Caribbean Tourism Organization - News

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS UNITE TO GUIDE CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS UNITE TO GUIDE CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:18:18 PST

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS UNITE TO GUIDE CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

ST. MICHAEL, BARBADOS – March 27, 2013 – Some of the world’s most popular and appealing travel destinations are in jeopardy, vulnerable to issues like climate change and unsustainable development. Several leading organizations have joined forces to address these challenges head-on by helping tourism destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America to safeguard their natural and cultural assets, while enhancing communities and securing a vibrant regional economy.

The new Sustainable Destinations Alliance for the Americas (SDAA), which was launched today at an event in Barbados, marks the largest-scale effort to date through which public and private entities have united to focus on destination sustainability in the Americas. The Alliance includes the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, global NGO Sustainable Travel International, leading cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and the United States Government through the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States.

The SDAA will offer seven destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America significant support with their sustainability efforts. Each participating destination will begin with an evaluation of destination management practices designed to recognize areas of strength, and to identify areas in which they have the greatest opportunity to improve. Destinations will also have access to an online sustainable tourism course called Sustainable Tourism Professionals, designed to facilitate implementation of sustainability practices, and a destination sustainability monitoring framework called SMART, which will support the tracking of key performance metrics. Results and lessons learned will be disseminated regionally to leverage market advantage, and to foster greater understanding among destination decision-makers.

Sustainable Travel International, the Alliance’s non-profit implementation partner, will conduct assessments in each destination using its Rapid Destination Diagnostic tool, which provides a snapshot of the destination’s sustainability status, a summary of destination management priorities, and valuable input to inform and shape destination level policies.

The aim is for these seven destinations to follow the successful implementation of similar pilot programs in Cozumel, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. Today’s announcement is also the first step in an active effort to expand the SDAA to include more than 30 destinations in the next few years, which would make it the largest initiative of its kind in the world.

The SDAA initiative, which will become a critical component of the OAS Sustainable Tourism Program over the next two years, underscores the close inter-agency cooperation among the OAS and its regional partners, the strong involvement of key stakeholders, and collaboration with the private sector.

In-depth work in the first 7 destinations is being financed through resources provided by the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States and by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. through its Ocean Fund. Four destinations will be funded by the US Mission, and three will receive funding from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

The OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development Sherry Tross says, “With the focus of this initiative on destination sustainability and management, we are strengthening our ability to assess issues that are critical to the competitiveness and destination product and to make targeted recommendations that, among other things, will help to ensure the maximization of benefits for local communities. For the OAS, it is important that these issues remain as an integral part of the sustainable tourism policy dialogue so we can respond effectively to the needs of our member states.”

“It’s critical that companies look at ways they can have a positive impact in the places where they do business,” said Rich Pruitt, Vice President, Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We want to see the uniquely beautiful destinations of the Caribbean and Latin American region thrive, and are committed to collaborating with the organizations that can work to move these destinations toward greater sustainability.” Pruitt also announced its Destinations for Tomorrow toolkit today - an online resource for destinations that wish to complete sustainability self-assessments, learn how to prioritize sustainability practices, and become part of a community of organizations and destinations with similar goals.

Pruitt then invited all destinations in the region to visit www.destinationsfortomorrow.com in order to be among the 75 cruise destinations that Royal Caribbean will sponsor to complete a destination self-assessment.

United States Ambassador Larry L. Palmer remarked, “We are proud to facilitate the strengthening of the tourism industry in the Caribbean and Central America to ensure that our region meets the highest sustainable tourism standards.” He highlighted that “there’s tremendous opportunity to keep tourism development on a steady path that emphasizes sustainability, authenticity, social equity and poverty reduction, ecological protection, stakeholder engagement, while keeping pace with the development of other key sectors, such as agriculture.”

“We are thrilled to expand the work we have done in pilot destinations through the SDAA initiative,” shared Seleni Matus, Vice President of Latin America and the Caribbean at Sustainable Travel International. “We believe that destination stewardship is a shared responsibility, and are delighted to bring together these organizations across sectors in a way that will maximize regional impact.”

CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley acknowledged that multi-sectorial partnerships are the ideal way to pursue sustainable tourism. “By bringing to bear the views of the public, private, and NGO sectors, this initiative supports our mandate to establish best practices in sustainable tourism.”

Tourism destinations that wish to be considered for the in-depth, on-site assessments should contact Seleni Matus at selenim@sustainabletravel.org or visit www.destinationsfortomorrow.com.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology. In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.

About the Organization of American States
The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. That meeting approved the establishment of the International Union of American Republics, and the stage was set for the weaving of a web of provisions and institutions that came to be known as the inter-American system, the oldest international institutional system. The Organization was established in order to achieve among its member states—as stipulated in Article 1 of the Charter—"an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence." Today, the OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 67 states, as well as to the European Union (EU). The Organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development.

About Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International harnesses the power of travel and tourism to leave the world a better place. An NGO in operation since 2002, the organization leads the world in helping communities and businesses develop the tools and relationships they need to build a better future through tourism. Travel and tourism is one of the largest global threats to our environment, cultures, and landscapes. Sustainable Travel International believes that tourism also has the potential to be a powerful force for good on the planet and that, when carefully managed, it can enrich lives, strengthen communities, and conserve resources and heritage., it can enrich lives, strengthen communities, and conserve resources and heritage.
About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 41 ships with an additional six under construction contracts. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 490 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

About the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States
The United States Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) is headed by Ambassador Carmen Lomellin, who was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as Permanent United States Representative on November 20, 2009. As a member of the OAS, the United States is committed to strengthening and working with the organization. This reflects the U.S. Government's determination to make optimal use of multilateral diplomacy to resolve regional problems and to engage its neighbors on topics of hemispheric concern.

Larry L. Palmers is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He was formerly a U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, and also served as President and CEO of the Inter-American Foundation, an independent agency that provides grants to Latin American communities to foster economic development. In addition, he has served in Uruguay, Paraguay, South Koreas, Sierra Leone, and the Dominican Republic, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia.

Ambassador Palmer is committed to furthering the success of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which he said is “vitally important to providing for the safety and security of the United States by ensuring that Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean can combat transnational organized crime and avoid the violence and instability seen elsewhere in the hemisphere.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Monica de la Garza, Organization of American States, 202 370 4564, mdelagarza@oas.org
Tavia Robb, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., 305-539-6721, trobb@rccl.com
Jeremy Sampson, Sustainable Travel International, 415-806-5630, jeremys@sustainabletravel.org
Johnson Johnrose, Caribbean Tourism Organization, (246) 427-5242, jjohnrose@caribtourism.com

CTO, CARPHA & CHTA SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:24:59 PST

The tourism and health organizations agree to combat health, safety and environmental issues in the tourism workplace

(NEW YORK, NY) 5 June 2014 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) have created a partnership to establish and promote health and safety protocols and practices in the tourism workplace in the region.

The CTO secretary general and chief executive officer, Hugh Riley, the executive director of CARPHA, Dr. James Hospedales and the CHTA director general and CEO, Jeffrey S. Vasser, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at a news conference today at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in New York City, home of the annual CTO Caribbean Week which celebrates Caribbean tourism and the rich heritage and culture.

“As the Caribbean’s principle economic earner, the tourism sector must be vigilant and proactive regarding health and safety issues that can adversely affect the health of our tourism workforce or that of our visitors. As the organization leading sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, the CTO is pleased to partner with the regional public health agency and the umbrella tourism private sector entity to face these challenges head on in a structured and collective manner,” said Mr. Riley.

Dr. C James Hospedales, Executive Director of CARPHA indicated: “The work of the partnership will further improve the quality, resilience and competitiveness of the regional tourism industry with triple bottom line returns; to health, to economic resilience, and to the environment”.
"CHTA has always been a proponent of training and professional development opportunities for hospitality staff and by working with CTO and CARPHA to create the best practices promoting health and safety throughout the tourism sector, we will enhance the knowledge of our workforce thereby ensuring the safety and security of the employees and guests throughout our 600-plus member hotels and more than 30 member destinations," stated Mr. Vasser.

Through the MOU the three organizations will collaborate in the following areas: food and environmental safety training and certification; public health information, monitoring and response systems for hotels and cruise ships to provide timely alert and a rapid coordinated response to adverse health, safety and environmental issues; health, safety and environmental standards certification and recognition systems to improve the health, safety and environmental quality in the tourism workplace; health and wellness programmes to encourage and promote a healthy tourism workforce; awareness raising and promotion of multisectoral and multiagency approaches to address the health, safety and environmental issues associated with tourism; and partnerships, networks and business strategies for sustainability of the tourism and health programme.
The agreement is for an initial two year period.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.
In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.
The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.
The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;
The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;
For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.
Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ctotourism.
Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) facilitates the full potential of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry by serving members’ needs and building partnerships in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. CHTA is the voice of the Caribbean hospitality industry for the development of the region in the highly competitive and sophisticated environment of international tourism. Today, tourism is widely recognized as a pivotal industry in the economy of the region – and CHTA functions as the common denominator for this industry in a region of diverse nationalities, languages and styles, identifying mutual problems and marshaling the resources of the active and allied members to devise solutions. CHTA represents all facets of the hospitality industry with more than 600 member hotels and over 300 allied members.
For more information about CHTA call 305-443-3040 and visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. Follow CHTA on Facebook Facebook.com/CaribbeanHotelandTourismAssociation and Twitter Twitter.com/CHTAFeeds.

LONG SERVING JAMAICAN TOURISM PROFESSIONAL RECEIVES CTO’s MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 03:02:01 PST

~ Former director general of tourism in Jamaica Carrole Guntley is bestowed with CTO Lifetime Achievement Award at Caribbean Week New York ~

(NEW YORK, New York) 6 June 2014 – A long-time Jamaican tourism professional today received the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s highest honour for a virtual lifetime of dedicated service to country and region.

The former director general of tourism for Jamaica, Carrole Guntley, whose career in both the public and private sectors spanned four decades, was presented with the prestigious CTO’s Lifetime Achievement Award at an awards luncheon organized in collaboration with USA Today and the CTO Allied members.

“What a privilege and a pleasure it was to be able to honour Carrole Guntley with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is just a small way of saying ‘thank you’ to Ms. Guntley for the tremendous contribution she has made to the life of CTO and to Caribbean tourism in general. Congratulations to Carrole it’s well deserved,” said Hugh Riley, the CTO’s secretary general.

Ms. Guntley, whose career in tourism began in 1971 as a reservation sales agent at the then Pan American Airlines, also worked in the hotel sector before she became Jamaica’s first female director of tourism in 1984.

During her tenure Jamaica reached the important milestone of one million visitors in a single year for the first time, and earned the reputation as a year-round destination. She also launched the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), the country’s first and only sustained travel trade show.

From 1990-1992, Ms. Guntley served as the CTO’s first European marketing manager, establishing the CTO London office and developing and implementing marketing programmes for the CTO European Chapters.

She returned to the airline industry in 1992 as area manager for Jamaica and the Western Caribbean at what was then BWIA West Indies Airways. She was appointed as her countries director general of tourism in 1999, a position she held until the start of this year.

The CTO Lifetime Achievement Award honours long serving, high performance professionals whose careers have truly made a difference in the Caribbean. The award is for achievement over a period of several years rather than a single contribution. It recognizes achievement that distinguishes the individual’s work and provides a legacy for future generations.

Caribbean Week New York, where business and culture inspire travel, ends tonight with the much anticipated Rum & Rhythm, where the pair of training shoes handcrafted by Puma for the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, will go on the auction block as part of a fundraiser for the CTO Scholarship Foundation. They are the spikes that Bolt used in his training for the 2013 World Championship Games in Moscow. For information on Caribbean Week New York, visit www.CaribbeanWeek.com.

Caribbean Week is supported by Academy Engraving, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME), AMResorts Caribbean, the Atrebor Group, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bloomingdales, Blue Sky Luxury, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Islands, Cititech Solutions, CTO Allied Members, Curacao, Dominica, David Williams Funeral Service, El Dorado, Empire State Building, Grace Foods, Grenada, Guadeloupe Islands, Haiti, Haven’s Kitchen, Health City Cayman Islands, Hilton San Juan Collection, Jamaica , Laura Davidson PR, Martinique, Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board, Necker Island, Nevis, Nick Troubetzkoy’s Anse Chastanet Resort and Jade Mountain, Sandals Resorts International, the Sandals Foundation, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Sugar Beach, Travel+Leisure, Trinidad & Tobago, the US Virgin Islands, Whole Foods Market Culinary Center and Williams-Sonoma.

-ends-

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;

The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.

Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ctotourism.

Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization.

LATEST INITIATIVES, AIRLIFT AND PARTNER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:21:10 PST

TORTOLA, B.V.I (June 2, 2014) — As the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) gears up for a busy high season this winter, the destination reflects on its noteworthy changes, from airlift and cruise line agreements to property upgrades and developments and exciting new initiatives, including the announcement of the first culinary extravaganza – BVI Food Fete – which will offer a variety of festivals and activities throughout the month of November.

