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Tyler Perry Studios www.- tylerperry.com occupies two former airline- affiliated buildings and included 200,000 sq. ft.of seats and office space.Opened in 2008, the campus sits on more than 30 acres and hosts five sound stages, a post-production facility, a 400-seat theater, a private screening room and entertaining space. Perry’s most memo- atn BY BRIENNE HERBERT H osted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and Upscale magazine, a star-studded event was hosted April 28, 2011 atTyler Perry s i n studios in Atlanta, Georgia.The VIP reception was designed to showcase Bahamian art,music, Junkanoo performers and an array of gourmet cuisine courtesy of Bahamian Chef Andrew Moss. Guest list included international dignitaries, local elected officials, business leaders and A-list celebrities from a variety of industries. Guests were able to experience the best that the Bahamas has to offer in one night to remember. Keynote speaker Nicole A.Avant, ambassador of the United States ofAmerica toThe IslandsOfThe Bahamas,addressed guests on what’s new and exciting in the ever-growing relationship between this Caribbean island nation and the US. Bahamas Minister ofTourismandAviation,VincentVanderpool-Wallace,also spoke on the current state of the Bahamas and saluted the Bahamas In Atlanta for executing an event to promote Bahamas tourism. Ambassador Avant was sworn in as 13th U.S. ambassador to the Islands Of The Bahamas on September 9, 2009, inWashington, D.C. Prior to her appointment, she served as vice president at Interior Music Publishing andAvant Guard Music Publishing. Tyler Perry Studios was transformed into a Bahamian paradise full of culture and music pulsating through every room. Following the opening remarks, guests were escorted into the dinning area where an elaborate spread of Bahamian cuisine was offered.The walls were adorned with Bahamian art to highlight local artists. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Upscale magazine were very successful in bringing the flavor of The Islands Of The Bahamas to Atlanta through highlighting the vibrantly beautiful culture of this tropical paradise. 22 rable movie hits were on full display including his first movie, Diary if a Mad BlackWoman, which grossed over $50 million and debuted #1 in box offices. His following films, Madea’s Family Reunion, Daddy’s Little Girls,Why Did I Get Married?, MeetThe Browns,The FamilyThat Preys, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Madea Goes To Jail and Why Did I Get Married Too?catapulted him to superstardom. Perry’s brand quickly became an empire. The Bahamas In Atlanta plays an important role in contin- uing a growing relationship between the United States and The Bahamas.The Bahamas tourism industry drives its econ- omy through employing directly or indirectly about 50% of the Bahamian workforce and accounts for approximately half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.Tourism has been the motor of the economy for the past several decades. Its geogra- phy, natural beauty and proximity to the United States have made it a prime tourist spot. Each year, visitors contribute in excess of 1.5 billion dollars to the local economy.The Bahamas tourism industry has been dependent on the North American market since the 1960s. It’s easy to see whyThe Bahamas is such a coveted tourismhot spot.With islands likeThe Grand Bahamas Island located just 70 miles off the Florida coast, and San Salvador’s world famous deep see diving, tourists are encouraged to explore the 14 islands that are the Islands OfThe Bahamas. Formore information on travel packages,activities and accom- modations, visit www.Bahamas.com.To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from the Bahamas, visit www.eshopba- hamas.com. Direct questions or comments to Brienne Herbert at Brienneh@gmail, or through Black Meetings and Tourism magazine. Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com O N B y L A B Pa A e T r H A Sh iE V M o nC AS c I N t h t P A R s NTA V a a h e s I w A E e a a g IT l t of TheB m