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St. Kitts & Nevis to Welcome Back Seabourn Odyssey in July

Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 22, 2021) – St. Kitts & Nevis is pleased to announce its inclusion on the itinerary of the Seabourn Odyssey, a ship in the ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise line, which resumes Caribbean sailings late July, 2021.  The 7-day itinerary includes Antigua, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. The Odyssey will be calling in St. Kitts every week and is our first scheduled port of call for the phased re-opening for cruise tourism, announced Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports today.

“We look forward to welcoming Seabourn Odyssey to St. Kitts. The benefits of the cruise industry have been vital to the economies of St. Kitts & Nevis and we are delighted to welcome our first vessel back, as we begin our phased approach to resume cruise tourism,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “It has been a long 13 months and the re-opening of cruise signals the continued rebuilding of tourism and our economy. We see our cruise industry returning with a fervor and we are working hard to ensure it happens safely, proficiently and promptly.

While not the official opening of the cruise sector, which is projected for October 2021, later this year, when St. Kitts and Nevis would have achieved herd immunity.  The minimum protocols for any cruise ship, visiting in St. Kitts & Nevis include:

1. All crew and all passengers over the age of 18 must be vaccinated.
2. All passengers, crew and children under the age of 18 must present a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of homeport embarkation.
3. Only bubble vaccinated tours and attractions will be offered to cruise passengers.
4. All personnel interacting with cruise vessel operations including ship agents, port staff, taxi and tour operators must be vaccinated be vaccinated.

The Ministry of Tourism and St. Kitts Tourism Authority are currently working with all taxi/tour operators and attractions, to ensure compliance with the vaccination requirements, health and safety protocols for cruise to be Travel Approved.

“We continue to work with our stakeholders on the resumption of cruise, just as we did for the phased reopening for Stay Over on October 31^st, 2020,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Safety of our nationals, residents and visitor remains a top priority for us and we are working to ensure passengers can enjoy the exceptional and diverse attributes of the destination and can have a memorable shore experience while being confident in their safety.”

Seabourn is recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury cruise lines. Its boutique ships are known for their all-suite accommodations and their industry-leading service.  Known for providing its guests with unique experiences, selecting St. Kitts as a destination on its itinerary reinforces the island’s position as an attractive destination that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences.

St. Kitts & Nevis closed its borders on March 25, 2020 and reopened to international travel on October 31, 2020 with some of the most comprehensive travel requirements in the region. To-date, the Federation has reported only 44 confirmed cases of Covid, with no community spread and no deaths. As of today 11,848, people have been vaccinated.

In recent years St. Kitts has become a major cruise destination. The island’s attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, and Caribelle Batik where artisans maintain the ancient wax-dye method are unique experiences that continue to attract visitors.

Jamaica Tourist Board Debuts New Ad Campaign

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, April 21, 2021 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is embarking on a new TV advertisement campaign aimed at consumers who are ready to plan their next trip. This is driven by increasing travel demand as confidence continues to grow with expanded vaccinations in the U.S.

Footage for the TV advertisements was shot on the island in November and have already started rolling out in major U.S. markets, including New York, Dallas, Houston and Baltimore. The campaign is a continuation of the “Jamaica Heartbeat of the World” brand positioning that was first launched at the beginning of 2020 and interrupted by the pandemic. Spots will run through the last week of May and will be evenly dispersed across dayparts.

“We have great confidence that now is the time to reach out to consumers who are eager to take trips that they may have had to postpone last year,” said Hon Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism. “With access to vaccinations continuing to expand and our comprehensive JAMAICA CARES health and safety programme already in place, Jamaica is well poised to welcome more visitors.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues to institute the most comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols and was one of the early leaders in its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens and visitors. “Travellers will get a sense of inspiration from these new advertisements and we look forward to welcoming them back to the island,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We remain confident that through the destination’s resiliency we can deliver a COVID-19 secure experience for all visitors.”  

Through the JAMAICA CARES program, the destination has outlined a comprehensive approach with laser-like focus on delivering the highest levels of health and safety for visitors, tourism workers and local communities.

The 30-second advertisement can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/7jhw9aua

For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

Green Hotels in Antigua and Barbuda 

JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (April 22, 2021) – Antigua and Barbuda’s stunning coastline, dramatic topography, lush rainforests, wetlands, offshore islands and teeming wildlife all combine to make the destination a fascinating place to visit.  Awarded 2021’s Emerging Sustainable Destination of the Year by Lonely Planet, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism is at the forefront of the destination’s sustainable journey.

Watch Antigua and Barbuda’s Earth Day video 

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA’S GREEN TOURISM INITIATIVE  

The Ministry of Tourism has introduced several sustainable initiatives over the years, one of which is the ‘Green Tourism Initiative’, a voluntary programme aimed at assisting tourism businesses to reduce negative impacts on the environment while saving costs and improving the efficiency of their operations.  Businesses are assessed yearly by the Ministry of Tourism and those that meet the tourism standards are awarded a green tourism certificate.

