Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5: 10:27 PM CMGRP, Inc., d/b/a Weber Shandwick Registration No. 3911 The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5: 10:27 PM Received by NSD/F ARA Registration Unit 0 1/30/2019 5: I 0:27 PM Qr,b l!."" IIIAKM-0> ,~, e'--!~--, ...anamas 0 ,f -ii"'!~ 'C\::.,,-::::-, ·I ·o•. ,P Clll!I "0@ 0 THE BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND AVIATION HOSTS TOP MeDIA AND INFLUENCERS 10 U.S. Journalists and Influencers Traveled to Freeport and The Abacos to Tell Each Island's Unique Story Nassau, Bahamas - September 14, 2018 - The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) hosted two groups of prominent reporters and social influencers during the month of August to generate positive buzz for the islands of Freeport and The Abacos. Both trips garnered immediate digital and social media coverage about The Islands Of The Bahamas' unmatched culture, reaching a mix of millennial and family travelers. Oh Aug. 20, the BMOTA led a group of five travel influencers who reach a diverse following of adventure seekers, luxury enthusiasts, solo travelers and beach goers, to discover Freeport's many uniqve offerings. The itinerary primarily focused on what makes Freeport dh ideal destination for curious-for-more travelers seeking an off-the-beaten path vacation, as well as educated the influencers about the three distinct districts: East End, West End and Freeport. They experienced the wildlife and nature of the island, indulged in Bahamian cuisine dnd culture and set foot on Freeport's most beloved landmarks including Lucayan National Park and the Gorden of the Groves. The BMOTA also partnered with Andre Musgrove, a local underwater photographer, to co-lead and visually capture content of the group exploring the coral reefs off the west end of the island. The influencers have produced and shared compelHng social media and blog posts, further driving conversation about the island and inspiring millennials ta look beyond the most heavily trafficked Bahamian islands and consider booking a trip to Freeport. Within the some week, the BMOTA and partners welcomed five top-tier journalists from leading U.S. media outlets including Good Housekeeping, Essence and Red Tricycle, with the goal to showcase The Abacos as the ideal island hopping and premier family destination. The group climbed to fhe top of the Hope Town Lighthouse on Elbow Cay, learned aboufthe rich boat­ building history of Man-0-War Cay, explored Great Guano Cay and Marsh Harbour a.nd spent an unforgettable ddy with Brendal's Dive Center. In less than a month, the trip has already resulted in fou( in-depth, positive online stories from Good Housekeeping, Red Tricycle and Family Traveller, with more to come during the fall and winter seasons. "We are very proud of our visiting journalist program as it continues to inspire travelers to consider booking a vacation to The Islands Of The Bahamas," said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. "These curated trips allow the carefully selected joumcilists and social influencers to experience the islands firsthand, and as a result, we are seeing remarkable stories that shine a light on our country, businesses; landmarks and people." · To date, both press trips have garnered 66 digital stories reaching more than 30 million potential travelers. Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5:10:27 PM Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5:10:27 PM To continue to generate excitement and awareness for The Islands Of The Bahamas, the BMOTA will host a group of millennial-focused journalists in the coming months to highlight the authentic experiences and rich culture found in Nassau. To tap into the popular wellness trend, the BMOTA will also plan a group trip to Cat Island later this year. ABOUT THE.BAHAMAS The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles, with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers. with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information, call l-80Q-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, lnstaqram, Twitter and YouTube. ### PRESS INQUIRIES Anita Johnson-Patty General Manager, Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation [email protected] Weber Shandwick Public Relations [email protected] Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5:10:27 PM Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5:10:27 PM Q~b l!"''