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Seduced by sun, sand and sea

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-13 07:45

The Bahamas Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, has led a tour to various cities in China to promote his sunny country. It is the ministry's first China delegation since the Bahamas embassy in Beijing assumed full responsibility for all consular services, including the issuing of visas on Aug 1.

Chinese citizens can now apply directly to the embassy for visas and expect to obtain approval within one week.

With its sun, sand and surf, unique Caribbean culture and mouth-watering cuisine, the Bahamas has long been a top destination for tourists and a favorite of Hollywood stars and celebrities.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the "New World" on the island of San Salvador. Inspired by the surrounding shallow sea, he said the surrounding area was "baja mar" (Spanish for "shallow water"), which become known as The Bahamas.