6TH ANNNUAL AUTHENTICALLY BAHAMIAN
CHRISTMAS TRADE SHOW
Crocheted angels .... junkanoo dolls... decorative pine cones.... handwoven
strawcraft ... Christmas ornaments.... homemade holiday treats and more! Every year the
Ministry of Tourism's Authentically Bahamian Christmas Trade Show provides the
general public, visitors, merchants and hoteliers with a unique opportunity to see, taste
and purchase the best The Bahamas has to offer in locally made gifts, souvenirs and
Christmas ornaments all at one venue. This year with be no exception.
The 6th Annual Authentically Bahamian Christmas Trade Show is set to take place on Friday December 1st from 9 am. until 9 p.m. in the Ballroom Foyer of the Nassau Marriott and Crystal Palace Resort & Casino. The biggest trade show yet, it win be officially opened by Minister of Tourism, The Hon. C.A. Smith and will feature more than 75 booths of the most exquisite locally made products from Nassau, Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma and Cat Island.
In an effort to increase linkages between the tourism sector and local manufacturing, this much anticipated event is being held in cooperation with the Bahamas Hotel Association's Annual General Meeting. Hoteliers, wholesalers, and merchants are especially invited to attend but the trade show is open to everyone according to Rowena Rofie, Senior Manager, Business Development, Ministry of Tourism.
'We are very excited about this year's trade show. Not only do we have the participation of many local artisans who produce work of a superb quality, but we are also doing all we can to create a festive Christmas atmosphere and make this event as enjoyable as possible for everyone who attends,' said Ms. Rolle,
"For example, we will have special entertainment by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, complimentary eggnog, and many opportunities to win prizes throughout the day. We have also extended the hours to 9 p.m. this year so people can come after work and enjoy happy hour here and do all their Christmas shopping at the same time," she said.
Another highlight of the Authentically Bahamian Trade Show is the annual competition among artisans for a number of prizes. This year prizes will be awarded for Best Booth, Best Product, and Most Creative and Authentic Christmas Ornament. The judging will take place immediately after the opening ceremony.
Bismark Coakley, President of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce said the Authentically Bahamian Trade Show is an event that all Bahamians should support.
"There is definitely a need for more Bahamians and companies to purchase more locally made goods. Buying Bahamian is good for our economy not only because it increases our foreign reserves but because it provides employment for Bahamians. 1 urge hoteliers, merchants, visitors and the general public to take advantage of this opportunity to see what The Bahamas has to offer in the way of quality products and souvenirs," Mr. Coakley said.
The 6th Annual Authentically Bahamian Christmas Trade Show is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Mademoiselle Ltd., Bahamas Development Bank, Scotiabank Bahamas Ltd., LS. Johnson, British Fidelity Assurance Ltd., Bacardi Co. Ltd., BaTelCo and D'Albenas Agency.
