Downtown Nassau Gets Tourism Ambassadors

Downtown Nassau visitors are getting personal attention in identifying attractions and having their questions addressed through the corps of Tourism Ambassadors recently organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Tourism Ambassadors roam the streets of downtown Nassau on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays – peak tourism days for Nassau since they are popular days for cruise ship arrivals.  The ambassadors, who are identified by bright green vests, are charged with welcoming visitors, providing information and generally assisting them.

Maxine Williamson, coordinator of the Tourism Ambassadors, said six ambassadors are rostered each day to assist in the downtown area.

“We are principally using College of The Bahamas students who are engaged in Tourism Studies as well as four of our recently retired Tourism staff members,” Ms. Williamson said.  “Our young ambassadors are energetic and the knowledge and experience of our retired tourism professionals are invaluable. The tourism ambassadors is proving to be a very effective way of assisting our visitors and ensuring a satisfying vacation experience to as many of our guests as possible.”

Jewel Smith, one of the veterans enlisted as a tourism ambassador, said visitors have many questions about the Bahamas and the attractions the country offers.  She has encountered many repeat visitors who felt they had seen and done everything the country has to offer. After a few minutes spent speaking with Ms. Smith, the visitors would usually become enthusiastic about seeing attractions such as the Ardastra Gardens and the forts, she said.

“I also tell them about the Family Islands because you have a lot of people who have been here before and they would think they have done just about everything. But I will say no you haven’t because you haven’t seen out beach in Harbour Island with the pink sand.”

Carolyn Demeritte said she did not hesitate to join the tourism ambassadors after retiring from the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

“I didn’t hesitate because that’s what I like to do,” she said.  “That is what I have been doing for just about all my life, 37 years plus.  I always liked helping people.  At the end of the day, if I can make that visitor feel as though they would like to return, I feel as though I have done a good job.”

Ms. Demeritte said she has helped countless visitors with directions to specific stores and attractions.  She was pleased that she was also able to clear up many misconceptions visitors had about the country.