The Eleuthera Winter Residents Reception, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA) during the early evening of Thursday, March 6th, was held in Governor’s Harbour at Eleuthera’s first national park – the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve – under its open-air pavilion – with its backdrop of signature nature trails and myriad local flora and fauna. The annual event serves as a gesture of appreciation for the winter resident support of local businesses and services, and the positive impact they have on local communities.
The reception at The Preserve saw a healthy crowd of residents enjoying the event held in their honour, with live music, catered hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and selected local vendors, like the famed Emily Mavis Munnings of Savannah Sound showcasing her designer straw creations; along with other partners, like Octis Organics teas and seasonings; Cocojo’s mocktails and cocktails; and the NUA Insurance team – sponsors of the gathering.
Glenda Ingraham, Office Manager with the Ministry of Tourism in Governor’s Harbour, commenting on the reception shared, “This evening, we have some of our local vendors here with their handmade crafts and artisanal teas, as well as local drinks and treats, Bahamian treats… Every year for the past 10 years we’ve had NUA who’ve partnered with us, along with the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve – the venue where we are right now. And this reception is an annual event which the Ministry of Tourism hosts every first Thursday during the month of March. We’ve been celebrating our winter residents who contribute so much to the economy of Eleuthera… So, this is our way of saying thanks to them.”
Glenda also expressed her delight at the turnout, noting that the winter resident community always responded positively to their invitation, reflecting their appreciation for the reception.
Responding to a question of whether the local tourism team had noted a trend of increase in the number of second homeowners on the island during the past few years, Mrs. Ingraham said that she was a witness to this dynamic. She remarked that interest in the island, and the number of queries and requests at the local tourist office were increasing monthly, adding that she had observed a number of first-time visitors – who after falling in love with Eleuthera – would visit local real estate offices, scouting for available property. “So, when they go back home, they know exactly what they want. They do the transaction and purchase property. I’ve seen it happen… So, Eleuthera is really, really growing … There’s so much going on on this island, and it’s attracting more and more of the second homeowners.”
