Vacation Express Celebrates 25,000 Passengers to Grand Bahama Island

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - September 17, 2015) - Vacation Express, one of the country's largest tour operators, reached the milestone of sending 25,000 passengers to Grand Bahama Island (GBI) this week. Their 2015 program offered exclusive, non-stop flights from eight cities -- Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus, Houston, Nashville, Newark, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to Grand Bahama Island.

The partnership formed with Vacation Express, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board in 2014 has more than doubled in their second year. Even before hitting this impressive milestone, Grand Bahama Island released a report touting the increased occupancy on the island and the growing development of this paradise destination thanks to this partnership.

"In addition to the convenience of the exclusive, non-stop flights, the excellent flight times put travelers on the beach for an afternoon swim, followed predominately by a 4-night, all-inclusive package at prices that are extremely affordable," remarked Kevin Hernandez, Vice President of Sales and Digital Strategy at Vacation Express.

Vacation Express' program to Grand Bahama Island this year will close with well over 25,000 vacationers, as there are still exclusive, non-stop flights and great deals available through the end of October from Baltimore, Cincinnati, Newark, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

"In response to the demand that we've seen from travel agents and consumers, we will return to seven cities that embraced the convenience and affordability of this beautiful destination and our three newest gateways," said Rene Jongmans, President of Vacation Express when asked about the Grand Bahama Island program in 2016. "We welcome vacationers from Boston, Chicago and Dallas to the Vacation Express family."

2016 Vacation Express Fact Sheet for Grand Bahama Island Program

History:
The Vacation Express program to Grand Bahama Island started in 2014. In 2015, Vacation Express reached the milestone of sending 25,000 passengers to Grand Bahama Island from eight cities. The 2016 program will offer a total of ten gateways to this growing destination.

2016 Gateway Cities:
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Newark and Philadelphia

2016 Hotel Lineup:
Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina at Taino Beach (EP)
Grand Lucayan Resort Bahamas (AI)
Memories Grand Bahama Beach & Casino Hotel (AI)
Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour (EP)
Pelican Bay Hotel (BP)
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (AI)

Best Selling Hotel:
Memories Grand Bahama Beach & Casino Resort (AI)
The perfect all-inclusive escape for couples, families and groups seeking a relaxing trip in Grand Bahama Island, Memories offers guests a variety of amenities, including gourmet dining options, an expansive pool area, non-stop activities and more.

Flying on Sunwing:
Vacationers will travel on Toronto-based Sunwing Airlines' B737-800 and enjoy champagne service, which offers a "bon voyage" glass of sparkling wine and non-alcoholic beverages in the main cabin, plus the option to upgrade to Elite Plus for a nominal fee.

2016 Program Dates:
Vacation Express' summer program starts in May and runs through October from various cities.

About Vacation Express:
Based in Atlanta, Vacation Express, part of Sunwing Travel Group Inc., is a tour operator specializing in great, affordable vacation packages to over 35 destinations with an emphasis to the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica for over 26 years making it one of the country's largest and most trusted tour operators. Travelers looking for the beautiful beaches and fun in the sun may book Vacation Express' non-stop packages through their travel agent or online at VACATIONEXPRESS.com. Exclusive charter flights operated by Sunwing Airlines, Aeromexico, Swift Air, LLC., Volaris, Allegiant Air, VivaAerobus and Xtra Airways. See operator/participant agreement for details.

Facebook: facebook.com/vacationexpress
Instagram: @VacationExpress
Twitter: twitter.com/vacationexpress