..,"'"'°'"o, .... • ~" onamas or="JOe,, :'•o ~.. ..0 0 0. ·-0 THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS FACT SHEET: ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND, MAYAGUANA, INAGUA AND RAGGED ISLAND Acklins & Crooked Island, Mayaguana, lnagua and Ragged Island are all situated in the southernmost part of The Bahamas. These islands are smaller, less c:Jeveloped and populated by communities of only a few hundred people, making them a window into the truly authentic island life. These are the "deep out" islands of The Bahamas and appeal to travelers who appreciate fishing, bird watching, hiking, kayaking ahd of . course, unspoiled beaches. Across these islands, travelers can get a glimpse of Caribbean history from the archeological sites of Lucayan villages and sweet-water wells to the coastal armaments of the pirate era and one of the few remaining kerosene powered lighthouses in the world. These rustic islands are home t.o over 140 species of birds, majestic sea turtles and roughly 80,000 American flamingos - outnumbering lnagua's human residents by more than 80 to l. The abundance of wildlife and nature reserves makes this the ultimate destination for an island-style safari. HISTORY From harvesting sea salt on lnagua and cotton on Crooked Island to pirates on Ragged Island and Mayaguand, the southern out islands dre rich in history and in culture. ABOUT THE SOUTHERN OUT ISLANDS • Town/Settlement: o Acklins & Crooked Island: Colonel Hill o Mayaguana: Abraham's Bay o lnagua: Matthew Town o Ragged Island: Duncan Town • Size: o Acklins: 76 sq. miles o Crooked Island: 120 sq. miles o Mayaguana: 110 sq. miles o Great lnagua: 596 sq. miles o Ragged Island: 9 sq, miles • Population: , o Acklins & Crooked Island: Approximately 750 o Mayaguana: Approximately 300 o lnagua: _Approximately 1,000 o Ragged lsland:.Approximately 72 ACCOMMODATIONS Ack/ins & Crooked /s/qnd • IVel's Bed & Breakfast- This quaint, seaside retreat embodies the beauty and tranquility of Acklins. This family owned and operated bed & breakfast offers four Rece-ived by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5: I 0:27,PM Received by NSD/F ARA Registration Unit 0 1/30/2019 5: 10:27 PM Cl~b Ln<l''1.A"IO~Cl'1fll ,,:;,i anamas 011=r10 I ,; ~~ •o•• . ..0 0 o G ·-0 plush bedrooms, six suites, a spacious family-size cottage and an apartment. IVel"s Bed & Breakfast is a non-smoking, alcohol-free facility. www.ivelsbedandbreaktast.com • Top Choice Bonefish Lodge - Located in Mason's Bay on Acklins Island, Top Choice Bonefish Lodge offers a unique, relaxing atmosphere with all the comforts of home. The lodge is the perfect destination ,for anglers due to the proximity to water and great local bonefishing. Guests can enjoy jaw dropping sunsets, self-serve beer, tasty dinners and homemade desserts. www.topchoicebonefishlodge.inndesk.com • Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge - This boutique lodge is located oft the beaten path on a white sandy beach and is operated by a friendly Bahamian couple. It offers five large double rooms, spectacular fishing and a variety of local specialties on the menu. www.crookedandacklinstrophylodqe.com • Crooked Island Loqge - Crooked I.sla.nd Lodge is located at the northernmost tip of Crooked Island overlooking emerald waters and powdery beaches. This fishing-friendly lodge offers eight air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, bar and library. It also once housed the first post office in The Bahamas, which is now a historical landmark on the island. www.crookedislandlodqe.com Mayaguana • Boycaner Beach Resort~ This l 6°room, oceanfront hotel is the only resort on the island, ottering guests a tranquil escape from everyday life. The hotel staff are able to arrange fly-fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, nature walks, qnd family picnics during your stay at the resort. www.baycanerbeach.com lnagua • Enrica's Inn - Located on Great lnagua Island, Enrica's Inn sits on a beautifully landscgped corner in Matthew Town and offers a total of 15 rooms, spread out over three cottages with amenities such as cable, refrigerators, microwave, and full kitchen. www.enricasinn.com ACTIVITIES The southern out islands are an active Caribbean traveler's paradise with authentic, oft the beaten path destinations and activities including ecotourism, fishing, snorkeling and diving. Birdwatching is also a popular activity on islands such as lnagua, which is the birding capital of The Bahamas and home to over 140 species of birds. Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 01/30/2019 5:10:27 PM Received by NSD/F ARA Registration Unit 0 I /30/2019 5: I 0:27 PM Or~ b l.!_ICI •u•-· 0, nq ,,,o\...J __,,"' onamas of,. ·r,.I.Cl .... L,.J' e. .,o ••a o e 0 POINTS OF INTEREST Ack/ins & Crooked Island • Turtle Sound - One of the natural wonders of The Bahamcis, this nine-mile long waterway is referred to as an inland river.