Sir Arthur Foulkes isi okwu na-ekwu okwu na ndị ọkachamara njem nke agba agba

Sir Arthur Foulkes, director general of Bahamas Information Services, the government’s news agency, and deputy to the governor general, will offer the opening day keynote address at the 2010 TPOC (Travel Professionals of Color) Conference and Trade Show.

The TPOC Conference will be held in Nassau, Bahamas, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Hotel April 22–25, 2010. On opening day during lunch and general assembly, everyone will be honored with the presence of Sir Arthur and Lady Joan Foulkes, anxiously awaiting the message Sir Arthur has to share with African American and other minority travel professionals.

When Charlotte Haymore, president of the TPOC National Association, spoke with Sir Arthur and asked him for his thoughts on being involved in the TPOC Conference, he quoted as follows:

“We are extemely pleased that the Travel Professionals of Color have decided to hold their 8th annual conference in the Bahamas. Having had the honor of addressing them in New Orleans two years ago, I am personally looking forward to renewing my friendship with them in Nassau.

“The TPOC conference is being held in the Bahamas at a time when we are becoming more and more conscious of our Bahamian cultural and historical heritage, determined to protect relevant sites, and to empower the institutions responsible for their development and upkeep.

“It is important to note that Bahamian history has been closely interwoven with the history of African Americans. Indeed, many of us are the descendants of African Americans who were brought to these islands during and after the American civil war.

“We, therefore, look forward to welcoming our American friends and cousins, and we have no doubt that their conference here will be enjoyable and productive.”

Haymore was encouraged by Sir Arthur’s comments and is looking forward to TPOC members working closely with the islands of the Bahamas on heritage travel in the Bahamas.

TPOC is expecting approximately 200 travel professionals to travel from the United States to the Bahamas for the conference. In addition, the travel community of Nassau has been invited to join TPOC and collaborate with conference attendees on how we can bridge the gap between African American and Caribbean tourists.

Bridging the tourism gap is becoming more of a reality since several sites on the island of New Providence, Bahamas, has become a TPOC-approved authenticated heritage tourism site. TPOC is excited that this great event has occurred. Opportunities to visit these authenticated heritage sites and information on how to package tours to these sites will be available to attendees who are anxious to see first-hand African American tourism that exists on the islands of the Bahamas.

With only 15 days left before opening day, interested travel professionals should register immediately and take advantage of the training and networking opportunities available.

To register, visit the TPOC web site at www.tpoc.org . Suppliers interested in exhibiting at the trade show may also register on line or call direct (303) 343-0342.