Archive for 2021 News

St. Kitts Five-Day Getaway

Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 9, 2021) – St. Kitts is rolling out the red carpet for visitors with several hotels offering exciting value-added perks as part of the Five-Day Getaway promotion. To sweeten their stay, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts & St. Kitts Marriott are offering complimentary room upgrades, free breakfast for four, and a few additional extras for travelers who visit the island through September 5, 2021. A stay at either of these hotels offers plenty of amenities, seclusion, space to disconnect, and beautiful beaches as soon as you take a step outside. The Four Seasons Nevis Resort is offering its own deal with a complimentary third night for those staying two consecutive nights.

“St. Kitts is charming, simple and the traditional Caribbean. With the roll out of the vaccines globally and travel picking up, St. Kitts is the ideal destination to relax and rejuvenate. You can spend your day lounging on the beach surrounded by natural beauty, enjoy the diverse amenities offered by your hotel or indulge in freshly caught lobster or fish, prepared for your delight. The last 12 months have not been easy for any of us, and a safe vacation that allows one to enjoy and unwind with family or friends is in demand and long overdue,” said St. Kitts Tourism Authority CEO Racquel Brown. “Our Five-Day Getaway promotion is flexible with bookings and cancellations, and runs until Labor Day offering travelers time to visit St. Kitts.”

Park Hyatt St. Kitts  
Guests staying 5-days/4-nights at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts will receive an automatic upgrade to the next room category and a complimentary full American breakfast at The Great House for 2 adults and 2 children. As an extra, the hotel is also offering 2-hours of in-room babysitting for one evening (reservation required), 50% off a spa treatment at Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary and 50% off daily cabana rentals.

Booking Window: Now – July 31, 2021
Travel Window: Now – September 5, 2021

The Four Seasons Nevis Resort also has an enticing deal for visitors who want to extend their stay a little longer. For every two consecutive nights, the Four Seasons Nevis will extend one’s stay by offering a complimentary third night in any guest room, suite or villa.

This offer is valid now through December 16, 2021.  For more information on these promotions or to book your stay, please visit: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/promotions/five-day-getaway

Posted in: 2021 News, Blog, Destination News

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Jamaica Firm Selected to Conduct CTO’s Tourism HR Knowledge and Skills Audit

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (9 April, 2021) – A Jamaican firm has been selected by the regional tourism development agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), to conduct its first-ever regional skills audit to assess the competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce.

After a comprehensive process for procuring consultancy services to undertake this project, A-Z Information Jamaica Ltd. was chosen to conduct this critical tourism human resources audit, as the industry seeks to navigate the next phase of Caribbean tourism and strategically plan for its future.

The exercise – funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the tune of US$124,625 – is aimed at assessing the levels of knowledge and competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce and identifying future skills needs for the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

“A- Z is deeply honoured to have been selected to execute this strategically pivotal project in collaboration with the CTO at such an unprecedented moment in the history of our region and people. The convergence of the potentially crippling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapidly growing effects of climate change present us with a unique opportunity in this regional HR audit of the industry’s current leadership and workforce knowledge, skills and attitudes,” said chief executive officer, Dr. Noel Watson. “We look forward to working together to help define and frame the profile of the creative, innovative and resilient tourism sector leadership and workforce that will help fashion 21st century Caribbean tourism.”

From an initial 12 companies expressing interest in providing consultancy services for the project, the Kingston-based firm was among four finalists invited to submit comprehensive proposals, and ultimately emerged the top-ranked firm.

Backed by a network of employment and labour market researchers, tourism academics and practitioners and strategic human resources planning and development experts, A-Z has a solid regional footing and extensive experience working around the region on various large research focused projects, including labour market needs assessments, workforce strategies and plans, and human resources audits.

The main goal of this project, which begins this month, is to help Caribbean tourism planners and policymakers better understand how to most effectively leverage human resource development for a more innovative and competitive industry.

Among other objectives, it will seek to identify the specific leadership and workforce competencies required to meet the current and future needs of the region’s tourism sector and provide a detailed review of the critical skill sets and resources necessary for the development of a sustainable, high-performing Caribbean tourism workforce. It’s also expected to provide valuable information and recommendations that will assist with the development of policies and better planned interventions related to human capital.