“With many new developments and product enhancements, the BVI is now even more accessible for visitors, offering a seamless and memorable experience for those looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, Director of the BVI Tourist Board. “The BVITB continues to work with all its partners to ensure guests receive the very best product and service so they truly get the most out of their vacation and continue to return to our beautiful islands.”

The BVI offers something for every type of traveler – couples and honeymooners, families, adventure enthusiasts and all who seek a picture-perfect vacation – with a wide range of accommodation experiences and a variety of activities. Visitors can island-hop with ease and explore all the BVI has to offer. For more information on all the islands, visit www.bvitourism.com.

Destination Initiatives

· Summer FREEdom Program

Travelers can still take advantage of the BVI Summer FREEdom Program, which offers incredible value-added packages from a variety of properties – private islands and luxury villas to yachts and quaint hotels/inns – including free nights, resort credits, free car rental and free excursions. For a full list of all the Summer FREEdom offers along with booking and travel dates, visit http://www.bvitourism.com/summer.

· Greeter Service

The recently launched BVI Greeter Service at the Cyril E. King Airport and the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal located in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI, facilitates seamless entry for regional and international visitors traveling to the BVI via St. Thomas. Ambassadors actively greet visitors traveling to the BVI and offer assistance – from taxi, ferry, and luggage inquiries – to make their transfer experience smoother than ever.

· Pier Expansion

The BVI Ports Authority recently broke ground on a cruise pier expansion project.The pier will be lengthened, widened and strengthened to accommodate larger cruise ships currently on stream. The expansion also includes a landside development which will feature commercial, entertainment and green spaces. Patrons should expect a top-of-the-line shopping and dining experience, as the new facility will have over 50 stores and four restaurants. The project will create a unique and modern facility that delivers a memorable, world-class and environmentally compatible sustainable development.

· BVI Food Fete

Planning is currently underway for the first annual BVI Food Fete, a series of culinary festivals and activities that will take place throughout the entire month of November. Different events will be featured each week, including a food and wine festival, visiting chefs from around the globe, Restaurant Week, a local “dish of the day” and culminating in the second annual Anegada Lobster Festival – one of the most popular culinary events in the BVI where visitors can try the famous spiny lobster prepared in a variety of ways – grilled, jerked, curried, ceviche, broiled, stewed and more – washing it all down with the BVI’s signature cocktail, The Painkiller.

· Real Estate Development & Growth

Real estate development is growing at a noteworthy rate in the BVI and bringing notable architects and designers like Guy Dreier and FENDI to the Territory. Development activity within Oil Nut Bay, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Sir Richard Branson's Moskito Island has escalated Virgin Gorda investment and interest significantly.

o Oil Nut Bay, a multi-generational community, that currently features 88 home sites on 300 acres, continues to expand. A new home designed by Guy Dreier perches seamlessly into the rocks of Oil Nut Bay’s Boulder Villa sites, allowing the home to blend in with the natural terrain. The residential development has also launched The Cliff Suites, a special collection of cliff top retreats, perfect for a luxurious vacation getaway. The Penthouse Cliff Suite is furnished by distinguished designer FENDI Casaand boasts panoramic sea views.

· Pack for a Purpose

The BVI, along with property partners Scrub Island Resort, Guana Island and Cooper Island, recently began proudly supporting Pack for a Purpose, a non-profit organization encouraging travelers to bring supplies and donations to their vacation destination, which will then be distributed to local organizations in need.

Increased Airlift

· Cape Air recently added direct flights into Virgin Gorda from San Juan, the airline’s Caribbean hub, in addition to regularly scheduled flights into Beef Island, all of which can be booked through a streamlined process on JetBlue.com. Cape Air’s interline agreements with American Airlines with flights bookable on AA.com as well as a codeshare agreement with United Airlines, make the checked baggage process easier as bags are transferred without having to be re-checked.

· Seaborne Airlines recently announced an interline agreement with Delta Airlines, allowing travelers to book on Delta.com. An existing interline agreement with JetBlue and a code sharing agreement with American Airlines are also in place.

· Direct flights from many U.S. gateways including New York, New York, Miami, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Raleigh, North Carolina are still available to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, allowing easy connections to Beef Island and Virgin Gorda through Cape Air, Seaborne or Winair or a short 55-minute fast ferry from St. Thomas to Road Town, Tortola.

· IAM Jet Center opened an exclusive, boutique styled fixed-base operation (FBO) on Tortola at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport to handle private jets. The center features in-house customs and immigration, WiFi, meeting spaces, ground and boat shuttle transportation, and state of the art security for private jets.

Property & Attraction Updates

· Anegada Beach Club will be adding seven luxury tents furnished with king suites set atop decks overlooking the beach to their current 16 room property. Each newly restored tent offers the same amenities as their hotel rooms, but with an amazing view of the sand dunes and surf. To be opened in December.

· Biras Creekis located on a 140-acre peninsula accessible only by helicopter, or the resort’s private ferry, and offers a variety of new experiences including Caloi bicycles for island exploration and a romantic couples’ retreat activity atop Paso Fino horses, which focuses on learning to communicate more effectively through body language exercises. Recent renovations include enhancements to private guest suites, the resort interior and exterior, pool area and to the Hilltop Restaurant overseen by Executive Chef Jermaine George.

· Peter Island Resort & Sparecently launched the Diamond Experience Facial and body treatments using the high end, results-driven Natura Bisse beauty line. The spa's new and extensive Ayurvedic program is hosted by certified Ayurvedic therapists from India and promises guests a truly rejuvenating experience. The resort is currently kicking off a beautification process which includes enhancements to the welcome area – a soon to be open-air lounge – where guests can enjoy a Ginger Lemonade cocktail upon arriving.

· Rosewood Little Dix Bay is currently celebrating its 50^th anniversary and a three-year, multi-million dollar renovation, including the Tree House Suites, and is furthering its amenities at Sense spa. Phase one unveiled a redone infinity-edge pool, a new spa menu and completely refurbished Tree House Suites. The suites offer guests a luxurious experience that evokes the feeling of floating amongst the trees.

· Scrub Island Resort & Spa welcomes new Executive Chef Michael Wedderburn, who emphasizes locally grown produce, Caribbean seafood and traditional cooking methods. Chef Wedderburn amplifies his use of Caribbean flavors by incorporating traditional steel drum music and Mocko Jumbie Dancers on Friday nights at the resort’s Leeward Meets Windward evening buffet.

