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Nevis Launches New “Around The Garden” Experience

Charlestown, Nevis, May 13, 2021 – Nevis aims to attract travelers interested in culinary and agri-tourism with the introduction of its latest destination experience, the “Around The Garden” tour. Officially launched on May 13, the 5-acre fruit farm in Cades Bay has been developed using a park model where picnic benches, Wi-Fi connectivity and refreshments will be available to guests. The new farm tour will be offered in two tiers, providing visitors with the opportunity to choose either the 40-minute or 60-minute option.

Nevis Tourism Authority CEO Jadine Yarde believes this new attraction showcases another distinct aspect of the destination, one that appeals to the growing culinary tourism market. “Food tourism can play an important role in preserving one’s local heritage; we believe that this latest experience will provide foodies with an ideal opportunity to enjoy our best organic produce and learn about our traditional farming. The tour will also help us to support and promote our local agriculture and communities, and position Nevis as a destination focused on long-term food security and sustainability.”

The “Around the Garden” tour will be conducted twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is now available for booking at Email: aroundthegardentour@gmail.com, with a five-person minimum for each tour. Special group tours can also be arranged on request. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably so they can enjoy the full farm experience, which includes tasting the wide variety of in-season fruits — starfruit, passion fruit, watermelon, pineapple — and of course, mangoes, the island favorite.

“The Department of Agriculture is excited to make our farm available for the education and leisurely experience of both locals and visitors alike,” stated Floyd Liburd, Deputy Director of Agriculture. “We believe that persons should be able to know and understand how food is produced.  The experience also invites guests to sample the fruits in different ways, e.g.  freshly picked, blended into smoothies, as a refreshing beverage, brewed in hot teas and other local delicacies.”

Today’s travelers are seeking experiential and educational experiences; the Cades Bay Farm offers visitors a fascinating window into the cultivation as well as the nutritional aspects of the various fruits grown on the farm.

Culinary pursuits are an important component of the visitor experience in any destination. The global culinary tourism market was valued at $1.116 billion in 2019 and by 2027 it is expected to have a market value of $1.796 billion, which signifies an annualized growth rate of 16.8%.

For travel and tourism information on Nevis please visit the Nevis Tourism Authority website at  www.nevisisland.com; and follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

Belize Removes Use of the Belize Travel Health App Prior to Arrival

Belize City, Belize, May 11, 2021 –– The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) advises that the Government of Belize has taken a decision that travellers entering the country are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Travel Health App prior to arrival in Belize. This recent adjustment to Belize’s COVID-19 Prevention Regulations is outlined in Statutory Instrument No.51 of 2021.

Belize still requires that travellers provide either proof of full COVID-19 immunization received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival, or a negative COVID-19 PCR TEST taken within 96 hours of travel, or a negative rapid test (Rapid Antigen, Sofia, SD Biosensor, and ABBOTT) taken within 48 hours of travel. In addition, international tourists must book at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.

For up to date information on the destination’s travel protocols and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety.

Alaska Airlines Announces Nonstop Service To Belize

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE, Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to announce that Alaska Airlines has confirmed new non-stop service from the West Coast of the United States to Belize, commencing later this year. Belize will become the fourth country that Alaska Airlines flies to from its West Coast hubs, joining Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. Routes and schedules to Belize will be announced when ticket sales begin in early June.

“Our guests are eager for eco-friendlier leisure destinations, especially as they get vaccinated, and we’re ready to offer them terrific options,” said Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines Vice President of Network and Alliances. “Belize offers an unbeatable mix of sensational beaches, iconic cayes and rich heritage.”

“We wholeheartedly welcome Alaska Airlines’ announcement of its nonstop flight to Belize. This new partnership signifies that our unwavering commitment to revive and rebuild our tourism industry is gaining momentum and recovery is on the horizon. Air connectivity is the life-blood of our industry and is essential in making Belize accessible to international visitors and stimulating growth.” stated Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler.

Alaska Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area. It is the fifth largest airline in the United States when measured by fleet size, scheduled passengers carried, and the number of destinations served. Alaska Airlines, together with its regional partners Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, operate a large domestic route network, primarily focused on connecting the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to over one hundred destinations in the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

For more information, please contact the Belize Tourism Board at 227-2420 or via email at info@belizetourismboard.org.

St Kitts Tourism Authority Celebrating Travel Agents

In honor of National Travel Advisor Day, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority is kicking off a special month-long program to celebrate the agents and advisors who plan everything from romantic getaways to family vacations. Travel agents and advisors are critical to the rebuilding and rebound of tourism for the Federation and we are delighted to be embarking on a series of travel trade activities throughout the United States to increase brand awareness, improve their knowledge of the destination and current promotions, and encourage them to plan their clients’ next great family vacation or romantic getaway. This is timed accordingly with the ongoing Five-Day Getaway promotion with deals from the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, St. Kitts Marriot Resort, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, and Montpelier Plantation & Beach which give agents and advisors all the more reason to recommend St. Kitts as a destination for their clients. This exciting program invites travel agents and advisors to complete various actions throughout the month of May to earn points. Furthermore, for each booking to St. Kitts through July 31, 2021, travel agents will earn a $200 commission. At the end of the month, participating agents and advisors can redeem their points for cash rewards. The person with the most points accumulated will be awarded a spot on a future FAM trip to St. Kitts!

