Archives for April 2022

Guam Visitors Bureau celebrates with reopening of visitor services

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has announced that the nonprofit membership corporation will relaunch its free Guahån Trolley Service (GTS) for island residents and visitors in Tumon starting May 1, 2022.

“In celebration of tourism month and the progressive reopening of our visitor markets, we are once again working with Lam Lam tours to bring back our free trolley service. The trolleys will provide better accessibility for locals, military, and visitors, and it will also support our local business community,” said Dr. Gerry Perez, GVB Vice President.

The trolley service will be offered daily between GPO and Micronesia Mall with multiple stops scheduled in Tamuning and Tumon.

GTS Routes & Schedule

Media Contact:

JOSH TYQUIENGCO

Public Information Officer

GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

Office: (671) 646-5278 

[email protected] 

Further Strengthening Regional Sustainability

Gearing up to celebrate the fulfillment of its 10,000-tree planting commitment, the Sandals Foundation is expanding its conservation goal by adding another 10,000 trees to strengthen the Caribbean’s climate resilience and food security.

The massive conservation effort is in keeping with this year’s global Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” and builds on the Foundation’s larger Caribbean Tree Planting Project commitment, which is being coordinated by the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance in collaboration with the Trees That Feed Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative, and other partners.

Last April, the teams together announced plans to plant one million trees across 14 Caribbean countries by June this year. With over 9,600 ornamental and food bearing trees already planted by the Sandals Foundation and its partners, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International is increasing the stakes.

“The environment around us is not only our home, but everything that keeps us alive,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of Sandals Foundation. “Investing in the long-term viability of these natural environments will help to strengthen the many ecosystems that are critical for providing food, water, and protecting our communities and livelihoods, improving the way of life in the region for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.”

Region specific activities

In Jamaica, over 2,000 timber trees have been planted as part of reforestation and conservation efforts at the biodiversity hotspot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The area, which contains 50 percent of the island’s endemic plants, is managed by the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, with whom the Foundation partners to activate its initiatives.

Team members from Sandals and Beaches Resorts have also rolled up their sleeves and, together with representatives from the Forestry Department and the Mustard Seed Community in Jamaica, have planted almost 200 food-bearing trees in communities throughout the Ocho Rios region, with plans to plant 600 more by June.

In the northern Caribbean islands of The Bahamas, Sandals Foundation ambassadors along with the Bahamas National Trust are set to remove invasive species and plant some 1,000 trees in the Lucayan National Park. Through the engagement of student volunteers, the islands will continue its rich tradition of promoting environmental education among its young people, thereby fostering the next generation of environment stewards.

While in Barbados, the Foundation’s conservation efforts are enhancing and improving the eco-offering and experience at the historic Andromeda Botanic Gardens by adding an ethnobotanical garden with an outdoor classroom, creative signage, and the planting of 30 trees. Sandals Foundation, in collaboration with the park’s managers, Passiflora Limited, is creating a haven for native and regional plants, their cultural uses, the associated biodiversity, and a resource for the Barbadian community.

“We are educating students and communities throughout the region on the importance of removing invasive species as we enter spaces they occupy and plant native species,” said Georgia Lumley, environmental coordinator at Sandals Foundation. “We have supplemented these removals with reforestation activities that include the planting of food-bearing trees, such as what we continue to support at Signal Hill in Antigua. The construction of a shade house at Wallings Nature Reserve in the twin island territory will also contribute to the charitable arm’s conservation efforts, which began in that area last year with the planting of 1,008 food-bearing trees.

“Environmental education is an important part of our conservation efforts,” Lumley added. “By collaborating with organizations such as the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua and the Grenada Fund for Conservation, students are learning about the importance of protecting the environment and endangered species while participating in activity execution through eco-camps and field trips.”

Last year, with support from the Sandals Foundation, the Grenada Fund for Conservation planted 4000 mangroves, and the upcoming infrastructural improvements and training of community guides at Woburn Interpretive Centre will strengthen the island’s coastline and build on their efforts to encourage eco-tourism respectively.

Outside of its tree planting mission, the Foundation also plans to establish community compost training in the Turks and Caicos Islands in an effort to strengthen food security, increase solid waste management, and adopt climate smart agricultural practices. The island of Providenciales is known for having far less fertile soil with limited farmers or localized sources of produce. Now, through its Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, team members will lead the composting efforts, providing an opportunity for students and farmers from surrounding communities to learn, participate, and share the acquired knowledge and practices with their communities.

