OSHKOSH, WI - The Chief Pilot and Aviation Specialist for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Greg Rolle, began his Chairmanship of the International Federal Partnership (IFP), at the recent EAA AirVenture 2012. As Chairman of this body, the Bahamas' Chief Pilot works closely with the Federal Agencies to ensure that pilots flying to The Bahamas, have all the procedural information required for a hassle free crossing of the US borders.
The Islands of The Bahamas has been aggressive in its marketing efforts to the general aviation market, and this year, in a move to maximize its visibility and exposure, increased its presence at the popular aviation show. The country was represented in the International Federal Pavilion by The Bahamas Tourism aviation team; representatives from Bahamas Preferred FBO Gateways, Sheltair Aviation - Fort Lauderdale Jet Center and Banyan Air Service; Bahamas Customs and Immigration Department; Bahamas Civil Aviation and the Royal Bahamas Police Force uniformed and aviation units.
A Breezer Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), flown to The Bahamas multiple times, was exhibited with the Bahamas' LSA Ambassador who answered questions. Also on hand at a second booth were representatives from The Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, Grand Bahama hoteliers and ground transfer and one of the Bahamas' FBO's.
The Bahamas staged an off site grand cultural extravaganza, "A Taste of The Bahamas" with a lavish reception accompanied by a three course, gourmet meal prepared by Bahamian chefs with imported delicacies. Entertainment continued with costumed Bahamian Junkanoo cultural dancers who drew V.I.P. guests to the floor to dance away the night.
During AirVenture, The Bahamas confirmed two groups of general aviation pilots scheduled to fly to The Bahamas within the next few months. The Southern Bonanza group will fly to Cape Santa Maria , Long Island Bahamas, November 7-11, 2012 and the LSA Fly In group is scheduled for January 20-24, 2013. Additionally, the aviation team is following a number of other group movements that could be confirmed in the coming weeks.
"We are taking advantage of this unique opportunity as the single Caribbean destination to have the ear of this massive general aviation community that is EAA AirVenture. We want the GA pilots to know that we want their business; and we want to continue to tell them about the beauty of our country, our unique and exciting culture and of the ease of flying to The Island of the Bahamas, which is the closest offshore destination to the United States", said Mr. Greg Rolle.
About The Islands of the Bahamas: With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches the 700 islands of the Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call: 1-800-Bahamas or visit http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/private-flying .