“We wanted to take this opportunity to show our appreciation and say ‘thank you’ to the loyal and dedicated travel professionals who promoted St. Kitts both before and during the pandemic. It has not been an easy year, but travel is picking up and together we can reinvigorate interest in St. Kitts and offer travelers the rejuvenating getaway they are looking for now,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “St. Kitts has always enjoyed a strong and valued partnership with the travel agent and travel advisor community, and this month we’ll be recognizing and rewarding agents who are eager to learn more about the destination and drive travel to St. Kitts.”

Points will be awarded for the following activities:

• Book a Trip to St. Kitts
  • Every agent/advisor who logs a trip in the month of May 2021 (travel dates can be anytime in the future) will receive 500 points.
  • All booked trips should transit through RLB International Airport.

• Become a St. Kitts Expert
  • Each agent/advisor who takes and completes the St. Kitts travel expert course through Travel Agent University will receive 300 points.
    

• Attend Our Webinars
  • Throughout the month of May, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority will host a series of webinars. Two webinars have already been announced and information on additional webinars will be posted on the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website, shared with our list of subscribed agents and advisors, and promoted via our LinkedIn page. For each webinar attended the agent/advisor will receive 200 points.
  • Two scheduled webinars are as follows:
    • Tuesday, May 18^th at 1 p.m. join the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Kantours, and Caribbean Journey Masters to learn why St. Kitts is the cruise port of choice
    • Thursday, May 20^th at 1 p.m. join the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Sunlinc to learn why St. Kitts should be on your list for groups

• 1:1 Meetings with Sales Team
  • Agents and advisors are encouraged to book a 1:1 meeting with Denise Zimber (denise.zimber@stkittstourism.kn) or Allison Schultz (allison.schultz@stkittstourism.kn). At the completion of each appointment the agent/advisor will receive 100 points.

The program will conclude on May 31, 2021. At the end of the month, once all points are tabulated, for every 1000 points earned, the participating agent or advisor will be able to redeem them for a $100 cash reward. The agent/advisor with the most points will receive a spot on a future FAM trip for an unforgettable getaway in St. Kitts.

More information on the program can be found at the following page: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/national-travel-advisor

What’s New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In May

The Islands of The Bahamas await travelers who are ready to plan their summer vacations. Those wishing to visit the idyllic sandy beaches and irresistible blue waters of the islands are sure to find the paradise experience of their dreams in The Bahamas.

NEWS

People-to-People Goes Virtual – The beloved People-to-People program that has been connecting visitors with locals through customized experiences for the past 45 years, is making its way directly into the homes and screens of wanderlusters. The virtual program offers five free virtual session themes with local ambassadors in The Bahamas. To book an unforgettable Virtual People-to-People Experience, head to: https://www.bahamas.com/plan-your-trip/people-to-people.

Increased Airlift to The Bahamas – American Airlines announced direct flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) beginning June 5, 2021. Frontier Airlines has also announced that direct flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Nassau (NAS) will be available four times a week starting July 2021.

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Reopens – Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach located in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island is welcoming guests back starting this month. The all-inclusive resort boasts an oceanfront pool, watersports, 4,000 feet of beautiful white-sand beaches, ocean view rooms and more.

Resorts World Bimini’s New Beach Destination – The beachfront resort just 50 miles off the coast of Florida will officially debut its newest private beach, Resorts World Bimini Beach, on May 14, 2021. The new addition features two lagoon pools, hammocks, oceanfront and poolside private cabanas, two bars, ocean view dining and much more.

The Sugar Factory Heads to Baha Mar – Sugar Factory’s newest location will be set inside Baha Mar on the island of New Providence. The restaurant will feature a full-service restaurant, café, confectionary shop, retail store, carousel bar overlooking Baha Mar’s iconic fountains and the debut of CandyOcean, a one-of-a-kind aquatic-themed immersive experience.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Bahamas is Nominated as a Best Spa Destination in World Spa Awards – The World Spa Awards has announced the nominees for its 7^th annual awards ceremony, and The Islands of The Bahamas have been nominated for the Caribbean’s Best Spa Destination award. Voting begins May 19, 2021 and runs through September 8, 2021.

The Bahamas is a Top 8 Travel Destination for Booking Incentive Travel – Northstar Meeting Group’s latest Incentive PULSE Survey revealed The Bahamas as a Top 8 Popular Travel Destination for booking incentive travel in 2021. The survey consists of responses from business and sports event organizers, planners and incentive program professionals from all sectors,

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

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

$250 Air Credit for Out Island Vacations – The Out Islands of The Bahamas are calling. U.S. and Canadian residents can take their pick of 10 picture-perfect islands that are unspoiled and uncrowded and receive an air credit of $250. Booking window: April 5 –  May 10, 2021.

Extended Stay Deals – Who wouldn’t want to stay in The Bahamas longer? Guests who book  a stay for 14 days at Grand Isle Resort on Great Exuma can receive up to 50% off. Margaretville Beach Resort in Nassau is offering guests who stay 14 days or longer, a special pricing of up to 40% off regular rates.

3^rd Night Free for Travel Advisors at Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas – To celebrate “Travel Advisor Month” in May, Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas is offering appreciation rates and a 3^rd night free for travel advisors booking between now and May 31, 2021 and staying through December 20, 2021.