· Guana Island will be completing the last improvements to the island’s 15 cottages and four villas, delivering an even more luxurious yet private setting where guests can enjoy the cuisine of el Bulli-trained Chef, Xavier Arnau. The property’s enhancements will further provide guests with a relaxing, comfortable and service-focused stay whether they are in-room or on one of seven pristine beaches.

· Maria’s By the Sea unveiled its expansion, adding 32 rooms, four suites and a banquet hall, bringing the property to a total of 76 guest rooms. This Road Town property appeals to not only the leisure traveler, but the savvy business traveler through its executive board room, business center and fresh conference room.

· Original Virgin Canopy Tours allows travelers to take in beautiful Tortola from soaring heights on a zip line designed by world renowned designer Darren Hreniuk. Dive into adventure with this “must do” experience and enjoy four tours for the price of three through the Summer FREEdom program.

· Antilles Helicopter Services is a BVI-based aviation company offering a new way to experience the BVI – from the skies. Tour experiences range in length, but all offer visually breathtaking views aptly named “an angel’s view of paradise.”

About the British Virgin Islands

An archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located 80 kilometers east of Puerto Rico, in the northwestern region of the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, located in Tortola, is the British Virgin Island’s capital.

The BVI is renowned as a destination for sailing, diving and snorkeling. The destination’s vast topography provides unique opportunities for hiking, outdoor adventure and sustainable tourism. The BVI is home to many famous attractions that include The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the Wreck of the Rhone off the coast of Salt Island, The Caves off the coast of Norman Island, the flamingos on Anegada, White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, and Sage Mountain on Tortola.

Despite its status as a United Kingdom territory, the BVI uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. The BVI Tourist Board invites everyone to experience the seduction of our pristine and exquisite home. For more information on all that BVI has to offer, visit www.bvitourism.com.

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CTO HONOURS TRAVEL JOURNALISTS AT MEDIA AWARDS CEREMONY DURING CARIBBEAN WEEK IN NEW YORK

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:23:54 PST

NEW YORK, NY (5 June, 2014) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recognized travel journalists for their outstanding coverage of the region at the CTO Travel Media Awards Luncheon during Caribbean Week in New York. The luncheon, held at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on Thursday 5 June, was co-sponsored by Jamaica and was attended by several Caribbean tourism ministers, directors and dignitaries, as well as industry executives and other well regarded journalists.

The CTO's secretary general, Hugh Riley, who presented the awards to well-deserving travel journalists, acknowledged the important role that the media play in driving Caribbean tourism.

“The value of the media coverage alone exceeds the combined marketing budgets of our members. What is even more invaluable is the quality of the work that these journalists continue to produce which help to shape the Caribbean brand as a premier travel destination.”

Been There, Wrote That – Best Feature Article In A Consumer Magazine

Ann Vanderhoff for her feature article on Trinidad & Tobago entitled, “Trinidad in 50 Tastes a Day” in Islands

I Couldn’t Have Written Better Myself – Best Feature In A Consumer Newspaper

Terry Ward for her feature article on St. Kitts entitled, “Float Your Boat in St. Kitts” in the New York Post

Inner Circle Queen – Best Feature Article In A Trade Publication

Gay Nagle Myers for her story on Cuba entitled, “La Verdadera Cuba” in Travel Weekly

Virtual Visitor Award – Best Online Feature

Alexander Britell, for his story about St. Vincent & the Grenadines entitled, “In Downtown Kingstown, Finding the Spirit of St. Vincent and the Grenadines” in Caribbean Journal

Golden Mic – Best Broadcast Feature

Tonya & Ian Fitzpatrick for their feature on Palm Island and the Tobago Cays in St. Vincent & the Grenadines on World Footprints Media.

Oh Snap!– Best Photograph accompanying a feature

Joaquin Trujillo and Brian Paumier for their photographs accompanying a feature on Martinique entitled , “Spirited Away” in Afar.

In addition, the CTO’s Chairman, Hon. Beverly Nicholson-Doty presented the following best overall award:

They Like Me, They Really Like Me! – Best of the Best

Gay Nagle Myers for her story on Cuba entitled, “La Verdadera Cuba” in Travel Weekly

The CTO Travel Media Awards entries were judged by a team of public relations and journalism experts, including Head Judge, Roberta Garzaroli, the president of The Atrebor Group.

Caribbean Week was supported by Academy Engraving, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME), the Atrebor Group, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bloomingdales, Blue Sky Luxury, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cititech Solutions, CTO Allied Members, Curacao, Dominica, David Williams Funeral Service, El Dorado, Empire State Building, Grace, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Haven’s Kitchen, Health City Cayman Islands, Hilton San Juan Collection, Jamaica , Laura Davidson PR, Martinique, Necker Island, Nevis, Sandals, the Sandals Foundation, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Travel+Leisure, Trinidad & Tobago, the US Virgin Islands, Whole Foods Market Culinary Center and Williams-Sonoma.

Click here for photographs from the various Caribbean Week New York events.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;

The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.

Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ctotourism.

Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization.

VISITOR ARRIVALS TO THE CARIBBEAN UP IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2014

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:26:34 PST

TORONTO, CANADA (25 June, 2014) – The Caribbean tourism sector has recorded improvements during the first quarter of this year when compared to the corresponding period in 2013.

Figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) show a 2.2 per cent rise in stayover arrivals between January and March 2014, with cruise visits up 2.3 per cent.

The CTO chairman, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, in announcing the first quarter performance at a news briefing here during Caribbean Week Toronto, also revealed that visitor spend was trending upwards.

“Based on the increased arrivals and improved average visitor spending in the accommodation sub-sector so far, a rise of around four per cent in total spend region-wide is predicted this year,” the CTO chairman said.

The accommodation sector also performed better during the first quarter than it did during the same period last year, with average daily rates and room revenues recording growth.

“That’s an extremely good indicator for the region in terms of people spending both on their way to our destinations but also while they are in our destinations,” she said of the hotel sector’s performance.

Regarding Canada’s performance, Mrs. Nicholson-Doty announced that arrivals from this market were up 3.3 per cent in the first quarter, with 1.3 million Canadians coming to the Caribbean.

The U.S., with just under 3.5 million, continues to be the largest provider of tourists to the Caribbean. However, the Canadian market grew at a faster pace during the first quarter. The European market also improved, with 1.5 million visitors coming to the region from Europe between January and March 2014.

To view a YouTube video of the Chairman’s presentation, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/1m5o9T8

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;

The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.

Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ctotourism.

Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization.

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BARBADOS AND DELTA AIR LINES ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM NEW YORK AND ATLANTA TO BARBADOS

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:28:41 PST

BARBADOS AND DELTA AIR LINES ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM NEW YORK AND ATLANTA TO BARBADOS

Service to Begin Twice Weekly on December 4, 2014, with first ever nonstop on Delta Air Lines from JFK

R to L: Richard Pile, District Sales Manager, Delta Air Lines, chats with Barbados Tourism Authority’s (BTA) Chairman, Adrian Elcock; BTA’s Interim President and CEO, Petra Roach; and Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association’s (BHTA) President, Sunil Chatrani

after the just concluded press conference launching the recommencement of a Delta Air Lines’ Barbados service.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2014) – Barbados and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announce a collaboration on new nonstop service this winter to the Caribbean island. Travelers from the Eastern and Central regions of the U.S. now have a new reason to head to the sun-drenched island, with nonstop flights beginning on December 4, 2014, twice weekly between Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown and both New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where connections to cities across the United States are available.

Flights will operate Thursdays and Saturdays, and two flights will start simultaneously, one from New York into Barbados and then onto Atlanta; and then a second one originating in Atlanta, traveling to Barbados and on to New York.

Available for purchase now, round-trip flight times from JFK and ATL to Bridgetown, Barbados are as follows:

JFK-BGI DL 308 8:00 a.m. departure, 1:47 p.m. arrival

BGI-JFK DL 307 4:55 p.m. departure, 8:58 p.m. arrival

ATL-BGI DL 302 9:55 a.m. departure, 3:29 p.m. arrival

BGI-ATL DL 305 2:45 p.m. departure, 6:57 p.m. arrival

The two spacious Boeing 737 aircrafts have a seating capacity of 160, consisting of 16 business class seats, 18 economy comfort seats and 126 economy seats on each flight. The 737 offers travelers amenities including complimentary personal television programming with 18 free channels from DISH Network, comfortable leather seats and up to 4 more inches of legroom with Economy Comfort.

Barbados is one of 97 international locations on Delta’s growing route map, and one of the more than 225 destinations throughout the Americas to boast Delta’s award-winning service.

“Bringing 160 seats on each airplane into Barbados starting December 4 is very exciting for us,” said Richard Pile, District Sales Manager at Delta Air Lines. “It offers several opportunities for Barbados including the connectivity through the Atlanta gateway, which will now connect Barbados to about 220 destinations. In addition, by having the Barbados services come in from Atlanta and then up to New York, we are making sure that the airplanes get back to our hubs in time to make connections to various cities across the USA and throughout the world.”

Adrian Elcock, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Barbados Tourism Authority said, “We now have an exciting opportunity to grow the US market and bring it back to the halcyon days before, where we will be able to have well over 150,000 persons coming into Barbados as visitors.”

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org. To reserve seats on Delta Air Lines to Barbados visit www.delta.com.

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About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s "2008 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards" in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines serves nearly 165 million customers each year. This year, Delta was named the 2014 Airline of the Year by Air Transport World magazine and was named to FORTUNE magazine’s 50 Most Admired Companies, in addition to being named the most admired airline for the third time in four years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 333 destinations in 64 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a newly formed joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam,Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on delta.com, Twitter @Delta, Google.com/+Delta,Facebook.com/delta and Delta’s blog takingoff.delta.com.

Media contact:

Stephanie Borris

The Brandman Agency

(212) 683-2442

Stephanie@brandmanpr.com

Nevis’ Mango Madness Street Fair set for July 11

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:30:42 PST

Nevis’ Mango Madness Street Fair set for July 11

Celebrate everything about the sweet and succulent tropical fruit throughout July

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS July 9, 2014… Chief Marketing Officer at the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) Greg Phillip says the agency is committed to the first ‘Nevis Mango Festival’ that is taking place on the island throughout the month of July.

“The festival adds another dimension to our product beyond the traditional sun, sand and sea vacation and we at the NTA are happy for that,” Phillip stated. “The NTA has come up with a number of initiatives to eliminate the ‘off season’ that occurs between May and November and the Mango Festival is one of the initiatives. As the popularity of the festival builds, we expect it will allow hotels across the island to enjoy good occupancy levels during the period and the festival will serve to augment the country’s tourism product. We have an abundance of mangoes on Nevis so we see this as an opportunity to use Nevis’ ‘sweetest resource’ to promote the island” he continued.

The mango festivities will feature a wide range of products, ideas and of course the star of the show, the mango itself. A highlight of the activities will be the ‘Mango Madness Street Fair’ that will take place on July 11 on Main Street, Charlestown from 10:00am – 5:00pm with a plethora of mango varieties for the attendees. The fair will have vendors showcasing different varieties of mangoes along with food dishes, chutneys and confectioneries all made from mangoes. The ‘Mango Madness Street Fair’ will also feature a mango eating competition, cooking demonstrations along with other entertainment. The island’s Agriculture Department will host a grafting clinic on that day.

Restaurants across the island have included mango dishes on their menus, providing the opportunity for visitors to dine around and experience a variety of mango dishes and mango cocktails for the month long July festival.

About Nevis:

Nevis is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that forms part of the inner arc of the Leeward Islands chain of the West Indies. Nevis and the island of Saint Kitts to the northwest form the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The two islands are separated by a shallow two-mile (3.22 km) channel known as "The Narrows". Nevis is conical in shape with a volcanic peak known as Nevis Peak at its center. The island is fringed on its western and northern coastlines by sandy beaches. Nevis is of particular historical significance to Americans because it was the birthplace and early childhood home of Alexander Hamilton. For the British, Nevis is the place where Horatio Nelson was stationed as a young sea captain, and is where he met and married a Nevisian, Frances Nisbet, the young widow of a plantation-owner. The country is also known as ‘Queen of The Caribees’ and ‘Our Lady of the Snows’. With a population of 12,000, Nevis is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations with a variety of vacation options including golf, tennis, water sports and fine dining. Easily accessible through the islands of St. Kitts and Puerto Rico, the language is English, the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar and the capital is Charlestown. For more information on travel packages, activities or accommodations visit www.nevisisland.com Look for Nevis on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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CARIBBEAN’S FIRST INNOVATORS SYMPOSIUM ON COASTAL TOURISM SET TO OPEN TODAY

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:33:39 PST

CARIBBEAN’S FIRST INNOVATORS SYMPOSIUM ON COASTAL TOURISM SET TO OPEN TODAY

~Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell to speak at opening plenary ~

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (9 July, 2014) – The stage is set for the launch of the Caribbean’s first ever gathering for innovators in coastal tourism. The 1^st Caribbean Symposium for Innovators in Coastal Tourism opens at the Rex Grenadian Hotel just outside Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, with a ceremony that is expected to feature addresses by several dignitaries, including the tourism minister, Alexandra Otway-Noel.

