Introduction
I believe by now everyone knows that my favourite place in the World is the Turks and Caicos Islands. Naturally, there are times when I get frustrated with the way things are done in this country and I feel like packing up and moving away but I came to the conclusion that no matter where you live, there will be situations in your environment you do not like.
Over the past week and a half, I spent a lot of time in the Bahamas and I must say, the Bahamas has a lot of things right when it comes to their number one industry. By the way, I am not disrespecting my birth place, I just think there is room for improvement and we can learn from others.
Arrival at the Airport
From the moment you arrive at Immigration and Customs, you truly feel welcome to the Bahamas. I made two separate trips over the last two weeks, they politely welcome me to the Bahamas.
Travelling from the Airport
As you travel from Nassau airport, the place is well landscaped and cleaned. This is a great first impression for any visitor coming from the airport to the Hotel.
Friendly People
I know a lot of countries in the Caribbean like to brag about who has the friendliest people. I have travelled to quite a number of Caribbean countries but I got to give this prize to the Bahamas. I believe the Bahamians are very sincere in their friendliness to a point where it is engrained in their culture. I know we in the TCI also like to brag about this acolade. I believed we used to be friendliest people but somehow we have changed. Perhaps it is because many of us are now prospering and we are only thinking about ourselves. I wish we can go back to how we used to be.
Great Customer Service
One can be friendly and still provide poor customer service. Well in the Bahamas, I have experience friendlessness and great customer service simultaneously. They go the extra mile. They don’t “point and tell you go there.” they take you there. They check on you regularly to ensure you are ok. Some of us serve customers and only remember them when it is time to pay.
Culture is Prevalent
Their culture is prevalent no matter where you go. All you hear is the Bahamian accent from the airport, to the restaurants, to the hospitals. When you are in the Bahamas, you know you are in the Bahamas no matter how many different nationalities are there. It appears that even the “outsiders” have assimilated into the Bahamian culture.
Conclusion
Perhaps some of you reading this may think otherwise but every time I visit the Bahamas, the treatment is consistent. I know TCI receive awards for best beach and best island but as an outsider visiting the Bahamas, I am not afraid to say this but the Bahamians got it right when it comes to promoting tourism. Yes there are other issues in the Bahamas but the experience I encounter far outweigh any other issues. Keep it up Bahamas. There are so many lessons we can learn from you.