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NASSAU, Bahamas – The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism & Aviation
today announced The Bahamas’ aggressive participation in Expo Shanghai
to raise awareness of the country and win prospective travelers.
CARICOM
Member States and the CARICOM Secretariat were officially invited in
March 2008, to participate in the World Exposition 2010, Shanghai,
China.
This six-month Expo will take place from May 1 to October 31.
Hyacinch
Winder-Pratt, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism &
Aviation,
said Expo Shanghai is an opportunity that cannot be missed because China
is still estimated to offer 100 million travelers to the world by 2020.
“Along
with other countries, The Bahamas will have a powerful presence at the
expo during the six-month period,” she said. “The objectives
of our participation are to create more awareness of our country, and
as often as possible, to convert awareness of The Bahamas into Chinese
travelers bound for The Islands Of The Bahamas.
“With
15 percent or 10 million of the 70 million Expo Shanghai visitors
expected
to pass through the Caribbean Pavilion where our booth will be located,
The Bahamas will have a golden opportunity to engage with the Chinese
people and woo a large number of travelers to our shores.”
Eugene
Newry, first assistant secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
pointed out that The Bahamas’ commitment to participate in the expo
goes to the highest level of government. He said Prime Minister
Hubert Ingraham has accepted an invitation from China to attend the
expo, and intends to be in Shanghai on July 17, which will be observed
at the expo as National/Honor Day for the Caribbean.
On
July 17, the expo will especially focus on the culture of The Bahamas
and other countries of the Caribbean Community.
“The
Bahamas intends to take full advantage, to place her best foot forward
in this gathering of nations,” Mr. Newry said. “As has been
indicated earlier, the Inter-ministerial Committee for the Expo 2010
Shanghai, China, headed by the Ministry of Finance and most ably
complemented
by both public and private sector agencies, has seen to it that the
Bahamas’ participation in the expo will be worthy of the standing
of the good people of our country as we travel halfway around the world.
“You
have noted that efforts have been made to include all sectors of our
society, to ensure that the showing of the Bahamas happen in grand
style,
particularly in these times of global crunch.”
The
design of The Bahamas’ booth reflects the rich history of sea
transportation
of a past era when sailing sloops were the only means of transport
connecting
the scattered islands of The Bahamas chain.
The
booth is comprised of three main exhibition spaces designed in the shape
of sailing sloops. Two of the rooms are separated by a central foyer
and connected at the back by an open gallery. Flags overhead, in the
vibrant colors of the tourism logo, represent sails. The booth is
constructed
at a diagonal angle, with a wide, open entrance to allow free flow of
visitors. The exterior of the booth features a beachscape. A map of
The Islands Of The Bahamas is displayed on the floor of the central
foyer.
Exhibits
will showcase the richness and variety of the Bahamas touristic
experience;
business and investment opportunities; sustainable development and the
environment; the popular regatta sailing past time; the foodways, music
and dance of the Bahamas, and a wide selection of authentically Bahamian
made craft. Five eye-catching, 6ft Junkanoo sculptures will also be
on exhibit.
A
specially designed kiosk will highlight the attractions of Atlantis
and Baha Mar properties. Special exhibits highlight the services of
the Bahamas Financial Services Board.
Kerzner
International and Baha Mar Resorts have each made a $25,000 contribution
towards the Bahamas participation in Expo Shanghai. In addition, both
properties will donate a 7-day hotel stay for the winners of a special
Bahamas online competition to be launched in Shanghai.