Caribbean beaches are featured prominently on Forbes' Ten Most Secluded Beaches list.
Barbuda, with its pink sand beaches, St Barth's Colombier beach, Bonaire's Pink Beach, are among those that made the cut.
To find out the other beaches that made the list,Read more here
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
My Two Cents - Would a single Caribbean brand work?
When people who live outside the Caribbean speak of the region they speak of it as The Caribbean, like it's a single entity, one long strip of white sand, turquoise blue water and endless palm trees gently swaying in light breezes.
That was reinforced to me during a class presentation while studying in England. Presenting on Caricom, the Caribbean's political and economic organisation, I started my presentation with a diagram depicting all the islands that comprise the Caribbean archipelago.
Many of my classmates commented that they never knew the Caribbean was so vast. Even the lecturer, who worked for the United Nations, I believe, was really blown away by what that diagram showed - the vastness and implied differences of the region.
And that's what many people do not understand about the Caribbean, we may live in the same region, and may share a common history with colonialism and slavery, but each and every island is different, with its own culture and beliefs, attitude and approaches to life.
These differences have played a huge part in delaying any real political union similar to the European Union. Each island jealously guards its uniqueness, unwilling to let go and be part of a real Caribbean whole. And that has translated into how each island markets its tourism product. Forget The Caribbean, when it comes to tourism, it has always been each island for itself.
So with this in mind, I wonder, can attempts to market the Caribbean as one entity really work? Can it work, even as islands compete with each other to market themselves to what is now a challenging market, thanks to the economic decline.
In an article in the The Trinidad Express Caricom Ambassador Irwin Larocque, assistant secretary-general of trade and economic integration, says the establishment of a Caribbean brand for regional tourism sector will not impact negatively national branding.
"The plan that we put forward now is to provide avenues or a niche for the national brand..."
"The two - the national and the Caribbean brands - will coexist. As a matter of fact the Caribbean brand will enhance and augment the promotion of the national brand."
Larocque said, during a video conference to the media, that many times when people think of a vacation they first think of the Caribbean, and then within the Caribbean context, they will go for a particular destination or a particular experience and this is what the Caribbean brand will help to promote.
Caricom secretary-general Edwin Carrington said at a special one day meeting earlier this year, a task force was established to look into the regional development of the tourism sector.
"Part of the critical role of that task force is the designing of a regional marketing plan for the Caribbean brand of tourism that we hope to unveil to the international market as a way of attracting greater support in that area," he reportedly said.
Will it? Only time will tell.
That was reinforced to me during a class presentation while studying in England. Presenting on Caricom, the Caribbean's political and economic organisation, I started my presentation with a diagram depicting all the islands that comprise the Caribbean archipelago.
Many of my classmates commented that they never knew the Caribbean was so vast. Even the lecturer, who worked for the United Nations, I believe, was really blown away by what that diagram showed - the vastness and implied differences of the region.
And that's what many people do not understand about the Caribbean, we may live in the same region, and may share a common history with colonialism and slavery, but each and every island is different, with its own culture and beliefs, attitude and approaches to life.
These differences have played a huge part in delaying any real political union similar to the European Union. Each island jealously guards its uniqueness, unwilling to let go and be part of a real Caribbean whole. And that has translated into how each island markets its tourism product. Forget The Caribbean, when it comes to tourism, it has always been each island for itself.
So with this in mind, I wonder, can attempts to market the Caribbean as one entity really work? Can it work, even as islands compete with each other to market themselves to what is now a challenging market, thanks to the economic decline.
In an article in the The Trinidad Express Caricom Ambassador Irwin Larocque, assistant secretary-general of trade and economic integration, says the establishment of a Caribbean brand for regional tourism sector will not impact negatively national branding.
"The plan that we put forward now is to provide avenues or a niche for the national brand..."
"The two - the national and the Caribbean brands - will coexist. As a matter of fact the Caribbean brand will enhance and augment the promotion of the national brand."
Larocque said, during a video conference to the media, that many times when people think of a vacation they first think of the Caribbean, and then within the Caribbean context, they will go for a particular destination or a particular experience and this is what the Caribbean brand will help to promote.