The three-day event will serve as a platform for those on the cutting edge of innovative coastal tourism models to share what they have accomplished and what opportunities lie ahead. Participants will also explore challenges to the wider adoption of sustainable tourism models and how these barriers can be overcome.

Over 40 regional and international tourism experts will speak on various aspects of sustainable coastal and marine tourism at the gathering which will feature 16 workshops and five plenary sessions.

The prime minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, will address the opening plenary on Thursday 10 July, the first full working day of the symposium. This session will examine climate change and its impact on coastal tourism in the Caribbean.

Several innovative Caribbean initiatives will be announced at this event, a partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Washington-based Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association. These include a new ‘green’ certification programme for holiday homes and several new programmes designed to strengthen Grenada’s recently unveiled Pure Grenada marketing campaign.

The programme also includes field trips to leading tourism attractions in Grenada, including Belmont Estate- a unique and authentic 17th century plantation and home to the famous Grenada Chocolate Factory confectionary and cocoa processing facilities; and La Sagesse Beach.

Delegates will stay in four of Grenada’s leading eco-boutique resorts while the proceedings will be held mainly at St. George’s University.

The Symposium for Innovators in Coastal Tourism is supported by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), St. George’s University, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the German Ministry for the Environment- funded GIZ-ICCAS Project in Grenada, Puntacana Resort & Club, The Travel Foundation, The Ocean Foundation and True Blue Bay Resort.

For symposium details and updates visit www.CTOCRESTSymposium.com .

- ENDS -

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., Suite 3302, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: CTOny@caribtourism.com;

The CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: CTOlondon@caribtourism.com;

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.OneCaribbean.org.

Get the latest CTO updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ctotourism.

Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization.

About the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST):

The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is a unique non-profit organization affiliated with Stanford University, devoted to increasing the positive global impact of responsible tourism. Founded in 2003, CREST functions as a bi-coastal institute, with offices in Washington, DC, and at Stanford University in California.

CREST stands alone in the areas of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism, having built an international network of highly-trained experts providing interdisciplinary analysis and solutions, as well as publications, conferences, courses, training, and educational workshops. CREST delivers programs and services in field research, feasibility and impact studies, market research, certification programs, traveler’s philanthropy and strengthening sustainable tourism and ecotourism. CREST’s mission is to promote responsible tourism policies and practices globally so that local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity.

The rapid pace of resort and vacation home developments along coastlines and on islands is contributing to a variety of environmental and social issues. CREST has sought to critically address these through research and analysis of the coastal tourism sector – the fastest growing sector in the tourism industry – in order to lessen the social and environmental impact of these developments, and increase the benefits for local communities on the coast.

CREST has extensive experience examining and providing policy recommendations to the coastal tourism sector including several reports and publications: 1) “Alternative Development Models & Good Practices for Sustainable Coastal Tourism: A Framework for Decision Makers in Mexico”, a report which compiles existing best practices for sustainable, large-scale coastal tourism developments in Mexico, and provides recommendations for implementation at the policy level; 2) “The Impact of Tourism Related Development along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast”, a multi-dimensional study which critically assesses the growth, trends and impacts of tourism and tourism related development along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast; 3) “Global Trends in Coastal Tourism”, a study funded by WWF, which analyzes global trends in coastal and marine tourism; 4) “Cruise Tourism Impacts in Costa Rica & Honduras: Policy Recommendations for Decision Makers” and “Cruise Tourism in Belize: Perceptions of Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts”, two reports which take a critical look at the impacts of the cruise tourism industry in Central America.

For more information about CREST, please visit www.responsibletravel.org or contact staff@responsibletravel.org.

Visit CREST on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CRESTResTravel.

Connect with CREST on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CRESTravel.

St. Kitts Music Festival – Among The Best

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:37:46 PST

Basseterre, St. Kitts (July 10, 2014) – The mix of musical talents and genres that was showcased on stage at the 18^th annual St. Kitts Music Festival held June 26-28, 2014 led to patrons and visiting media alike hailing the event as “the best ever.”

“I am extremely pleased with the high quality of delivery of the Festival this year,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “I have received nothing but positive feedback from numerous visitors and locals who could sense that St. Kitts has now established a truly world-class event.” Skerritt pointed to the high-energy on-stage performances, combined top-quality event management and an excellent overall Caribbean experience as the main reasons for the large and appreciative crowds.

One of the darlings of the crowd, Tessanne Chin, said of the St. Kitts Music Festival, “It definitely is a full-circle moment. I can only just give thanks to God and to the people of St. Kitts and the Caribbean that have supported me even from before ‘The Voice.’ It’s definitely a moment I will treasure.” She opened her performance with a special rendition of “Try,” and continued with a nod to fellow Jamaican musician, the legendary Bob Marley by giving a soulful rendition of his hit, “Redemption Song,” that was clearly moving to the audience.

Prior to his performance, Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter, actor, author, television producer, former fashion model and MTV VJ, Tyrese Gibson commented, “I’m going to get out there and just make it fun. I’m very happy to be here and I just hope we don’t, none of us on this stage, I hope we don’t let you all down.” Upon hearing his remark, Kelly Rowland, a member of one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time, Destiny's Child, immediately nodded and concurred, “Absolutely.” As the final two acts of the Festival on Saturday night, both artists lived up to their words and went on to wow the crowd with hit after hit.

Said Chronixx, “Blessed love. I came from Jamaica to come sing some songs for the people, good music. Deep thanks to be in St. Kitts, so bless up all the people of St. Kitts & Nevis. One love.” His sentiment was echoed by Deniece Williams, American Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer, who said, “I’m grateful to be here and I hope to come back again. I hope we’ll have a lot more fun coming back again and again.”

Celebrating his birthday on Saturday night, the great Freddie McGregor promised and delivered a special performance for the occasion. He stated, “I’m no stranger to St. Kitts, but upon my arrival I did notice something special. We travel a lot, so we can always compare places and things et. cetera, but I must tell the St. Kitts people that your country is on the rise. As for the festival, excellent; production-wise, first class. The audience that I saw last night, even when it attempted to rain a little, people barely moved. These people really love the music so that’s what we are going to do tonight.”

Now going into its 19th year, the St. Kitts Music Festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, Lionel Richie, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Shaggy, Toni Braxton, Beenie Man, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Roberta Flack, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer and Lord Nelson. For more information about the St. Kitts Music Festival, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or “like” the St. Kitts Music Festival’s Facebook page.

