CTO Raises Over $20,000 for Bahamas Recovery Effort

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has made an initial monetary contribution to The Bahamas to assist with its recovery efforts in Abaco and Grand Bahama following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian earlier this month.

The sum of $20,000, raised through the CTO Relief Fund, has been transferred to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of The Bahamas as part of the CTO's on-going support of the long-term recovery of the affected islands. Total contributions currently sit at more than $26,000.

The CTO activated its hurricane relief fund immediately after Hurricane Dorian battered the northwestern Bahamian islands of Abacos and Grand Bahama, leaving behind a trail of destruction, over 50 confirmed deaths and many more missing.

“We encourage everyone to continue to contribute to the fund so we can keep assisting those affected. However, it's important to note that 14 tourist destinations in The Bahamas were unaffected by the storm and we encourage persons planning vacations at this time to show their ultimate support to The Bahamas by visiting at least one of these destinations," said Neil Walters, the CTO's acting secretary general.

In addition to the relief fund, the CTO is engaged in other activities to assist The Bahamas as follows:

  • Collaborating with Friends of Culture, a 501C3 organization in New Orleans, LA to raise funds at its annual Bayou Bacchanal (Caribbean Carnival), which will be held November 2 in New Orleans
  • Worked with Julie Guaglardi of Zelman Style Interiors to highlight the Bahamas at a fashion show in Times Square, New York during New York Fashion Week, reaching an audience of 100,000

In addition to the CTO, numerous other companies and hotels in the destination have created their own relief efforts, including numerous cruise lines that were delivering food and supplies and resorts on unaffected islands that are urging their guests to donate.

To contribute to the CTO Hurricane Relief Fund, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-relief-fund-cto.

Related Stories

Carnival Ecstasy Makes First Call at Half Moon Cay Since Dorian

Tourist-Dependent Bahamas Says It's Still Open for Business

Hurricane Humberto Leaves Bermuda With Minor Damage, No Power

Report: Sandals Exploring Opportunities to Grow