Bahamas Named Leading Wedding Destination
According the The Bahamas’ leading newspaper, The Tribune, The Bahamas has been named the leading wedding destination at the 2015 World Travel Awards.
The article states: “Recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which others aspire, the World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. The ceremony took place recently in Morocco.”
The Tribune article quotes Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Deputy Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, as saying: “We in The Bahamas know our islands present an idyllic setting for destination weddings, so it is an honour to see such recognition from a prestigious organization like the World Travel Awards. Mother Nature has been very kind to us in providing a stunning natural backdrop for weddings here and the rest of the success is due to the resorts, wedding planners, chefs and all those in the romance tourism sector who work diligently to provide a stellar product that keeps couples coming here to take their vows and then enjoy their honeymoons.”
Diverse Offerings for Weddings
The Bahamas has diverse offerings for weddings, the ministry said, pointing out couples can marry on one island and honeymoon on another, have a ceremony underwater or have dolphins in attendance. “There are large resorts, private villas or small guest houses that offer as much excitement or as much seclusion as a couple could desire. And the wealth of cuisine options is varied, fresh and delicious. With so many individual islands, each with its own characteristics, offerings and cultural elements, there is literally something to suit everyone and every budget,” a statement from the ministry said.
Charming Out Island Wedding Destination
A charming Out Island wedding destination is Exuma, the ‘Official Home of the Swimming Pigs.’ Couples and their guests crave the special experience of swimming with the pigs on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay. The cay is home to these special creatures lovingly called “Pig Beach.” The swimming pigs are included in the array of aquatic activities already popular with visitors to the Bahamas … from snorkelling with tropical fish and sea turtles to shark and eel sightings to scuba diving.
The family of pigs, dubbed ‘adorable’ by tourists, locals and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them treats. They are also fed by the crews of passing yachts and vessels. The swimming pigs are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular that they have inspired a children’s book, “The Secret of Pig’s Island,” by Jennifer R. Nolan, and a song by children’s author Sandra Boynton.