About St. Kitts

St. Kitts is currently ranked, with sister island Nevis, at #4 on a list of the Best Islands in the World, #2 on a list of the Best Caribbean Vacations,#7 on a list of Best Caribbean Honeymoons, #8 on a list of the Best Affordable Caribbean Destinations and #8 on a list of the Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations in the Worldby US News & World Report. It is also currently ranked #8 on a list of theTop 10 Best Islands for a Holiday by Places To See In Your Lifetime. In 2012, St. Kitts was named one of “5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now” by MSNBC. The island was also named one of the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and a Top Destination for 2011 by both AOL Traveland British Airways.

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.

# # #

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The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority Invites You to #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:39:36 PST

St. John’s, Antigua (July, 15 2014) – Caribbean Premier League (CPL) ‘Local Partner’, the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) recently launched its #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA social media campaign. The online campaign and social media promotions were initiated ahead of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 Antigua Hawksbills cricket games to encourage locals as well as potential travelers to share their love for the sport of cricket and for everything that represents Antigua & Barbuda.

Globally, Antigua & Barbuda is a destination renowned for its ‘Love & Romance’ and Weddings & Honeymoons product, and another attribute that the islands are also known for is spectacular cricket and famous cricketers. “The concept behind the #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA promotion is to showcase some of the unique characteristics of the islands, while making it fun and interactive for participants and providing everyone with a chance to be a winner,” explained Marketing Manager of the ABTA, Charmaine Spencer. “The ABTA chose to use the CPL matches as the perfect vehicle because of the marketing reach that it affords, to invite local as well as international participants to fall in love with Antigua & Barbuda.”

For the local Antigua based promotion, participants are asked to post a ‘selfie’ on the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, highlighting a beautiful local destination backdrop with the hashtags #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA and #CPLT20. Each ‘selfie’ will be entered for a chance to win tickets to the CPL Antigua Hawksbills matches taking place on the 17^th, 19^th and 20^th of July 2014. This promotion will conclude at the end of the Antigua Hawksbill home games on July 20^th, 2014.

For the International element of the promotion, overseas entrants are asked to post ‘selfies’ on the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The ‘selfies’ must feature entrants holding any type of cricket paraphernalia. The post must be captioned with the hashtags #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA and #CPLT20, in order to be eligible to win a chance for an economy class, round-trip for two (2) from London to Antigua & Barbuda to attend the 2015 Antigua Hawksbills CPL matches. Chances to be eligible to win this promotion will extend to the end of the CPL tournament in August 2014.

In addition to the online promotions, the ABTA, in conjunction with CPL, will be having various in-stadium promotions at the three Antigua Hawksbills home games for chances to win tickets to the matches as well as other prizes.

For more information on the #LOVEANTIGUABARBUDA campaign, follow the ABTA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda), Twitter (www.twitter.com/antiguabarbuda) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/antiguaandbarbuda)

For further information contact:
Charmaine Spencer
Marketing Manager, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority
Tel: 1 268 562 7600
Fax: 1 268 562 7600
charmaine.spencer@aandbtourism.com

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’ da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty’s Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

US Carriers to Offer New Air Service to Antigua

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:42:32 PST

(St. Johns, Antigua, July 18, 2014) - Travellers to Antigua and Barbuda will have easier access by air following a series of successful meetings led by the Honourable Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy and held with executives of American Airlines in Miami, Florida and Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia.

The meeting with American Airlines was convened in their Miami offices with their Director of Marketing Development for the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Gary Alfson. The Minister was accompanied by the Honourable Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health and the Environment. Both Minister Michael and Minister Joseph, who comes with a wealth of experience as a former Minister of Tourism, used the opportunity to share the new Government’s vision for the tourism industry. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Mr. Rohan Hector, Chairman of St. Johns Development Corporation and Mr. Neil Forester of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association.

The delegation next met with Mrs. Christine Kennedy, General Manager and Global Partnership Development at Delta Airlines in their Atlanta office, who welcomed the opportunity to discuss in detail areas of collaboration that will grow the country’s airlift with Delta Airlines.

Minister Michael used the opportunity to share information with both parties on the improvement visitors to Antigua and Barbuda can expect to see on arrival with the new airport terminal that is expected to open in March 2015. He also spoke of new property developments at South Point Falmouth that was recently opened and the coming Sandals Beaches Resort and the Yida International Investment Resort project that are in the advanced planning stages. The airline executives were pleased to hear of Antigua and Barbuda’s relaxation of visa requirements for visitors from China and Latin American countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina and Chile as well as the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), which will propel demand for new investments in Antigua and Barbuda.

As a result of the negotiations with American Airlines, the carrier will continue with their four weekly flights from JFK International Airport, New York to Antigua for the start of this year’s winter season in November. In September and October, American Airlines will have two flights from JFK, with a late 5:00 p.m. departure on Friday and Sundays, which will overnight in Antigua and depart the next day. This will allow connections over JFK from the all-important European markets. Negotiations continue for a second daily departure on Saturdays and Sundays from the all important, Miami, Florida gateway to Antigua.

At the meetings with Delta Airlines, a second flight to Antigua out of the Atlanta, Georgia gateway was confirmed. This will allow air access for travellers from Atlanta as well as from the feeder markets of Minneapolis, Detroit, St. Louis and Kansas City.

In closing, Minister Michael gave his commitment to the airline partners to take under consideration a comprehensive marketing program to include Sales, Public Relations, Advertising and Promotions to build awareness for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product in primary markets in the Northeast and the Southern corridor of the USA.

-END-

For further information contact:

Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority
Tel: 1 268 562 7600
Fax: 1 268 562 7600
info@aandbtourism.com

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

SAINT LUCIA TOURIST BOARD TO LAUNCH ‘CARIBCATION’

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:45:48 PST

SAINT LUCIA (August 4, 2014) – The island’s prime promotions and marketing agency – the Saint Lucia Tourist Board - is about to launch yet another innovative and exciting campaign geared directly towards Caribbean travellers.

Building on the tremendous success over the years of the Staycation programme that has allowed Saint Lucian nationals to play and stay at world renowned on-island hotels and resorts at exceptionally discounted prices, the new regional campaign will extend to include Caribbean consumers.

Dubbed ‘Caribcation,’ the region-wide initiative will be launched on August 4^th, 2014.

The objective of this promotion is to provide added incentives to Caribbean consumers to choose Saint Lucia as their preferred getaway spot for the summer months of August and September.

“Tourism continues to experience encouraging growth and the Caribbean market has played its part in achieving those successes. As our third largest source market, the Caribbean continues to hold its own, despite constraints facing intra-regional travel,” says Deputy Director of Tourism Tracey Warner-Arnold.

