Destination News

Travel in Style to the British Virgin Islands With evoJets

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 5 Jan 2021 – The British Virgin Islands (BVI) officially reopened its borders to international travelers on 1 December , exclusive to arrivals at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. With safety and socially-distanced travel top of mind, the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITB&FC) is excited to announce a partnership with evoJets, one of the most trusted names in private jet travel. While many commercial airlines do not have direct flights to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, flying private is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the destination.

In an effort to make private jet travel more readily accessible, the BVITB&FC has established a new partnership with evoJets that offers $1,500 towards catering, ground, or flight cost on any portion of a trip booked to the BVI. To redeem credit, travelers may apply the code BVITOURISM in the comments section of the private jet charter booking form. A number of recommended land and sea offerings for guests to choose from will be outlined to complete the perfect socially distanced vacation, whether travelers prefer to spend their days relaxing on the beach or chartering a yacht to island-hop and experience all the BVI has to offer.

Additionally, in their commitment to create a greener earth and promote a more sustainable BVI, evoJets has committed to The BVITB&FC’s Seeds of Love Programme. For each trip booked to the BVI, evoJets will contribute an additional $1,500 to Seeds of Love. This contribution includes the planting of approximately 27 White Cedar trees per donation. The White Cedar tree is the territorial tree of the BVI.

Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, is excited by evoJets’ generous partnership component to donate to the community through this initiative. “This partnership is a demonstration of how important sustainable tourism is to our industry partners and us. We are truly thankful for their contribution to protecting the flora of the BVI.”

The Seeds of Love programme was launched in 2017 to replant trees lost in the as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which impacted the Territory that year. Through this programme, the BVITB&FC has conducted several plantings and cleanup campaigns throughout the Territory.

“The British Virgin Islands is an oasis of natural beauty which bring joy to all who visit. We are excited to support the comeback of tourism to the islands and contribute to the rebuilding of their stunning ecosystems,” says Rich Palese, managing partner at evoJets.

For more information, visit bvitourism.com and www.seedsoflove.org

Statement by Belize’s Tourism Minister on the passing of Mr. Gordon “Butch” Stewart

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 – Belize joins the Caribbean and the rest of the world in paying tribute to the lifetime achievements of Mr. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart – a renowned figure in the Caribbean Tourism Industry.

Mr. Stewart was a true visionary who raised the bar on tourism standards and led by example at every juncture of his illustrious career. Through his hard work, passion and determination, he founded Sandals Resorts International, a chain of all-inclusive, luxury resorts which are an integral part of the Caribbean tourism experience. He also had investments in the restaurant, airline, automotive, retail, and media industries and provided employment for thousands of people across the region. He was a man of integrity and professionalism, who was admired and respected for the tremendous contributions he made in promoting Caribbean tourism and putting the region at the top of the bucket list for many travelers.

On behalf of Belize’s Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and the Belizean hospitality sector, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gordon “Butch” Stewart.  May God give you strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Anguilla Tourist Board Announces Appointment Of Stacey Liburd As New Director Of Tourism

The Valley, Anguilla, January 7, 2021……The Hon. Minister of Tourism, Mr. Hayden Hughes, today announced the appointment of Mrs. Stacey Liburd to the position of Director of Tourism, effective January 4, 2021.

“We have put together a very strong Board at the ATB,” said Minister Hughes. “The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) will be strengthened by this appointment that was made by me after careful consideration in consultation with my Tourism partners and in keeping with the ATB Act. Mrs. Liburd possesses the skills to help navigate the day-to-day operations during these unprecedented times and she has our confidence and support as we forge ahead,” the Minister continued.

“Stacey Liburd is the ideal candidate for this important position,” said Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “She is a creative tourism marketer and a results-oriented manager with a proven ability to develop and execute marketing campaigns and trade initiatives that deliver results.  We are confident in her leadership skills and ability to guide the Anguilla Tourist Board and our industry through our recovery in the post-COVID era.”

Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Liburd served as a member of the ATB Board of Directors where she chaired the Marketing Committee. She comes to the position with a wealth of business development, sales and marketing experience in tourism, having represented a cross-section of Anguilla’s most exceptional resort and villa properties. She has served as Sales and Marketing Manager for Quintessence Hotel, a Relais and Château Property, Santosha Estate, Long Bay Villas, Zemi Beach House and the brand new Tranquility Beach Resort Anguilla, developing comprehensive marketing and advertising campaigns and sales programs to increase brand awareness as well as drive business to the resorts.  As Business Development Manager for Calypso Charters, she focused on introducing extensive hiring and training programs for the staff, as well as expanding the number of accounts with hotels, villas and tour operators.

“I am honored that the Board has entrusted me with this awesome responsibility,” stated Mrs. Liburd.  “I am a passionate believer in Anguilla’s extraordinary tourism product and look forward to working closely with my colleagues at the Board, the Ministries of Health and Tourism, and with our industry stakeholders to recapture our market share, rebuild and rebrand our destination as the most desirable vacation experience in the Caribbean.”

Mrs. Liburd holds a Bachelor of Science (Law) Degree from City University of New York – John Jay College. She also holds a Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University and obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF GORDON “BUTCH” STEWART, OJ

KINGSTOWN: Gordon “Butch” Stewart was a quintessential Caribbean man. He had an eye for business, particularly in the Hospitality Industry. He was a visionary and marketing genius who brought thousands of people to the Caribbean region through his Sandals brand.  Undoubtedly, he has left a mark on the region’s tourism industry.

We look forward to the continued working relationship with his Sandals team, as they commence work during the year on their Beaches Resort brand in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are certain they will build on his legacy and brand their Beaches St. Vincent with his signature flair and style.

On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, we extend our condolences to his immediate family and by extension, the Sandals family.

Hon. Carlos James, Esq.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture.