Hotels and resorts in the region have joined with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to launch an online auction to help support the long-term recovery of the northwestern islands of The Bahamas.

Travellers can choose destinations and hotels by shopping or bidding on vacation options via the Charitybuzz online fundraising portal.

“We are thankful for the contributions of our hotel and resort partners to assist the people of The Bahamas during this very difficult period,” said CHTA’s president Patricia Affonso-Dass.

Hurricane Dorian unleashed unimaginable destruction on The Abacos and Grand Bahama, destroying critical infrastructure and thousands of homes and businesses, and uprooting the lives of tens of thousands of residents, who are now homeless.

“The recovery will be long and painful,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s director general and CEO, who noted that many hoteliers have come together to offer an array of accommodation options to one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations.

“Whether you are shopping for a romantic escape, a family gathering, a business retreat, a personal getaway or a holiday gift, there’s much to choose from – all while helping to support people in need,” he said.

Caribbean Hotels Unite for The Bahamas is a joint fundraising initiative between CHTA and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) to bring relief to the people of The Abacos and Grand Bahama, who have been seriously impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The funds raised will be made available to meet the most urgent needs identified by CHTA and BHTA.

“Nassau, Paradise Island, The Exumas, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Bimini, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Ragged Island, Mayaguana and Inagua each present great travel options for the public as do more than 30 other destinations throughout the Caribbean,” added Comito.

“The best way to help The Bahamas is to travel to The Bahamas,” he said.

Hotels interested in pledging vacation packages to be auctioned through Charitybuzz, can email information@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or call +1 305 443-3040.

For details on other ways people can help, visit the following sites:

caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/hurricane-resources

bahamas.com/relief