Over the past 13 years, the Sandals Foundation has planted over 17,000 fruit and ornamental trees throughout the Caribbean – increasing the region’s forest coverage one tree at a time by galvanizing the support of Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members, community groups, partners, travel agents, guests, students, and volunteers.

This year, the entity remains committed to increasing forest coverage, protecting wildlife, enhancing biodiversity, creating eco-tours, educating children and empowering communities to take part in conservation.

Persons wishing to support the tree planting efforts can visit the Sandals Foundation website at www.sandalsfoundation.org and donate to the ‘Caribbean Tree Planting Project’. One hundred percent of all funds donated will be directed towards purchasing seedlings and maintaining the plant sites to ensure tree survival.

MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]

Recognizing the highest achievers in travel, hospitality, tourism and leisure

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (April 28) joined an esteemed group of high achievers in the international travel and hospitality industry, with his induction into the prestigious Global Travel Hall of Fame.

The Global Travel Hall of Fame, formerly dubbed The British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame, “recognizes the highest achievers in the travel, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors.” Inductees are also hailed as having not only “achieved phenomenal business success but have also inspired and shaped those around them.” Minister Bartlett is the first Caribbean tourism leader to receive this honor.

The elaborate induction ceremony was held at The Chesterfield Hotel in London. The British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame was acquired by Jacobs Media Group in 2014. However, the event was later forced to take a break during the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently renamed.

Minister Bartlett said he was “humbled by the recognition” which follows a stream of other worldwide industry awards bestowed upon him.

“It is really a humbling experience to be recognized in this manner and to be included as a member of such as revered group, more so because it recognizes not just my own contribution to the sector, but the fact that Jamaica stands out as a prime example of what can be achieved in tourism,” expressed Minister Bartlett.

He has also given credit to the team that he leads in the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies, describing members as “very dedicated and hardworking public sector workers who appreciate the significance of what they do to the success of tourism and its important contribution to the Jamaican economy.” Minister Bartlett also lauded tourism stakeholders across the island for their contribution and support as partners in developing the sector over the years.

Minister Bartlett’s awards include being named the Caribbean’s Leading Personality for Outstanding Services to Tourism at the 23rd World Travel Awards in 2016 and the Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year at the Caribbean Travel Awards in 2017.

In 2018 the Pacific Area Travel Writers’ Association (PATWA) named Mr. Bartlett Minister of the Year for Sustainable Tourism. In 2019 he was presented with the TRAVVY Awards inaugural Chairman’s Award for Global Tourism Innovation for the development of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). He also received the prestigious Gusi Peace prize from the Gusi Foundation in 2020.

Earlier this month Minister Bartlett was also named among 50 global icons of travel and tourism “who have innovated and created new benchmarks in the travel, aviation, tourism, hospitality and allied sectors.”

Under his leadership, Jamaica has seen its all-important tourism industry bouncing back from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and on its way to equaling pre-pandemic record figures for arrivals and earnings.

SEEN IN PHOTO: (HM Hall of Fame) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right), beams as he is presented with his award by Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation, after being inducted into the prestigious Global Travel Hall of Fame yesterday (April 28, 2022). The highly anticipated induction ceremony was held at The Chesterfield Hotel in London. Minister Bartlett is the first Caribbean tourism leader to receive this honor, which is the latest worldwide industry award to be bestowed upon him. – image courtesy of Jamaica Ministry of Tourism

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924,

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Fairs present the perfect opportunity

On a mission to increase visibility for the island destination, the Tourism Seychelles Office in Paris spent a month and a half on the road between France and Belgium attending consumer fairs, namely Tourissima in Lille, Vakantie Expo in Antwerp, Destination Nature Paris and Salon des Vacances in Brussels.

The experience was undoubtedly positive after a difficult two years when tourism was down because of the Covid 19 pandemic. The different events gave participants important insight on current traveler sentiments and trends. Visitors now have high expectations and are more selective in terms what they want out of a holiday. Many want adventure, a change of scenery, relaxation, new discoveries but also place emphasis on authenticity and eco-responsible trips.

Fortunately, these demands are not new to Seychelles whose tourism is centered around sustainability and authentic experiences. Travelers were impressed by the simplified entry requirements for the destination and also sought information about activities and types of accommodation available.

The fairs presented the perfect opportunity to put Seychelles back in the minds of potential holidaymakers as they planned their Easter and summer holidays. Additionally, the Tourism Seychelles team availed of the opportunity to meet travel agents for training sessions on the destination and presentation lunches and dinners in France and Belgium.