Data obtained from the audit will contribute to effective human resource planning for the tourism industry in the region by providing a framework for decision-making, to guide the development and refinement of tourism education and training programmes by academic and training institutions in order to reduce skills gaps and mismatches and bring about more sustainable synergies.

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CTO Scholarship Foundation Adds Funding For New Studies

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (8 April 2021) – For the first time since its founding 24 years ago, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation will this year fund a scholarship for studies in agro/gastronomy-related subjects.

The foundation is this year introducing the Thomas J. Greenan Scholarship, which will provide financial support to Caribbean nationals pursuing qualification in this field or in community-based or sustainable tourism.

The US$5,000 scholarship also includes an internship at Adya Global, an organisation committed to sharing the beauty of the world with all, and in ways that honour and respect the land and people who inhabit it. Adya works to create sustainable and equitable relationships with its partners across the globe that are community-based and focused on agro and gastro production capabilities. Greenan was one of its founders.

“Thomas intimately understood the need to balance the work Adya does with its mission to honour those they partner with. This scholarship will allow Interns to help carry this legacy forward,” said Nalini Tiwari Greenan, Thomas’ partner and co-founder of Adya Global.

The foundation will this year also offer the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship to Caribbean nationals currently employed in the Caribbean tourism industry seeking to enhance their skills in public relations and/or communications and the CTO Scholarship Foundation/Delta Air Lines Scholarship to Caribbean nationals interested in pursuing studies in aviation or air transport technologies.

Further information about the scholarships, including criteria for qualification, can be found at http://ctofoundation.org. Applications are currently being accepted and the deadline for submitting entries is Friday, 7 May 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All applications must be submitted online at https://bit.ly/2QWDgoI. Applications will not be accepted via mail, email or fax. The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

In addition to Adya Global and Delta Air Lines, the foundation has also received support from Royal Caribbean International and a number of individuals who have contributed via its recently launched GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/6df65df4, which is part of a fundraising drive to fund additional scholarships and study grants.

 

About Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarship Foundation

The CTO Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (C)(3) entity established in 1997 with the aim of training and developing future leaders for the Caribbean tourism industry by funding studies in tourism and tourism-related subjects, hospitality and language. The objective is to ensure that the brightest and the best are attracted to careers in the sector or in areas that impact tourism, thereby helping to build a Caribbean tourism industry that is globally competitive and sustainable. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over US$1 million in scholarship funds and has provided over 280 grants and scholarships.

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Tobago Tourism Agency Launches “Mask On Tobago” Contest

SCARBOROUGH Tobago, Wednesday April 07, 2021: The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) launched a “Mask On Tobago” social media contest ahead of the busy Easter weekend, in their latest initiative to encourage the use of masks and adherence to COVID-19 health protocols in the island’s tourism sector.

#MaskOnTobago encourages the public to unite to create a safer Tobago for residents, hospitality staff and visitors, and show how they’re doing it by sharing  photos via social media. Some examples of content encouraged by the TTAL includes photos of tourism workers wearing masks and PPE, visitors enjoying Tobago while following government regulations, and any other measures that industry stakeholders have taken to make their businesses and services as COVID-19 safe as possible.

The contest was launched on April 02, 2021 via Tobago’s official destination pages on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and gives entrants the chance to win local hotel stays and other exclusive prizes until the end date of April 28, 2021. Entries will be eligible for weekly draws as well as two Grand Prize draws.

This latest engagement strategy by TTAL builds upon the ongoing success of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) “Safe Travels” stamp initiative on the island, implemented by the Tobago Tourism Agency in June 2020. Tobago was the third destination in the Caribbean to be named a “Safe Travels” destination by the WTTC, and has since seen more than 100 tourism embrace the guidelines outlined in TTAL’s Health and Safety Manual for post COVID-19, and earn the “Safe Travels” stamp of approval for their operations.

TTAL’s Marketing Coordinator Ms. Sheena Des Vignes stated:

“The Tobago Tourism Agency has recognized the need to meaningfully address the safety concerns and reputation of the destination as we seek to sustain and regain consumer confidence in Tobago locally and internationally.

