The Bahamas—There’s more to The Bahamas than sun, sand and sea. No really, there is – from rich culture and history to interesting wildlife and eco-systems to a plethora of soft adventures. But of course any paid actor in a commercial can hit their mark and recite a line. What if real travellers proved it really is better in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas?

In preparation for the launch of their new brand campaign, which is designed to give audiences a taste of what The Islands Of The Bahamas are really about, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is putting a new twist on the typical casting call by searching for every day consumers to star in their ads. From Feb. 15 – March 15, real travellers can enter the “Really Better Vacation Contest” by sending in a photo or video of their favorite vacation experience via the “Better Vacation Contest” tab on The Bahamas Facebook page,www.facebook.com/thebahamas. Winners will be selected for four vacation categories – family vacation, romantic escape, guy’s adventure and girl’s getaway – and win a one week all-expenses paid trip to experience the best of The Bahamas.

Following the entry period, a panel of judges from The Bahamas will select finalists in each category who will film their “cast” showcasing why they should star in the next Bahamas campaign. Casting videos will be uploaded to the “Better Vacation Contest” tab to be viewed and liked by other consumers. Judges will interview finalists to select winners, taking into consideration fan feedback.

The four winning groups will be whisked away to The Bahamas to enjoy the islands’ most exciting activities, breathtaking sights and luxurious accommodations. A documentary film crew and photography team will join the winning groups to capture their island getaway for consumer ads, which will begin airing in late summer. The print ads will allow readers to follow the winner’s adventure by scanning a bar code or visiting Facebook.com/TheBahamas.

Of course it won’t be all work and no play. The winners will have time to relax among gorgeous scenery, enjoy high-end accommodations and participate in activities like swimming with the dolphins for the family, picnic on a private beach for the couple, fishing trip for the men and spa treatments for the girls.

Hopeful entrants looking for more information on the various islands can view videos on The Bahamas YouTube site to see why it really is better in The Bahamas and begin daydreaming about their potential island getaway.   

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travellers with pre-clearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas.