PANAMA’S NEW Tourism Czar has yet to be named, and he will have, unlike the current holder of the post, a U.S. Visa.

Before he settles into his office to attempt to rustle up  some innovative thinking, I suggest he hops on a Copa direct flight to the Bahamas to get some tips on how to really promote a destination

With a population of only 300,000, scattered over an archipelago of 700 islands, the Bahama’s often plays host to more visitors than it has residents. Tourism has overtaken banking as the country’s main industry, and is an agar cultivation plate worthy of study by anyone associated with attracting vacationers.
Three things strike the visitor within hours of arrival: service, friendliness and cleanliness..
It is a culture that owes much to the Bahama’s Minister of Tourism before independence 41 years ago and later head of the first black cabinet.

Lynden Pindling thought macro and worked on developing a culture of quality service from the super luxury developments  down to the local supermarket or Starbucks, where to order a coffee is like being introduced as the guest of honor at a celebrity dinner.
The service and pride of country spreads to every taxi driver hotel worker, or policeman each of whom when you ask a question, will quickly fill you in on locations, history and cost.
The cleanliness of the streets is something unrivaled in any country I have visited. Not a candy wrapper or cigarette butt to be seen, and attractive garbage containers wherever you walk.

In a Caribbean location where sand sea and sun are a given among all the tourist destinations, creativity is a must, and a current promotion is an outstanding example. Sixteen engaged couples in the U.S. can choose any one of 16 islands on which to get married. To choose the island and qualify for a chance at the prize, they have to go to a website and read up on all each location has to offer. So it’s a fair bet that besides the winners, many more couples and their families will be making the trip
The prize includes air travel, and hotel accommodations for the couple and two guests, wedding dress, tuxedo, rings and a reception. The invitation is open through June 13, followed by voting and judging.
Within weeks of the initial launch thousands of couples had registered. hoping to follow in the footsteps of of celebrities who over the years have made The Bahamas their dream locale for tying the knot, like golfer Adam Scott, Mariah Carey and Nick Canon, Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden and, reportedly Johnny Depp is planning upcoming nuptials at his private retreat in Exuma, Bahamas
The resulting publicity and top of mind awareness is worth millions of dollars.A far cry from the day when I presented to Mr. Pindling a plan for a gold gift card for honeymooners.
The incoming Minister of Tourism can reach the Lynden Pindling Airport in a little over two hours. It would be well worth the visit.
For those interested in more details of the contest go to: www.weddings.bahamas.com