

Pictured: Minister D’Aguilar is interviewed by WPLG Channel 10 reporter Glenna Milberg. (Photo courtesy of MOTA, FLIBS and J. Christopher)

Describing his experience at the show as an incredible and educational one, Minister D’Aguilar said the show was very successful and reaped opportunities for The Bahamas. He capitalized on every available moment at the show.

While there, the Minister met with media professionals and conducted one-on-one interviews with reporters from WSVN Channel 7, WPLG Channel 10, Boating Magazine and N&J Yachting, reinforcing the message that “15 of The Bahamas’ 16 islands are open for business and that the best way to help the people of The Bahamas and its economy is to visit The Bahamas”.

Chefs show support: Minister D’Aguilar served as a celebrity judge at the 2nd Sunset Soiree & Yacht Chef Competition, a $125 plated dinner and fundraiser that benefited the people of Abaco. Competing chefs wore crescents bearing the Bahamas flag on their uniforms. (Photo MOTA/FLIBS)

He also met with current and potential investors and superyacht owners, charter operators and brokers interested in and conducting business in The Bahamas, including Bradford Marine, National Marine Suppliers, US Super Yacht Association and International Yacht Brokers Association.

Minister D’Aguilar also took time out to visit every hotel and marina operator from The Bahamas who participated in the Show.

Pictured: Junkanoo rush-out. (Photo MOTA/FLIBS)

Among the Bahamas vendors at this year’s show were: Bahamasair, Kalik Beer, Bahamas Maritime, Bahamas National Trust, Palm Cay Marina, Hurricane Hole Marina, Flying Fish Marina, Bay Street Marina, Romora Bay Resort & Marina, Staniel Cay Marina, Cape Eleuthera Resort, Tropic Ocean Air, Valentine’s Resort, The Pointe, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board and the Association of Bahamas Marinas.

It is estimated that more than 110,000 persons and 1,200 exhibitors from 52 countries attended this year’s FLIBS.