Caricom secretary-general Edwin Carrington said at a special one day meeting earlier this year, a task force was established to look into the regional development of the tourism sector.
"Part of the critical role of that task force is the designing of a regional marketing plan for the Caribbean brand of tourism that we hope to unveil to the international market as a way of attracting greater support in that area," he reportedly said.
Will it? Only time will tell.
SuperClubs Sends Off 2008 With 100 Percent Occupancy Rates and Multi-Million Dollar Renovations
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, Dec 15, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- As the New Year approaches, SuperClubs Resorts marks 32 years in the all-inclusive hospitality industry with two of its Caribbean hotels celebrating anniversaries this week. At 100 percent occupancy, the AAA Four Diamond all-suite Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa celebrates its 19th anniversary. SuperClubs' first Grand Lido resort, Grand Lido Negril was also named to Travel + Leisure's World's Best "Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas," earlier this year. Its sister resort, Grand Lido Braco, which just completed its US$2 million renovation, held the same honor in 2007.
Breezes Runaway Bay, which opened its doors 24 years ago this week, shares its birthday with a full house -- booked at 100 percent occupancy through December 15. Following its US$20 million 2007 renovation and expansion, the Breezes flagship property now boasts romantic verandah suites with private plunge pools, a rejuvenating full-service Blue Mahoe Spa and two sumptuous new restaurants serving Japanese-style Teppanyaki dishes at Munasan and Jamaican classics at the Reggae Grill. And, just down the street, the playful Hedonism III is booked solid with revelers through December 15.
Beyond the isle of Irie, Breezes Bahamas which is wrapping up a US$10 million upgrade is sold out over the holidays, and already booked at over 80 percent for January. Guests without a current reservation need not worry as the all inclusive resort is offering every fourth night free on bookings made by January 31, 2009, good for travel between January 2 and August 31. Special rates start at $139 per person per night, based on double-occupancy.
In the coming year, SuperClubs will continue to grow its portfolio with two new resorts rolling out the welcome mat. In summer 2009, SuperClubs opens the doors to its first foray in Central America, Breezes Panama in Playa Blanca, located in the luxury coastal community of Panama's Cocle province. In Brazil, SuperClubs welcomes guests to its third property in the region, Breezes Buzios, situated on prime beachfront property in the "St. Tropez of Rio."
For more information or to book an all inclusive vacation today, contact SuperClubs at (800) GO-SUPER (or 1-800-467-8737) or visit their website at www.SuperClubs.com.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Friedel
Lauren Kaufman
212-620-7100
Email Contact
Email Contact
Breezes Runaway Bay, which opened its doors 24 years ago this week, shares its birthday with a full house -- booked at 100 percent occupancy through December 15. Following its US$20 million 2007 renovation and expansion, the Breezes flagship property now boasts romantic verandah suites with private plunge pools, a rejuvenating full-service Blue Mahoe Spa and two sumptuous new restaurants serving Japanese-style Teppanyaki dishes at Munasan and Jamaican classics at the Reggae Grill. And, just down the street, the playful Hedonism III is booked solid with revelers through December 15.
Beyond the isle of Irie, Breezes Bahamas which is wrapping up a US$10 million upgrade is sold out over the holidays, and already booked at over 80 percent for January. Guests without a current reservation need not worry as the all inclusive resort is offering every fourth night free on bookings made by January 31, 2009, good for travel between January 2 and August 31. Special rates start at $139 per person per night, based on double-occupancy.
In the coming year, SuperClubs will continue to grow its portfolio with two new resorts rolling out the welcome mat. In summer 2009, SuperClubs opens the doors to its first foray in Central America, Breezes Panama in Playa Blanca, located in the luxury coastal community of Panama's Cocle province. In Brazil, SuperClubs welcomes guests to its third property in the region, Breezes Buzios, situated on prime beachfront property in the "St. Tropez of Rio."
