Tourism Looks To The Canadian Market With A Slow Down Looming

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MONTREAL, CANADA – Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Global Sales Mission’ now has its eyes to the far north, seeking to expand its Canadian tourism market.

Montreal is the latest stop on tourism’s Global Sales Mission, and the timing is perfect.

Air Canada has flown to The Bahamas for 78 years with regular service to Nassau, Georgetown, Exuma and San Salvador.

However, more than ever, there is opportunity here for growth.

Chester Cooper – Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

“We have seen much of the protests of Canadians as relates to the policies of the USA, we are [a] friendly welcoming country, we have a long-standing relationship with Canada, [and] we have 78 years of partnership with Air Canada.”

“Toronto is less than a 3 hour flight to Nassau, and therefore all of the pieces are aligned,” Cooper said.

Cooper who is leading a tourism delegation in talks with Air Canada in Montreal announced the following on Monday:

“We are having a new service from Ottawa and from Halifax to Nassau.”

“We have increased capacity from Toronto as we all as Montreal…[and] we are going to be making another announcement later this week, about another airline as well, coming directly from Canada,” he said.

The news is against the backdrop of two issues – with the potential to Impact the tourism industry.

Firstly, the pullout of Silver Airways services to the region, where he’s confident that Bahamasair’s increased airlift along with American Airlines and smaller domestic flights can make up for it.

More recently there are fears of a possible slowdown in travel as the crisis escalates in the middle east.

However, Cooper and his team are eyeing Canada as the market with great potential.

“We are significantly increasing airlift to The Bahamas, [as] Air Canada is increasing its capacity and flights by 50%….a great opportunity for travel to the islands of The Bahamas.”

“They are going not just to Nassau Paradise Island, but they are going to all of the islands…where there is adventure, where there is beach opportunity, where there is sustainable tourism.”

“Therefore, we expect for the various communities across the islands of The Bahamas will experience the travelers from Canada…,” he said.