Tourism is so much more than topping up your suntan and relaxing by the pool. It can be an invaluable opportunity to broaden horizons and connect with those who have a different outlook on life. That’s the ethos that underpins The Bahamas’ award-winning People-to-People programme, and for 45 years, the team at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation has been connecting visitors to residents for a truly authentic experience. Bernadette Bastian, the Ministry’s General Manager and the driving force behind the People-to-People programme, joined us to talk about how they’re transforming tourists into temporary locals and creating lasting memories that unite residents and travellers. 

Congratulations on winning the 2023 Best Citizen Engagement Award for your People-to-People project! Please could you quickly walk us through what the project entails? 

 

The People-to-People Programme is a community involvement initiative sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. At its heart, it’s a really simple idea – locals know the islands the best. The program is designed to afford visitors an opportunity to interact with local residents in meaningful ways and experience The Bahamas the way Bahamians do. The People-to-People Programme first began connecting visitors with locals through customised experiences throughout The Islands of The Bahamas in 1975. It is the Ministry of Tourism's number one onshore promotional programme.

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