For more information or to book an all inclusive vacation today, contact SuperClubs at (800) GO-SUPER (or 1-800-467-8737) or visit their website at www.SuperClubs.com.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Friedel
Lauren Kaufman
212-620-7100
Email Contact
Email Contact
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Virgin adds Caribbean flights
As the region's tourism industry faces one of its toughest seasons, thanks to the global economic meltdown, one international carrier is keeping the the tourism flat line at bay.
Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that it will increase services from Manchester to the Caribbean and Florida next summer and add extra flights from Gatwick to Jamaica from November 2009.
The announcement is a boost to Manchester following a succession of blows, including the withdrawal of BMI long-haul flights from the airport, and to the Caribbean, which lost capacity from the UK when XL Leisure Group collapsed in September.
Virgin Atlantic will fly twice a week from Manchester to Barbados, adding a Saturday departure to the existing Sunday flight between May 2 and November 7, and will increase departures from Manchester to Orlando from nine to ten a week with an added Sunday flight operating from April 26 to November 8.
The carrier will also increase its winter Gatwick service to Montego Bay from two to three flights a week from November 13 next year.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: "This is a vote of confidence in Manchester. British Airways and BMI have pulled out and there is a big gap left by XL".
Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that it will increase services from Manchester to the Caribbean and Florida next summer and add extra flights from Gatwick to Jamaica from November 2009.
The announcement is a boost to Manchester following a succession of blows, including the withdrawal of BMI long-haul flights from the airport, and to the Caribbean, which lost capacity from the UK when XL Leisure Group collapsed in September.
Virgin Atlantic will fly twice a week from Manchester to Barbados, adding a Saturday departure to the existing Sunday flight between May 2 and November 7, and will increase departures from Manchester to Orlando from nine to ten a week with an added Sunday flight operating from April 26 to November 8.
The carrier will also increase its winter Gatwick service to Montego Bay from two to three flights a week from November 13 next year.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: "This is a vote of confidence in Manchester. British Airways and BMI have pulled out and there is a big gap left by XL".
Tourism slump costs jobs in the Caribbean
The tourism slump in the Caribbean, the result of the recession in the United States and the economic decline in Europe, has begun to cost jobs in the region.
Today, an Associated Press report said Sandals Resorts International is laying off 650 Caribbean hotel workers as a result of the decline in tourist bookings.
The cuts will take place as Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas, Jamaica and St Lucia represents seven per cent of the chain's workforce.
The hotel operator said the layoffs will help the company stay competitive during the world financial crisis, which has resulted in less people from key markets travelling to the region. As a result, the construction of some new developments has also been halted.
In Antigua, which also has a Sandals hotel, Tourism Minister Harold Lovell said Friday he has learned the company is planning layoffs there as well.
The announcement added to economic woes in the Bahamas, where the tourism sector employs 65 percent of the work force and several other properties including the sprawling Atlantis resort have announced major cutbacks.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. according to AP, said earlier this week that tourist arrivals are projected to fall eight per cent this year in the Bahamas, where Americans typically account for 80 per cent of visitors. He said bookings for early 2009 do not look strong.
Today, an Associated Press report said Sandals Resorts International is laying off 650 Caribbean hotel workers as a result of the decline in tourist bookings.
The cuts will take place as Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas, Jamaica and St Lucia represents seven per cent of the chain's workforce.
The hotel operator said the layoffs will help the company stay competitive during the world financial crisis, which has resulted in less people from key markets travelling to the region. As a result, the construction of some new developments has also been halted.
In Antigua, which also has a Sandals hotel, Tourism Minister Harold Lovell said Friday he has learned the company is planning layoffs there as well.
