In the wake of the destruction of Hurricane Dorian, we’ve been asked by clients and colleagues about what we can do to help. As friends and partners to the islands of the Bahamas, we have been saddened to see the conditions of the aftermath, but hopeful to watch the incredible coming together of so many individuals and organizations to respond as quickly as possible. In an effort to ensure we’ve providing all of the best possible resources and facts to our readers and clients, we wanted to provide details on how each of us can help the Bahamas:
1) Donation Efforts
A number of organizations have stepped up to raise funds toward hurricane relief. One in particular that we’ve felt especially confident in is the effort of the #OneBahamasFund established by the Nexus Luxury Collection partners (including Justin Timberlaken and Tiger Woods). This partnership, behind our partner property Albany, has guaranteed a dollar for dollar match for the next $6 million raised toward the fund. This is a program that Epperly Travel has personally donated to and we’re encouraged to see the impact that a company with holdings in the Bahamas and the backing of additional funds can do to make an impact. Donate now to OneBahamasFund.Org
2) Visiting the Islands
While several islands in the Bahamas were badly damaged and impacted, not all of those that welcome tourism are down for the count – in fact, 90% of the Bahamas hotel product received little to no damage in the wake of Dorian. Because the Bahamas economy relies so heavily on tourism, pouring tourism dollars back into the economy is the quickest way for the entire country to get back on its feet. At Epperly, we’re encouraging travelers to keep their current plans to the Bahamas and, for those who wish to travel for the greater good, to make plans to visit the islands over the upcoming months. Your Epperly advisor can help you in navigating which islands were unaffected – with it being the majority of the tourism destinations, you can anticipate choices from the hustle and bustle of the more active resorts to the peace and quiet of many of the smaller, outer islands. You can rest assured knowing that your money spent toward tourism will be used to elevate the islands affected by the damage in the Bahamas.