Linville Johnson is now the director of the African-American Market, Bahamas Minister of Tourism (BMOT) Obie Wilchombe announced last year. Johnson's appointment is a part of the tourism ministry's leadership restructuring, new marketing strategy and commitment to increasing its support and visibility in the African-American market.
As former director of the Religious Market for the BMOT, Johnson spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry working in various capacities -n Chicago, Detroit, New York and California. Over the past 12 years, he has worked in the faith based market, which oftentimes, included working closely with Black groups, who he regards as having "many shades, many faces, but belonging to one family."
“More than a trillion dollars is generated annually from the African-American market and, for decades, The Bahamas has always enjoyed a fantastic relationship with African-Americans," said Johnson. "Our geographical location, as the first country outside of the United States of America, our easy access, affordability, pre-American Customs and Immigration clearances, coupled with our shared affinity for heritage tourism and culture makes us an ideal destination for African-Americans."
“The world knows that The Bahamas has great weather, the best beaches, crystal-clear waters and the friendliest people on earth, but we want to highlight and celebrate our rich culture, legacy and historical ties that bind African-Americans and Bahamians together, all of which makes us distinctively different from any other destination in the world,” said Johnson.
“From mid 1700s shared slavery linkages of the Gullah Geeche Tribe in the Carolinas’s and South Georgia to the building up of Coconut Grove and Miami by Bahamians, to the tranquil waters in Bimini, where American civil rights leader the late, great Martin Luther King penned his now famous 'I Have A Dream' speech, The Bahamas and African-Americans share a proud heritage.
We want to ensure that our legacies are kept alive, celebrated and experienced by both our citizenry,” concluded Johnson.
Source:
http://miamitimesonline.com/news/2015/mar/04/bahamas-appoints-director-black-market/
