By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@ tribunemedia.net

MINISTRY of Tourism officials in Grand Bahama officially launched Tourism Awareness Week in Freeport on Monday.

Director Betty Bethel said that during January 19-24, a number of events and activities have been planned in observance and celebration of National Tourism Awareness Week.

“This week of activities comes as we culminate the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebrations which began January 14, 2014, and the final leg of the celebration has been married to tourism awareness week which began on January 16, with the 16 islands, 16 wedding promotions,” she said.

Ms Bethel said that activities continued on Monday, with a speaking circuit at the schools in Grand Bahama. A team from tourism spoke to students in grades six to 12 about the importance of tourism under the topic, “Tourism – 50 Golden Years…The Best is Yet To Come.”

Today, the Ministry of Tourism will celebrate and introduce the four Cacique finalists in Grand Bahama who will travel to Nassau for the National Cacique Awards.

The unveiling of the finalists will be held at the Port Lucaya from 6-8pm and the community is invited to attend.

There will be live entertainment, solo performances by members of the Grand Bahama National Youth Choir, a Junkanoo rush out, People-to-People Tea Party, Tourism trivia, and prizes.

On Wednesday, the ministry will be placing focus on customer service, and on Thursday, it will recognise and hold a special luncheon for retired hospitality and tourism employees.

“We are excited and looking forward to serving lunch to persons in the industry, such as cab drivers and anyone who has retired – it is our way of saying thanks for the contribution they have made to the industry,” Ms Bethel explained.

On Friday, several tourism staff members in Freeport who have served 20-27 years will travel to Government House for the Long Service Awards.

On Saturday, Ms Bethel said the National Cacique Awards will be held at the Melia Resort, where it is hoped that the four Grand Bahama finalists will walk away winners in their respective categories.

On Sunday, February 1, the tourism staff and potential Cacique winners will worship at St Judes Anglican Church.