In 2013 the Caribbean market represented 19 percent of overall market share for Saint Lucia, bringing in over sixty thousand stay over arrivals.

For 2014 thus far, Saint Lucia has recorded over twenty-two thousand (22,000) stay over arrivals from the Caribbean market, with the biggest numbers coming from Martinique, Trinidad and Barbados.

In anticipation of the increased arrival of Caribbean guests, several hotels on island have signed up for ‘Caribcation’ and are providing huge discounts on room rates under this promotion.

Geared predominantly for Caribbean nationals, ‘Caribcation’ will allow regional visitors to sample the warmth and internationally recognized ‘excellence of service’ delivered by award-winning resorts across Saint Lucia, at the best prices compared to any other time in the year.

Caribbean nationals can take time to pamper themselves as many of the hotels offer spa facilities on property and can also dine at award winning restaurants. Notable specials include hotel stays starting from as low as US$40 per night per room. Some incredible all-inclusive deals are also available as part of the promotion.

A complete listing of ‘Caribcation’ hotel specials can be found online at www.caribcation.com

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call 1-800 456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit www.saintlucianow.com

About Saint Lucia

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

For more information, visit www.saintlucianow.com

16 Couples Selected to Wed on 16 Islands In The Bahamas at 16:00 hours on January 16, 2015

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:47:28 PST

PLANTATION, Florida (August 11, 2014)… After four months of promotions and submissions from more than three thousand couples from throughout the United States of America, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) announced today that 16 lucky couples have been selected to have their dream wedding, on sixteen of its 700-islands chain, all of which will occur at 16:00 hours on January 16, 2015.

The unique, social media promotion aptly named “16 Weddings, 16 Islands, One Priceless Day,” commenced on February 14, 2014 and ended on June 31^st, 2014. The promotion was opened to residents of the United States of America only and showcased The Islands Of The Bahamas as the premier destination in the region for romance – weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals and romantic escapes. In addition to this, the promotion also highlighted the diversity, beauty, charm and distinct characters, flavors and cultures of each of the 16 Bahama Islands and simultaneously provided an opportunity for 16 newly engaged couples to have a complementary dream wedding.

The priceless wedding experiences are expected to take place on Acklins, Crooked Island, Abaco, Andros, The Berry Island, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Harbour Island, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Long Island, Nassau, Paradise Island and San Salvador, Bahamas.

Each lucky couple will receive complementary round trip airline tickets from their respective towns to The Bahamas, hotel accommodations including meals for 4 nights and a wedding ceremony, cake, flowers and reception for up to four guests. Wedding rings, a bridal gown, tuxedo and personal wedding coordinator will also be given to each couple.

The 16 lucky couples were selected by a panel of travel and romance experts, based on interviews conducted and the total number of votes each couple received from their Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook accounts of their shared story of romance and reason for wanting to get married in The Bahamas.

- More -

16 Couples Selected To Wed …./2.

Winners include:

1. From Houston, LaShaundra Coleman and Roderick Dowel who will wed in Acklins;

2. Rachelle Powell and George Stover from Washington, D.C. to wed in Crooked Island;

3. Wanjira Banfield and Pierre Alex Demosthene from Florida to be wed in Abaco;

4. Patrice Prescott and Jose Macias from Florida will wed in Andros;

5. Krystina Barbella and Ryan Saja from New Jersey who will wed in The Berry Islands;

6. Crystina Gaston and Rudy Lechshorn from Miami to wed in Bimini;

7. Darius Smith and Ariana Viega-Barbosa of Indiana will wed on Cat Island;

8. Breauna Brown and Anthony Harley from South Carolina will wed in Eleuthera;

9. Deana Whitlow and Henry Coleman from Texas will wed in Harbour Island;

10. Lauren Gough and Steve Swangstu from Texas will wed in the Exumas;

11. Shametria Almond and Victor Courtney from Ohio will wed in Grand Bahama;

12. Sheri Smith and Roth Johnson from California will wed in Inagua;

13. Najean Lucky and Benjamin Meza-Wilson from Michigan will marry on Long Island;

14. Aurelia Balint and Phillip Gomez from Pennsylvania will marry in Nassau;

15. Katherina Smith and Ezequiel Medina from Texas will wed on Paradise Island and

16. Shannon Morgan and Alex Jester from California will get married in San Salvador.

In addition to the BMOT, other partners for the promotion included: MasterCard®, 1888mytuxes.com, Mon Cheri, Green Turtle Cay Club, Acklins Island Lodge, Tiamo Resort, Carriearl Boutique Hotel, Resort World Bimini, Pigeon Cay Club, Tranquility On The Bay, Pineapple Fields, Valentine’s Resort, Sandals Emerald Bay, Inagua Ocean Villas, Gems of Paradise, Riding Rock, Grand Lucayan Resort, British Colonial Hilton Hotel and Atlantis Resort.

About The Islands Of The Bahamas

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 travelers with preclearance 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. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations on Ocean Dream Beach Resort, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

###

Media Contact:

D. Earnestine Moxyz

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

(954) 236-9292

emoxyz@bahamas.com

AMResorts spread to the destination of St. Thomas

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:54:15 PST

AMResorts' footprint has spread to the destination of St. Thomas with the signing of Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas Resort & Spa, the 4th deal closed by AMResorts this year. This will be the 13th property for the award-winning Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, and marks another chapter in the rapid expansion of AMResorts' portfolio, which has grown by 20 percent in the past year alone.

AMResorts will assume operations of the 294-room Sugar Bay Resort & Spa on July 1, 2014, at which point the resort will begin renovations to bring the property to meet the Unlimited-Luxury^® standards for Dreams Resorts & Spas. This project includes the rebranding of all guest rooms, including 100 rooms to be renovated for the Preferred Club level. Official rebranding to Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas Resort & Spa will take place in November 2014.

"Travelers are looking for choices more than ever," said Gonzalo del Peón, President of AMResorts. "The addition of St. Thomas, a beautiful, easy-to-access destination, reaffirms our commitment to bring AMResorts' award-winning vacation concept where guests want."

Guests visiting Dreams Sugar bay St. Thomas Resort & Spa will enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea and access to the best beach in St. Thomas. Additionally, they will experience all the benefits of Unlimited-Luxury^®, where everything is included: spacious rooms and suites, 24-hour room service and concierge service, limitless access to gourmet a la carte dining options and specialty restaurants, unlimited international & domestic top-shelf spirits, Explorer's Club for kids with supervised day and evening activities, endless daytime activities, live nightly entertainment and more.
For queries contact Marc Andre, Regional Director of Sales at mandre@amresorts.com.