Non-stop travel to the “Best Island in the Caribbean” is even more accessible for travelers flying out of the United States with the introduction of direct flights from Atlanta, Georgia to North Eleuthera, Bahamas on Delta Airlines.

Delta’s new ATL/ELH route will commence on December 19, 2015 with weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Direct access to the sister destinations of Eleuthera and Harbour Island in the Northern Bahamas means shorter travel time to the pink sand wonderland that garnered the Bahamas top ratings in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards 2015 readers’ survey.

Discerning globetrotters paid tribute to Harbour Island’s laid back appeal, secluded coves and breathtaking pink sand beaches with the top honor “Best Island in the Caribbean”. The quickest route to Harbour Island is a non-stop flight to North Eleuthera’s international airport, where a ten minute water taxi is the only thing between touch down and pink sand in your toes.

“Everyone in Harbour Island is excited about the new flight services to North Eleuthera. Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest airport hubs in the world. With Delta’s new ATL/ELH route, our future guests at Valentines Residences Resort and Marinawill be afforded the convenience of direct two hour flights to North Eleuthera,” said Dean Spychalla, Managing Director at Valentines.

Just in time for the winter season, Delta Airlines commissioned a 65-seat EV-CJ7 aircraft to offer the new international route, with both Economy and Business Class service.

“Guests who visit Eleuthera and Harbour Island are not interested in the hustle and bustle of the capital Nassau, so being able to fly directly to the secluded Out Islands is a great advantage; it will enhance the overall experience by giving guests more vacation time,” said Mr Spychalla, who is also president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board (BOIPB).

With boutique resorts like Valentines, Harbour Island continues to attract a steady stream of repeat visitors, who benefit fromthe close proximity between Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Eleuthera is the island of freedom, known for its tropical flair and its history, as the first island in the archipelago to be settled by British Loyalists.

“North Eleuthera is one of our premier tourist destinations that attracts upward of 20,000 visitors annually. This is a welcomed addition that will increase the number of return visitors to the island,” said Tyrone Sawyer, Senior Director of Airlift Development at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT). Increased airlift services directly to the Out Islands, including North Eleuthera is a key target of the BMOT.