Bahamas is recovering from the impact of Dorian

More than a month has passed since Hurricane Dorian made landfall on two islands in the northern Bahamas. The island of Grand Bahama is already recovering with the reopening of many of its hotels and attractions and plans for its airport to resume international service soon. While the Abacos face a longer road to recovery, the country remains resilient and firm in its commitment to help rebuild the island by maintaining a healthy flow of tourism, which accounts for half of the country's GDP, at Islands that were not affected by the storm.

Nassau and Paradise Island
Hurricane Dorian did not affect this pair of islands that host the widest range of resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators in the country, and are operating normally. With seasonal incentives and the increase in air transport, it is easier than ever for travelers to visit this year.

Our islands
With the exception of Abacos, the Out Islands are open and functioning as usual. Some resorts and cabins take a fall break for annual vacations or renovation projects, but there are many accommodation options. Airports, government ports and marinas are open on all islands.

Grand Bahama Island
The island of Grand Bahama welcomes business travelers back to its cruise port and will soon welcome international travelers when the airport reopens next month. Ferries and cruise lines, including Balearia, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, are already bringing travelers to Freeport to experience a series of excursions and sites that have been reopened. The airport is operating domestic flights through temporary facilities, and will welcome its first international flight on November 15. Many hotels and resorts are already open or are expected to reopen in a few weeks.

Recovery and reconstruction

Abacos has the longest path to operate normally, with virtually no viable options for leisure tourism in the near future. The current approach is to reopen local government complexes and restore basic services to facilitate reconstruction.

Response to Hurricane Dorian
As the capital of the Bahamas and the home of the country's government, Nassau is also a nerve center for the recovery process of Hurricane Dorian. People who have been displaced by the storm are being housed on the island, and the latest information from the Bahamas National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) indicates that 895 people are housed in six shelters.

How to help
One of the best things people can do to help, now more than ever, is to visit it. The Bahamas are open for business and still offer the tropical getaway that the country is known for. In addition to planning a trip to The Bahamas, those wishing to contribute can find a list of verified Bahamas partners at www.bahamas.com/relief.