Caribbean destination marks half a century of enabling tourists to befriend locals in a lasting manner

The Bahamas is marking half a century of enabling tourists to befriend some of the locals in a lasting manner.

Latia Duncombe, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, notes that the Bahamas’ People-to-People Program is now marking its 50th year, with the program pairing tourists and Bahamians who have similar interests.

Visitors can be introduced to Bahamians, selecting an opportunity to bond over the likes of food, culture, nature and family. 

“We’re certainly happy to share our culture…with you,” she said during the Caribbean Hotel & Travel Association’s May 19-21 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held on Antigua.

People-to-People enables visitors to “spend a day in the life of a Bahamian,” she said, adding it frequently leads to lasting friendships.

The Bahamas — which saw 11.2 million visitors in 2024 — sees year-round cultural events, including during summer, Duncombe reported.

“I always say that the Bahamas is the cultural epicenter of the Caribbean,” she added. “There’s always something new and different to enjoy in the Islands of the Bahamas.”

A cultural highlight is lively Junkanoo, which features parades, music and colorful costumes and is particularly visible in Nassau but can be enjoyed in numerous other parts of the country.

Only 16 of the Bahamas’ many islands are actively promoted to potential tourists, said Duncombe, who declared those who visit her sun-soaked homeland can “experience the destination and experience paradise.”

Duncombe noted that her ministry has a specialist program available in different languages for travel agents, who she labelled “our ambassadors.”

She added that the romance market is important for her part of the world.

Duncombe said the Bahamas is seeing ongoing development but also promised that “sustainability is at the heart of everything” in its tourism trade.