The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has honored the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation as the International Destination Partner of the Year.

According to a press release, this award acknowledges the Ministry’s dedication, focus and innovative efforts in strengthening and growing its partnership with ASTA over the past year.

“We feel privileged to be named as ASTA’s International Destination Partner of the Year, and to be recognized by dedicated professionals whose work is vital to the continued growth of the travel industry in our region and beyond,” said I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation for the Bahamas.

Presented at ASTA’s 2024 Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas, Texas in May, the award for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation was decided by ASTA members. Each year, these members vote to recognize partners who best support ASTA’s mission of facilitating the travel business through effective representation and shared knowledge.

Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Investments and Aviation, Latia Duncombe, said: “This achievement is a tremendous honor that validates our dedication to excellence and partnership within the global travel industry. It increases our visibility and strengthens our relationships with travel advisors, all of which contribute to higher visitor numbers and greater investment in our tourism sector.

“We applaud the collective efforts of our local and regional teams who have actively engaged with ASTA through participation in conferences, local chapter meetings, events and familiarization trips to contribute to our success in receiving this prestigious award.”