The agents were excited to reconnect with tourism professionals in a physical setting after many months of e-mail and video exchanges.

During these sessions, partners rediscovered the islands through its various must-see places, post-covid updates and new suggestions for trips. Travel agents were kept updated on recent developments in the destination and went back to their offices better informed and equipped to recommend our islands to their clients.

Travel agencies also required reassurance despite Seychelles remaining active and visible throughout the pandemic through constant communication with the trade.

As global conditions improve, Tourism Seychelles continues to push forward with its mission to increase the destination’s visibility and attempt to increase visitor arrival figures, whilst stressing on the nation’s dedication on the safety of its population and guests.

As of week 15, Europe has attained 78.1% of the total market share, with France as the leading source market for the region. France is also the top market since January 2022 with 13,530 visitors and second-best performing market for week 15 with 1,064 visitors. Since January 2022, Seychelles has welcomed 1,174 Belgium visitors.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

Coming July 2, 2022, in Il-Fosos, Floriana

Lewis Capaldi, one of the most exciting names in pop music and multi award winner, will be making his debut at the iconic Fosos venue in Floriana, Malta on July 2, 2022.  Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, is well known for its music festivals in historic outdoor settings. ‘Il-Fosos’ or The Granaries, officially named Pjazza San Publiju, is also one of the largest urban open spaces in Malta and is frequently the site of entertainment festivals.

2019 opened with  Capaldi finding himself applauded from seemingly every critic spanning each and every corner of the globe. With 6 record-breaking back-to-back, and completely sold-out headline tours all over the world in less than 2 years, his ascent is, quite simply, unprecedented. From his humble beginnings, filling pubs, merely 24 months ago, to headlining Arena tours, selling out in seconds, all of which astonishingly happened before the release of his debut album, ‘Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.’

There’s no better introduction to his debut offering, than the worldwide Number 1 smash hit single ‘Someone You Loved’, which spent 7 weeks as the UK’s Number 1 single, shattering chart history at every turn. The album rocketed to number 1, where it spent no less than 10 weeks at the top of the UK albums chart, making it the  longest running top 10 album in UK history. 

The hit was nominated at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” and won the 2020 Brit Award for “Song of the Year”. That year, Capaldi also took home the Brit Award for

“Best New Artist”

The story soon became familiar all over Europe, Australia, Asia and finally, America, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100, propelling Capaldi into elite territory, joining  the likes of Adele and Ed Sheeran, all part of a handful of artists from the UK who reached the top of the American chart, shattering the 2 billion stream count in the  process.

We are excited to announce that, following recent updates to standing event protocols, Lewis Capaldi will now be organized as a controlled STANDING event! 

“This is sterling news for Malta’s tourism industry. Having another world-renowned artist heading to the Granaries during the upcoming summer, as part of an exciting calendar of events, will certainly boost Malta’s tourism prospects for the months  ahead,” noted Clayton Bartolo, Malta’s Minister of Tourism. He added “Having a quality product needs to be the order of the day if we truly want to  achieve our vision in making Malta a hub of tourism excellence for the years to  come.” 

“Malta is once again proving to become the ideal Summer destination for fans of all  kinds of music. We, at VisitMalta are proud to be welcoming Lewis Capaldi on the  Floriana in July as we continue to slowly recover from the disruption which was brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This event will be organized as a controlled standing event where all the COVID-19 mitigation measures applicable at the time of the event will be respected,” added Dr. Gavin Gulia, Chairman of the Malta  Tourism Authority.

Tickets for Lewis Capaldi: Live in Concert are already available, together with more information, at VisitMalta.com or by following this link. More information can also be obtained by calling our hotline: +356 9924 2481

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. For more information on Malta, click here.

About Il-Fosos, Floriana

‘Il-Fosos’ or The Granaries and now officially named Pjazza San Publiju, is also one of the largest urban open spaces in Malta and is therefore used for mass gatherings. One important gathering was held in May 1990 during the Pope John Paul II visit to Malta. During the second Papal visit on May 9, 2001, the Pope beatified three Maltese in this square, one of whom was eventually canonized (St. Gorg Preca). As Malta is a predominantly Catholic country, this is considered to be an important event in Malta’s history. A third papal visit took place on April 18, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI. The Isle of MTV summer festival is among other major events held here. For more information on Floriana click here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: [email protected]  

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Amanda Marconi

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: [email protected]