Hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and Upscale magazine, a star-studded event was hosted April 28, 2011 at Tyler Perry studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The VIP reception was designed to showcase Bahamian art, music, Junkanoo performers and an array of gourmet cuisine courtesy of Bahamian Chef Andrew Moss. Guest list included international dignitaries, local elected officials, business leaders and A-list celebrities from a variety of industries. Guests were able to experience the best that the Bahamas has to offer in one night to remember.
Keynote speaker Nicole A. Avant, ambassador of the United States of America to The Islands Of The Bahamas, addressed guests on what’s new and exciting in the ever-growing relationship between this Caribbean island nation and the US. Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, also spoke on the current state of the Bahamas and saluted the Bahamas In Atlanta for executing an event to promote Bahamas tourism. Ambassador Avant was sworn in as 13th U.S. ambassador to the Islands Of The Bahamas on September 9, 2009, in Washington, D.C. Prior to her appointment, she served as vice president at Interior Music Publishing and Avant Guard Music Publishing.
Tyler Perry Studios was transformed into a Bahamian paradise full of culture and music pulsating through every room. Following the opening remarks, guests were escorted into the dinning area where an elaborate spread of Bahamian cuisine was offered. The walls were adorned with Bahamian art to highlight local artists. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Upscale magazine were very successful in bringing the flavor of The Islands Of The Bahamas to Atlanta through highlighting the vibrantly beautiful culture of this tropical paradise.
Tyler Perry Studios
www.tylerperry.com occupies two former airline-affiliated buildings and included 200,000 sq. ft. of seats and office space. Opened in 2008, the campus sits on more than 30 acres and hosts five sound stages, a post-production facility, a 400-seat theater, a private screening room and entertaining space. Perry’s most memorable movie hits were on full display including his first movie,
Diary if a Mad Black Woman, which grossed over $50 million and debuted #1 in box offices. His following films,
Madea’s Family Reunion,
Daddy’s Little Girls,
Why Did I Get Married?,
Meet The Browns,
The Family That Preys,
I Can Do Bad All By Myself,
Madea Goes To Jail and
Why Did I Get Married Too? catapulted him to superstardom. Perry’s brand quickly became an empire.
The Bahamas In Atlanta plays an important role in continuing a growing relationship between the United States and The Bahamas. The Bahamas tourism industry drives its economy through employing directly or indirectly about 50% of the Bahamian workforce and accounts for approximately half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tourism has been the motor of the economy for the past several decades. Its geography, natural beauty and proximity to the United States have made it a prime tourist spot. Each year, visitors contribute in excess of 1.5 billion dollars to the local economy. The Bahamas tourism industry has been dependent on the North American market since the 1960s.
It’s easy to see why The Bahamas is such a coveted tourism hot spot. With islands like The Grand Bahamas Island located just 70 miles off the Florida coast, and San Salvador’s world famous deep see diving, tourists are encouraged to explore the 14 islands that are the Islands Of The Bahamas.
For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, visit
www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from the Bahamas, visit
www.eshopbahamas.com.
Direct questions or comments to Brienne Herbert at
Brienneh@gmail, or through
Black Meetings and Tourism magazine.