Bahamas Long Island Fly-In Attracts Record Numbers
NASSAU, Bahamas (9 Nov. 2023) – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), in collaboration with its Bahamas Flying Ambassadors, hosted the Long Island Fly-In which has made history as one of the largest fly-ins to take place in the Out Islands. The four-day excursion to Cape Santa Maria, Long Island, 3 – 6 Nov., commenced with a landing at Stella Maris and included a day trip to Staniel Cay.
Fly-ins are the equivalent of a road trip for private pilots. Throughout the year, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism organizes fly-in expeditions led by expert pilots to introduce private pilots to the joys of navigating The Islands of The Bahamas. The November fly-in to Long Island attracted a total of 90 plus persons aboard 40 private aircraft who came to take part in the island’s festivities, making it one of the largest fly-ins on record. The number of fly-in participants this year represented a marked increase over previous years which have typically seen smaller groups of 50 persons come for the 2 – 4 day trip. The results could be seen most clearly in the occupancy of the Stella Maris Resort Club & Marina, which ultimately sold out.
Dawn Simmons, Senior Executive of the Long Island Tourist Office, expressed the importance of the event: “The fly- in groups that come to Long Island in early November play an important role in boosting the island’s economy at the start of our busy season. Private aviation is a growing niche market for Long Island, and we are delighted to welcome such groups as Caribbean Flying Adventurers, one of the two major groups that come to Long Island each year. Upon arrival, the groups are hosted to a welcome reception courtesy of the host resort and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. A curated on-island itinerary planned for the groups typically include cave dinners, island tours and sea excursions, among other activities.”
During the event, private pilot Jim Parker, who has been coming to The Bahamas for over 10 years, was officially announced as a Senior Bahamas Flying Ambassador by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Aviation Department. The Bahamas Flying Ambassadors are a group of seasoned private pilots with extensive experience flying to and around The Islands of The Bahamas. With the goal of introducing new pilots to the unique thrill of flying the skies of The Bahamas, the ambassadors make themselves available to share their knowledge of The Bahamas, and the ease of flying across the Gulf Stream.
Fly-In participants enjoyed activities such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shopping, island tours, dining and much more. A giveaway was also conducted that allowed guests to win a variety of prizes and memorabilia for their trip including BMOT caps, cell phone poppers and BMOT gift bags.
The Long Island Fly-In was sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), Stella Maris Resort Club, the Bahama Islands Out Island Promotion Board and Caribbean Flying Adventurers. The Fly-In was deemed a success as it boosted the local economy in Long Island, promoted tourism in the southern islands and contributed overall to the growth of The Bahamas’ private aviation sector.
For more information, visit Bahamas.com.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
Director, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation ajohnson@bahamas.com