NASSAU, Bahamas, Feb. 2, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) presented The Bahamas with a $25,000 check to aid in restoration efforts following Hurricane Matthew.
Hotels throughout the Caribbean united for a joint fundraising initiative to bring relief to those countries in the region that were seriously impacted by the storm.
Hurricane Matthew blasted through parts of The Bahamas in October damaging several major hotel properties, thousands of schools, businesses and homes. Grand Bahama and Andros were the hardest hit islands. New Providence also suffered extensive damage.
CHTA President, Karolin Troubetzkoy, presented the check to The Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association's (BHTA) President Carlton Russell on Tuesday night during the opening ceremony for Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
"When Hurricane Matthew wreaked havoc on parts of Haiti and The Bahamas, our Caribbean countries and the industry responded," Troubetzkoy said. "I wish to thank those who answered our personal appeal in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. The hotels donated hotel stays, which were auctioned online… I am pleased to announce that we were able to raise close to $70,000 for The Bahamas and Haiti."
The Bahamas was given $25,000. The remaining money will go towards Haiti relief efforts.
The CHTA was the latest in a long line of tourism partners that donated to The Bahamas for relief and recovery efforts.
The Miami HEAT, the Miami Dolphins, the Washington Redskins and shipping company The Bonnier Marine Group, among many other organizations, provided relief in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, said the outpouring of love has been amazing.
"Our partners have risen to the occasion," Jibrilu said. "The people of The Bahamas thank them for their kindness and support. Their donations will be put to good use. We are blessed to have such amazing friends in the region and around the world."
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