The days of fantasizing about paradise in your makeshift home office or classroom are over. The Bahamas has announced its new Bahamas Extended Visitor Travel Stay (BEATS) program, a one-year residency permit designed to allow professionals and students to pack their laptops and Swimwear, remote, from Bahamas.
BEATS is for those whose workplaces and classrooms have shifted from in-person to virtual as COVID-19 has brought unprecedented flexibility to working in traditional home settings. With 16 islands to choose from and plenty of breathtaking vistas, visitors can forget about daydreaming about a tropical vacation and start enjoying it.
“The Bahamas has always been unique, and even more so today, in that we have 700 islands and cays, 16 of which are unique island destinations for travel,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Department of Tourism and Aviation. Meaning you can basically choose your own work, study and adventure. If you are looking for peace and seclusion, you can head to Mayaguana or San Salvador, or if you are looking to get off the beaten track, you can choose Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera or Long Island. The opportunities are endless.”
BEATS will not only encourage visitors to enjoy white sand beaches, incredible blue waters and delicious food, but will also provide an opportunity for them to explore and gain insight into Bahamian culture like never before.
Teleworkers can “backpack” across the country, island hopping throughout their stay. More time allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful Bahamian culture as they experience the destination in a deeper way.
Extracurricular activities and “overtime” offerings
• Learn new skills: Travel to Long Island, home to Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s second-deepest blue hole, and learn far beyond a dive school classroom.
• Outdoor sports: Master the art of pike fishing across the Andros Plains; hike to the summit of Mount Alvinia on Cat Island, the highest point in the Bahamas, or snorkel through Bimini’s shipwrecks.
• Lunch break: Your remote “cafeteria” in New Providence gets a major upgrade with the best seafood in town at the local Fish Fry in Arawak Cay or Potter’s Cay.
• Sip during Happy Hour: From Bahama Mama and Goombay Smash cocktails to refreshing Kalik or Sands beers, punch in on any Bahamian staple and hit Happy Hour.
• Make new friends at Recess: the swimming pigs, iguanas and nurse sharks on the Exumas, or the flamingos on Inagua can’t wait to meet you.
“We are delighted that travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the rich Bahamian experience through our extended stays,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation of the Bahamas. “Simply put, workdays are better in the Bahamas. After the course, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset, take a relaxing walk on the beach, or feed your soul with a fresh conch salad. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
The BEATS license is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The total cost for an individual professional to apply for and obtain a BEATS license is $1,025, while college students wishing to apply pay $525, including application and license fees.
For more information on BEATS, visit www.bahamasbeats.com. To apply to be the envy of WFH in offices/classrooms, visit https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/
All incoming visitors must follow all current COVID-19 government protocols to ensure the safety of Bahamian visitors and residents. Visit Bahamas.com/travel updates for the latest information before you travel.
About the Bahamas
With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas offer an easy flight that takes travelers away from everyday life. With world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of some of the most spectacular waters and beaches on earth, the Bahamas awaits families, couples and adventurers.Explore all the islands and see why the Bahamas is better at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
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