From bahamaislandsinfo

NEW YORK, New York — More than 100,000 people experienced a destination wedding in The Bahamas last year, and the country wants to attract even more in years to come, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe told seasoned travel writers and business partners today as the Ministry of Tourism launched its latest niche market promotion.

The 16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day invitation was extended to engaged couples throughout the United States in a launch event held at trendy Per Se Restaurant, which is ranked among the world best’s restaurants by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. The invitation will allow the couples to learn about the 16 major islands of The Bahamas online then use the selected website to enter to win a destination wedding on one of those 16 islands.

“This promotion is so important,” Minister Wilchcombe told the group that gathered for the launch event. “It is so important because over the next several months as people register and they tell us why they want to come to The Bahamas, they will get to see all the places. They will get to know that The Bahamas is more than the capital city. They will get to know that there are other islands that you can come to in The Bahamas and you can sit at home and plan to have this wonderful day and have this wonderful celebration.”

Minister Wilchcombe also thanked the dozens of top New York writers who attended the event. By telling the stories of The Bahamas and the wedding invitation, the writers were becoming partners with the country.

“Last year, more than 100,000 people came to The Bahamas to enjoy this romantic experience, and over the past 10 years, more than a million came who were connected to some wedding. So just imagine what we can do with your support,” he said.

The launch coincided with the unveiling of a 16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day billboard that will be displayed throughout 2014 in the crossroads of the world – New York City’s Times Square. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook, along with a Bahamas Romance Blog, newsletters and editorial banners, will allow widespread interaction with the invitation.

The Islands of The Bahamas also launched a new romance trip-planning wizard on bahamas16islandsweddings.com to enhance a couple’s initial research experience for the perfect Bahamas island wedding. For more personal contact, The Bahamas Wedding Desk at 888NUPTIALS is available to provide guidance and answer questions while generating greater awareness of options that exist in The Islands of The Bahamas.

Partners include MasterCard®; 1888mytuxes.com; Mon Cheri; Green Turtle Cay Club, The Abacos; Acklins Island Lodge, Acklins; Tiamo Resort, Andros; Carriearl Boutique Hotel. The Berry Islands; Resort World Bimini, Bimini; Halvorson House, Cat Island; Tranquility on The Bay, Crooked Island; Pineapple Fields, Eleuthera; Valentines Resort, Harbour Island; Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma; Inagua Ocean Villas, Inagua; Gems of Paradise; Long Island; Riding Rock, San Salvador; Grand Lucayan, Grand Bahama; Hilton Hotel, Nassau and Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Couples may get complete details of the competition and enter for their dream Bahamas wedding at www.Bahamas16islandsWeddings.com.

Photo: Dozens of New York’s top travel writers joined the Ministry of Tourism at the launch of the 16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day Invitation. Pictured, from left, are Tourism Deputy Director General Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, Director of Romance Freda Malcolm, Elite Traveler Editor-in-Chief Doug Gollan and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe.

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