Green Tourism Certified Properties:

Visitors can make their next vacation to Antigua and Barbuda more sustainable by booking a stay at an environmentally friendly accommodation.  Here are some of the hotels that have been awarded the Ministry of Tourism’s Green Tourism certificate.

1. South Coast Horizon: South Coast Horizons located in the south of Antigua, is locked in between the beautiful and picturesque mountain range of Boggy Peak in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the South.
2. Villas at Sunset Lane: Nestled beautifully on a hillside surrounded by the richest of colors and natural fauna you will find your home away from home – the Award-winning Villas at Sunset Lane.
3. Victory Villas: The Villas sits amidst pastoral lands with lush tropical fruit trees and flowers, its own swimming pool, a natural pond with beautiful ducks to feed, a stunning view gently rolling hillside and overall beautiful and scenic landscape.
4.  Page Pond Country Inn: Nestled in one of Antigua’s most eco-friendly locations is the Paige Pond Country Inn, overlooking the beautiful rain forest area of Body Ponds, where daytime slowly turns into night as the sun lazily dips behind the lush hillside of the countryside.
5. Siboney Beach Club: The well-loved boutique property built in the 1980s has undergone a two-year refresh, that sees the careful introduction of more rooms onto the lush grounds. Experience your own private sanctuary within colourful suites that open out into tranquil gardens.
6. Lamblion Apartments: The Lamblion Holiday Apartments are family owned and managed by local Antiguans, Lionel and Lorilyn Walker, a husband-and-wife team. While here, prepare your own meals, using organically grown culinary herbs and fresh vegetables from the garden. Chives, parsley, celery, peppers, and thyme are always in season.
7. Keyonna Beach: Your room or cottage is a short walk away from the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, and on a clear day, the horizon is graced with the outline of the neighboring volcanic isle of Montserrat. Our intimate, yet all-inclusive property is the equivalent of romance personified.
8. Cocos Hotel: Cocos Hotel situated on a bluff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The quiet resort is a unique collection of 30 individual wooden cottages with breathtaking panoramas built by local craftsmen.
9. Trade Winds Hotel: Trade Winds Hotel is a haven of tropical peace and tranquility, and it is only a few minutes’ walk to the beach.
10. Catamaran Hotel: The friendly, charming and picturesque Catamaran Hotel is a bit of Falmouth and Antiguan history. Dating back to the 1968 it is owned and managed by one of the island’s premier yachting families “The Baileys”. Nestled between palm trees and tropical flowers our rooms open directly onto a small intimate beach.
11. Ocean Point Resort: Ocean Point Resort and Spa is ideal for leisure and business travelers who want to discover the island and its 365 beaches.

For more information on Antigua and Barbuda’s Green Tourism certified businesses to include excursions and restaurants, and to learn about the Ministry of Tourism’s sustainable tourism initiatives go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/green-initiatives 

Grand Bahama Island Is Heating Up This Spring

NASSAU, Bahamas – April 19, 2021 – One of the closest islands to the United States, Grand Bahama Island offers a convenient, affordable and adventure-packed Caribbean vacation. The island’s famed Lighthouse Pointe has reopened to guests, providing an idyllic home-away-from-home in the Caribbean. With can’t-miss offers from a number of properties across the island, there is no better time than now to start planning a Grand Bahama Island vacation.

NEWS

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, which is to be purchased and redeveloped by Royal Caribbean International. The property features 200 guest rooms and a number of on-site restaurants. Executives confirmed strong bookings ahead of the reopening and expect that trend to continue throughout the spring and into summer.

Rebuilding Grand Bahama Island – Previously aired on ZNS, the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama has made the documentary series, “Rebuilding Grand Bahama” available on YouTube. The 8-episode series focuses on the impact of Hurricane Dorian on Grand Bahama Island with episodes covering topics from home and school repairs to food assistance and healthcare. With commentary from on-island industry experts, the series provides viewers with a unique insight into the island’s recovery and the spirit of the Bahamian people.

Grand Bahama International Airport Redevelopment Nears Final Stages – As consumers’ comfort level with international travel grows, Grand Bahama International Airport is prepared for a busy spring and summer travel season as it enters final stages of its redevelopment. Coming in at 8,000 sq. ft., the airport now features upgraded facilities, an additional 250-seat departure area and more.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Returns to Grand Bahama – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will resume operation on July 2 and is now available for booking. The Grand Classica will return to Grand Bahama Island with stringent on-board safety protocols for its 2-night cruise sailings from the Port of Palm Beach.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach and Baleària Caribbean Escape to Paradise – Starting at $495, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach has teamed up with Baleària Caribbean to provide travellers with direct ferry service between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island on Thursdays and Sundays. In addition to ferry service, the offer includes a three-night stay at the all-inclusive resort. The Escape to Paradise package is available to book through April 28 for travel from April 25 to September 5.

Extended Stay Offers Available at Grand Bahama Island Resorts – Taino Beach Resort & Clubs and Grand Bahama Villa Rentals are offering can’t-miss deals for extended stay travellers taking advantage of The Bahamas’ BEATS program. The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay allows travellers to live, work and study in The Bahamas for up to one year.