Our #MaskOnTobago contest will aid in creating user generated content across our digital platforms that illustrates COVID-19 health and safety protocols in action across the island, starting with the proper use of face masks. It is a definitive step in creating a footprint of evidence of the various safety measures being taken on-island, that will support the recent success of over 100 tourism partners being Safe travels verified, and demonstrate to the global travelling public that Tobago is in fact a Safe Travels destination.”

TTAL’s #MaskOnChallenge is one of a series of on-island activities that form part of the organization’s strategy to ensure Tobago remains a Safe travels destination, protecting lives while safeguarding the future of the industry. This  latest engagement initiative will be further bolstered by written content produced by the Agency for traditional and digital media platforms to add to the narrative of how to experience Tobago safely while featuring its “Safe Travels” partners.

For more information about the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited’s ongoing #MaskOnTobago contest, visit the website www.tobagobeyond.com/maskon

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What’s New in The Islands of The Bahamas in April

NASSAU, Bahamas, April 6, 2021 – The Bahamas is heating up this spring with the recent announcement of the return of cruising to the destination in the coming months and Expedia Group’s North American sites showing a 170% increase in searches about the destination in February. With a number of additional reopenings, The Bahamas is ready to continue to bring visitors the unparalleled vacation experience it is known for.

NEWS

Cruising Returns to The Bahamas – Crystal Cruises and Royal Caribbean announced their return to The Bahamas this summer. Crystal Cruises will operate in a Bahamas bubble with itineraries calling on Nassau, Bimini, Harbour Island, Great Exuma, San Salvador and Long Island. Royal Caribbean announced that Nassau will be the homeport for Adventure of the Seas beginning in June and will visit additional islands including Grand Bahama Island and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas destination.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Launches Romance Magazine – On the heels of its incredibly successful trade and consumer virtual romance expo, From The Bahamas With Love, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation launched its digital romance magazine by the same name. The magazine features exclusive wedding planning content including top venue recommendations, bachelorette party planning inspiration and made in The Bahamas decor and styling tips.

Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina Expansion and Reconstruction Expected by Q4 2021 – Famous among yachters, the highly anticipated reopening of Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing is slated for completion Q4 2021.  The totally rebuilt marina will feature luxury dockside residences, world-class retail, fine dining and extensive amenities designed for owners, guests and yacht crew, as well as docks up to 420 feet and 6,100 linear feet of deep-water floating.

Lighthouse Pointe Reopens to Guests – On March 25, Grand Bahama Island’s Lighthouse Pointe reopened to guests as part of the phased reopening of the Grand Lucayan Resort. The property features 200 guest rooms and a number of on-site restaurants.

John Watling’s Distillery Reopens – The famed Bahamian distillery, John Watling’s Distillery, reopened to visitors at the end of March. Free tours are available to visitors seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

The Bahamas Launches Digital Payment Portals for Boaters and Fishermen – The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department and Ministry of Finance have developed electronic portals for boating and fishing permits to be booked online. Click2Clear, SeaZPass and Go Outdoors Bahamas ensure the ease of travel for all boaters and fishermen traveling to The Bahamas.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Bahamas Awarded Bronze in 2021 Adrian Award – The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will honor the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation with a Bronze Adrian Award in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for its Still Rockin’ campaign. Following Hurricane Dorian, BMOTA’s Still Rockin’ campaign highlighted the country’s 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country’s record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019.

The Bahamas Honored with Nine Nominations in World Travel Awards – The Islands of The Bahamas have been selected as a shortlisted nominee in the 28th annual World Travel Awards and are nominated in the lead beach, cruise, dive, honeymoon and overall destination categories. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is also nominated in the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2021 category. Voting is open now through August 2, 2021.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Caerula Mar Exceptional Easter Escape – Visitors can book the Exceptional Easter Escape and get an extra night at 50% off when booking four nights or more by April 15, 2021 for stays through May 31, 2021.

4th Night Free at SLS Baha Mar – SLS Baha Mar is offering a 4th night free for guests booking between now and December 23, 2021, and staying through December 23, 2021.

Posted in: 2021 News, Blog, Destination News

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