As Canadian travellers increasingly look beyond the U.S. for winter escapes, The Bahamas is emerging as a top contender—and Ottawa is leading the charge. With travel from the capital region to The Bahamas up more than 50 percent in the past year, and new direct flights launching this December, the islands are no longer just a dream—they’re a direct destination.
On October 6, The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for The Bahamas, visited Ottawa to host an exclusive evening of Bahamian hospitality at the Brookstreet Hotel. Joined by Director General Latia Duncombe, Cooper shared insights into the country’s tourism strategy, culinary culture, and growing ties with Canada.
Cooper is an eloquent, engaging, and persuasive ambassador for The Bahamas—his warmth and clarity reflect the very spirit of the islands he represents. “There’s a longstanding relationship between Canadians and Bahamians,” Cooper said. “Our tourism office has been in Canada since 1968, and we’ve built a deep bond over decades of shared travel and friendship.”
Canadians are among The Bahamas’ most cherished visitors. “They’re respectful, adventurous, and they truly appreciate the culture,” Cooper noted. “We see a 40 percent return rate among Canadian travellers, which tells us they feel at home—and we thought the time was right to welcome even more.”
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