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B M & T ••• January/February 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32 CARIBBEAN CORNER LYNDEN PINDLING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMPLETES MULTI-YEAR, $409 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT IN NASSAU, BAHAMAS Expanded and Improved Airport Accommodates 50 Percent More Passengers,Jumbo Aircraft Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau officially opened its new terminal for domestic flights and international departures on Wednesday, Oct. 23, marking the completion of a four-year, $409 million redevelop- ment of The Bahamas' largest airport. The new 606,000-sq. ft. LPIA is capable of accommodating 50 percent more passengers (more than 5 million each year), who can now enjoy 24 retail locations and 16 restaurants, bars and lounges. Outside, the additional one million sq. ft. of aircraft operating surface has the capacity for large aircraft, includ- ing the A380 jumbo airliner. Committed to delivering a safe, enjoyable and efficient airport experience, officials of the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) designed the new airport with 10 aircraft bridges and 30 air- craft ground loading positions that can accommodate up to 12 U.S. aircraft (compared to five previ- ously) plus positions for international aircraft. Travelers will also appreciate a state-of-the-art baggage delivery system and the sophisticated, energy-efficient terminals that maximize natural light and incor- porate generous roof overhangs for natural shading and cooling. "The Bahamas has consistently welcomed a record number of visitors in recent years but we do not rest on our laurels and will continue to be aggressive in attracting visitors to our islands," commented The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas. "Tourism generates 75 percent of the GDP, and the new LPIA is a very tangible symbol of our vision for Nassau and our com- mitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience, from the time of arrival to departure." The first stage of the redevelopment, the newly constructed U.S. Departures Terminal, opened in March 2011 on time and under budget, followed by the opening of the International Arrivals Terminal in October 2012. Welcoming its first passengers today, the new terminal will primarily serve Bahamian residents traveling to and from the many islands of The Bahamas for business and leisure. It will also serve other visitors traveling between Nassau and The Out Islands, and Canadian, British and other foreign nationals departing Nassau for destinations outside the U.S. Two can fly free from Nassau to participating Out Island hotels with the purchase of air-inclusive travel packages of four or more nights. The offer is good for bookings made through June 30, 2014 at www.myoutislands.com . MARKANTONIS TABBED AS CARIBBEAN HOTELIER OF THE YEAR George Markantonis, president and managing director at Atlantis Paradise Island and president and managing director of Kerzner International Bahamas, was named the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association at the organization's annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace. The event took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In accepting the award, Markantonis noted the importance of tourism to the Caribbean region, while acknowledging Atlantis' role as a steward of tourism in the Bahamas. The Atlantis Resort is The Bahamas' largest resort and is the common- wealth's largest private employer. •pg_22-32__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/14 4:15 PM Page 32