The announcement added to economic woes in the Bahamas, where the tourism sector employs 65 percent of the work force and several other properties including the sprawling Atlantis resort have announced major cutbacks.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. according to AP, said earlier this week that tourist arrivals are projected to fall eight per cent this year in the Bahamas, where Americans typically account for 80 per cent of visitors. He said bookings for early 2009 do not look strong.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Caribbean World Travel Awards announced
The Caribbean World Travel Awards have been published. The winners are as follows:
Caribbean's Leading Airline: Air Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Airport: La Romana International Airport, Dominican Republic
Caribbean's Leading Beach: Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands)
aribbean's Leading Boutique Hotel: Point Grace, Turks & Caicos
Caribbean's Leading Car Hire: Avis
Caribbean's Leading Casino Resort:Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Conference Centre: Sherbourne Conference Centre, Barbados
Caribbean's Leading Conference Hotel: Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port: Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Destination: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Family All-Inclusive: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
Caribbean's Leading Golf Resort: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Caribbean's Leading Green Resort: Tiamo, South Andros Island, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Hotel: Coco Reef Resort, Tobago
Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean's Leading Resort: Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Spa Resort: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Caribbean's Leading Suite: Four Bedroom Villa at One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Travel Agency: Trafalgar Travel
Caribbean's Leading Travel Information Website: Totally Barbados www.totallybarbados.com
Read more here
Caribbean's Leading Airline: Air Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Airport: La Romana International Airport, Dominican Republic
Caribbean's Leading Beach: Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands)
aribbean's Leading Boutique Hotel: Point Grace, Turks & Caicos
Caribbean's Leading Car Hire: Avis
Caribbean's Leading Casino Resort:Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Conference Centre: Sherbourne Conference Centre, Barbados
Caribbean's Leading Conference Hotel: Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port: Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Destination: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Family All-Inclusive: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
Caribbean's Leading Golf Resort: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Caribbean's Leading Green Resort: Tiamo, South Andros Island, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Hotel: Coco Reef Resort, Tobago
Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean's Leading Resort: Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Spa Resort: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Caribbean's Leading Suite: Four Bedroom Villa at One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board: Jamaica
Caribbean's Leading Travel Agency: Trafalgar Travel
Caribbean's Leading Travel Information Website: Totally Barbados www.totallybarbados.com
Read more here
Proposed air tax threatens region's tourism
As if recessionary economies weren't enough to put a damper on the region's tourism product, Britain´s Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister), Alistair Darling, is proposing a tax based on the length of their journey and their class of travel.
This, laments David Jessop, head of the UK-based Caribbean Council, will significantly increase the Air Passenger Duty on all travelers buying an airline ticket in the UK to travel to the Caribbean and elsewhere.
The tax announced by Darling will increase progressively over the next two years, when it will be joined in 2010 by a European scheme that seeks to include aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme involving the purchase of licences for all air transport operators to emit carbon.
The measure is part of the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement, which Caribbean Prime Ministers signed in September.
Jessop has been among the outspoken voices against the economic arrangement.
Read full report here
This, laments David Jessop, head of the UK-based Caribbean Council, will significantly increase the Air Passenger Duty on all travelers buying an airline ticket in the UK to travel to the Caribbean and elsewhere.
The tax announced by Darling will increase progressively over the next two years, when it will be joined in 2010 by a European scheme that seeks to include aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme involving the purchase of licences for all air transport operators to emit carbon.
The measure is part of the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement, which Caribbean Prime Ministers signed in September.
Jessop has been among the outspoken voices against the economic arrangement.
Read full report here
IMF says tourism in region threatened
With the US in a recession and other major economies teetering on the brink of a recession, the state of tourism in the Caribbean continues to be a concern for stakeholders.
In a speech during a visit to Jamaica, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn says weaker foreign remittances and dampened economic activity in key sectors such as tourism would be the likely consequences of the slowdown in global economic activity. As a result, the IMF's outlook for the Caribbean economies had been revised down in recent months.
Strauss-Khan's visit to Jamaica was part of his first official tour of countries in the Caribbean and Central America. During his stay in Kingston, he met with Prime Minister Bruce Golding, among other senior officials.
Read full report here
In a speech during a visit to Jamaica, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn says weaker foreign remittances and dampened economic activity in key sectors such as tourism would be the likely consequences of the slowdown in global economic activity. As a result, the IMF's outlook for the Caribbean economies had been revised down in recent months.
Strauss-Khan's visit to Jamaica was part of his first official tour of countries in the Caribbean and Central America. During his stay in Kingston, he met with Prime Minister Bruce Golding, among other senior officials.
Read full report here
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