Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Greenways, 'Vision' for Grand Bahama and Educational Tourism

You never know what you are going to learn whether listening to the show or hosting the show! Curious about the East Coast Greenway project, we were thrilled that East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano was able to appear as a guest, and did we learn a lot!

Stretching nearly 3,000 miles from the Canadian border to Key West, Florida, the East Coast Greenway has been in development for nearly 20 years and is still going strong. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Florida will contain the longest stretch when the project is fully completed. 

Proponents of the project have validated the Greenway’s economic contributions to tourism and have witnessed its popularity in the areas where the Greenway has been completed. Treasure Coast community and political leaders have been very supportive in assuring that this “urban Appalachian Trail” is a part of the Treasure Coast community’s fabric.

After "trail" talk, discussion moved on over to the Islands of The Bahamas. Understandably, airlift to an island destination is critical to its tourism product. An island does not live by the cruise industry alone! Call in guest, Bill Maloney, the director of business development for Vision Airlines, had a treasure chest of information about Vision Airline's new scheduled service to Freeport, Grand Bahama. 

It has been some time since such airlift was available to Grand Bahama from key U.S. market hubs. Vision Airline's introductory rates are fantastic and Bill promised that the carrier would provide the best rates and packages available. Such an effort could not have been accomplished without the support and assistance of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. This is terrific news for Grand Bahamians and those wishing to visit this Treasure Coast island neighbor.

Moving on to St. Lucie County, the County's “discovery” of education tourism became the focus. If you missed the discussion, be sure to listen to Talkin' Tourism's Greenways, 'Vision' for Grand Bahama and Educational Tourism show, and find out what it takes to “cash in” on this niche tourism market.

Thanks for tuning in. Join us again on Friday for another fun and informative show—this one live from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show!


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