Caribbean tourism organization donates $20,000 to Bahamas for recovery efforts
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has made an initial financial contribution to the Bahamas to assist with recovery efforts in Abaco and Grand Bahama following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian earlier this month.
A $20,000 grant raised through the CTO Relief Fund (https://bit.ly/2klH17e) has been transferred to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Bahamas as part of the CTO’s ongoing support for the long-term recovery of the affected islands.
CTOs activated the Hurricane Relief Fund immediately after Hurricane Dorian hit the islands of Abacos and Grand Bahama in the northwestern Bahamas, leaving a trail of devastation with more than 50 confirmed dead and many more missing.
“The CTO sincerely appreciates those who are helping the Bahamas by donating to the Hurricane Relief Fund. Your assistance goes a long way in helping the people of the Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama Islands hit hard by Hurricane Dorian,” Acting Secretary CTO Superintendent Neil Walters said. “We encourage everyone to continue donating to the fund so we can continue to help those affected. However, it is worth noting that there are 14 tourist destinations in the Bahamas unaffected by the storm and we encourage anyone planning a vacation at this time to at least Visit one of these destinations to show your ultimate support for the Bahamas.”
In addition to the Relief Fund, the CTO is engaged in other activities to assist the Bahamas, as follows:
Partnering with Friends of Culture, a 501C3 organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana, to raise funds for the annual Bayou Bacchanal (Caribbean Carnival) to be held in New Orleans on November 2
Collaborated with Julie Guaglardi of Zelman Style Interiors to highlight the Bahamas at a fashion show in Times Square, New York during New York Fashion Week, attracting 100,000 viewers
The CTO is also part of the Caribbean Disaster Response Agency field team in the affected islands and one of our staff is currently in the Bahamas assessing damage to tourism infrastructure.