“Steel Away to Grand Bahama, Bahamas” contest launched for Pittsburghers Historic International Cross Promotion between the city of Pittsburgh, and Grand Bahama Island

Fort Lauderdale, FL – September 15, 2014 – One lucky person in Pittsburgh will win a Grand Prize luxury vacation package for two to Grand Bahama Island in The Bahamas in the “Steel Away to Grand Bahama, Bahamas,” contest.

Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, its members and partners today launched the contest, which ends October 3rd.  It is The Bahamas’ part of an historic, international cross-promotional partnership that they have entered into with VisitPITTSBURGH (Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau) in a spirit of reciprocity, to bring visibility to each of the participating destinations.

“A visit to the beautiful, sunny Bahamas, known for its magnificent beaches and clear turquoise waters is the ideal trip to take before the winds of winter visit the Pittsburgh area,” Carmel Churchill, Director of the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board said. “ “Steel Away to Grand Bahama Island, “ is an invitation being extended to Pittsburghers to enter to win a fabulous trip of a lifetime.”

All that is needed to enter the contest is to visit the website www.bahamas.com/steelaway and provide a short paragraph of 30 words or less (more than 30 words will not be accepted) on, “Here’s Why I need to Steel Away to Grand Bahama.”  The funniest, most unique and most creative entry will win.

The concept of “Steel Away” is based in the opportunity that the winner will have to be away, relaxing in beautiful Grand Bahama Island while watching a Steelers Away game in Cleveland vs. the Browns on October 12th.  Entrants must be able to prove Pittsburgh residency, must be 25 years or older and must have a valid passport.

The winning prize will include Vacation Express sponsored round –trip international flights for two to Grand Bahama Island on October 11th, out of Pittsburgh International Airport, returning October 15th, 2014; four nights accommodation at the luxurious Grand Lucayan beachfront resort in Grand Bahama (including three meals daily); fun-filled days of paid activities including swimming with the Dolphins, Kayaking and even a day to relax along the miles of pristine white sand beaches at the resort.

“Grand Bahama Island is excited about “The Steel Away” promotion and look forward to rolling out the welcome mat to the winning Pittsburgher,” Betty Bethel of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Grand Bahama said.  The Director added, “we promise a grand experience of soft adventure tours that include swimming with the dolphins, kayaking the mangroves and diving underwater caverns; and for evening escapes, wander across the street from the Grand Lucayan Resort to Count Basie Square to be entertained by smooth rhythmic live island music, under the stars.”

The winner will be given the “Rock Star” treatment and along with their guest will be provided a smart phone with access to the Internet to share all of their experiences via social media, during the exciting five-day trip. Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board in collaboration with its members and partners are sponsors of the trip.

The cross promotion, follows a Bahamas Tourist Office Public Relations Mission to Pittsburgh in support of the Vacation Express packaged direct service flights between Pittsburgh International and Grand Bahama Island.  The Bahamas’ national flag carrier, Bahamasair is the operator of the flights on Xtra Airways B-737-400 series with 150 seats. These special flights between Pittsburgh and Grand Bahama will take place only through the month of October beginning October 1st and ending October 26th.

The weekly 737- 400 direct Jet services from Pittsburgh also offer all-inclusive package options. The flights depart on a back to back basis allowing for four night packages that leave on various days of the week. For more information on the vacation packages, interested persons can visit vacationexpress.com/grandbahama or contact their local travel agent.

For its part, VisitPITTSBURGH is offering a luxury Grand Vacation package to a lucky Grand Bahamian entrant with their promotion, “Picture Perfect Pittsburgh.”
About Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is the northern viewpoint to an archipelagic paradise. Offering three unique destination experiences, it is the perfect locale for coupling a cosmopolitan vacation at an upscale resort with the rich heritage of rustic townships and historic fishing villages. Home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, enchanting marine life, three national parks and endless white sand beaches, Grand Bahama Island is simply picturesque.
To learn more about Grand Bahama Island, travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.