Archives for July 2022

Jamaica’s second city has been ranked the top summer travel recovery city of 2022.

The revelation follows a summer travel Outlook Report that was produced for the World Travel Market (WTM) by ForwardKeys (provider of travel trends and analysis).

The summer travel outlook 2022 report revealed that “at the city level, summer travel recovery is being led by Caribbean destinations namely Montego Bay, Jamaica” with a positive growth of 23%.

The report also shared that Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Cancun, Mexico, placed second and third, with 19% and 14% increase, respectively. Twenty cities were listed in the report, with Cairo, Egypt, and Delhi in India rounding out the top 5, cities.

Montego Bay is among the most resilient destination cities.

This is based on reported data, which showed a comparison between international tourist arrivals for Q3 2022 and Q3 2019. Montego Bay, the capital of St. James on island’s north coast, is a major cruise ship port with numerous beach resorts.

Meanwhile Jamaica Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, who recently shared that a part of the sector’s recovery strategy was meeting with long-standing tourism partners to get a feel of market sentiment and projections, is pleased with the news, has expressed delight with the news.

Mr. Bartlett said this is proof that “Jamaica is bouncing forward from the devastating impact to the sector by the COVID-19 pandemic,” adding that we are truly resilient.” The Tourism Minister noted also that the industry is “now more than before, poised for a full recovery.” The country has seen record figures for arrivals and earnings over the last year.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

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

The number of visitors to Seychelles has surpassed figures for the whole of 2021 during the third quarter of 2022, proof of tourism recovery in the country.

The 182,850th passenger disembarked at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, topping the 182,849 passengers who traveled to the island destination last year.

As a token of appreciation, the passengers of the morning flights were treated with small gifts from the Tourism Department.

The Director-General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, noted that given the difficulties the tourism sector has endured these past two years, she is proud of the great feat that has been achieved.

“We are delighted to once again be celebrating a significant milestone in our journey towards the recovery of the local tourism industry.”

“Reaching 2021 figures in only 7 months, is an achievement that would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of the government and private sector. We are keeping our eyes on making yet another hit in our 2022 arrival numbers,” said Mrs. Willemin.

Emphasizing the importance of remaining competitive as a destination, Mrs. Willemin added that the tourism team has been focused on reinforcing its marketing strategies and intensifying its online presence.

“As a destination, we are striving to remain diligent and continue to maintain a strong presence in all our markets, through our participation in the various trade and consumer events taking place. However, we also bear in mind that the like COVID-19 pandemic and recently, the Russia-Ukraine unrest, including other global situations can quickly change, which in turn, could affect the progress that we have made,” she added.

As in previous years, Europe remains the main market source, which accounts for 73.83 per cent of all arrivals. Leading the European market are France and Germany, with the former drawing in a total of 24,615 visitors since the start of the year to week the end of week 29. Behind the European market sits the Asian market, with the United Arab Emirates, Israel and India taking the lead, respectively.

Now that the COVID-19 measures have eased and the outdoor mask-wearing mandate has been removed, Seychelles is slowly transitioning back to pre-pandemic life. It is hoped that with this favorable advantage, the country can pick up where it left off two years ago.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

Discounted Stays, Off-the-Beaten Path Experiences, and Belizean Holidays and Celebrations Await Guests in September

Victoria House Resort & Spa, Belize, an idyllic beachfront resort on the largest of the offshore Belizean islands, Ambergris Caye, is proud to offer guests 20% off when reserving a Luxury Villa, Infinity Suite, or Casa Azul for travel between September 1 and 19, 2022. Recently voted among “The 10 Best Resorts in Central America” by Travel + Leisure readers, Victoria House Resort offers luxurious accommodations, a host of adventurous activities, and unparalleled access to natural wonders from its location one mile from the Belize Barrier Reef. In addition to enjoying discounted stays in select accommodations, relaxing spa treatments, and memorable meals at the resort’s celebrated culinary establishments, guests can expect demonstrations of Caribbean spirit and celebration throughout Ambergris Caye during September, when a month long of countrywide celebrations kicks off with the national holiday, The Battle of St. George Caye, and continues with weeks of parades, concerts, and colorful carnivals to commemorate Independence Day on September 21.

“Savvy travelers know that September is one of the best times to visit Belize and immerse in Belizean culture, and we welcome all to take advantage of this time period with discounted stays,” said Victoria House Resort & Spa General Manager, Janet Woollam. “In addition to enjoying tourist off-season in September – the perfect time to visit low-trafficked sites like Mayan temples – guests will witness Belize’s colorful, invigorating independence celebrations right here in Ambergris Caye.”

For weeks leading up to Belize’s Independence Day on September 21, guests will be able to partake in countless festivities.

These include plentiful local food, live music, parades, marches, public dances, and a significant component of the patriotic September celebrations – carnival.

Victoria House Resort & Spa is an idyllic home base from which to explore festivities in San Pedro Town and explore the island of Ambergris Caye, which is renowned for stunning natural beauty and relaxed Caribbean vibes. With infinity-edge pools, a private beach, and an onsite excursion and PADI-certified Fantasea Dive Shop, Victoria House Resort & Spa is both a tranquil destination where guests can enjoy total relaxation, and a launchpad to exciting adventures. In addition to activities such as bicycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and fishing, guests can explore nearby ancient Mayan temples, go zip-lining over jungle canopies teeming with adorable Black Howler Monkeys, join a rainforest expedition, or visit the World Heritage coral reef for an extraordinary diving experience.

The resort’s world-class accommodations provide the perfect environment to retreat after a day of exploring and joining in Belize’s lively September festivities. Guests can stay in a standalone two-bedroom luxury villa featuring private terraces overlooking the infinity edge pool, a one or two-bedroom Infinity Suite boasting fully equipped kitchens and views of the pool, beach, and Caribbean Sea, or Casa Azul Villa, a multi-tiered beachfront villa that puts friends and family members in the lap of luxury, with private beachfront access, a full kitchen, covered patio, and a private pool set amongst lush landscaping overlooking the Belize Barrier Reef.

Guests booking travel from September 1 and 19 can save 20% on these three types of accommodations, which are perfectly suited for couples searching for romantic island getaways or groups seeking unforgettable vacations.

In addition to its stylish accommodations, Victoria House Resort & Spa is proud to feature a full-service spa and fitness facility and serves fresh, high-quality seafood and dishes with a local twist from three distinct culinary establishments for every occasion. Accessible via a 15-minute commuter flight from Belize City, Victoria House Resort makes it easy to plan a one-of-a-kind celebration this September, when Belizean culture is on full display.

About Victoria House Resort & Spa

Located in Belize on Ambergris Caye, the largest of the offshore Belizean Islands, Victoria House is just two miles south of picturesque San Pedro Town. The resort offers a taste of barefoot elegance that keeps guests coming back for more, with 42 guest rooms ranging in style from thatch roof casitas to beachfront villas with private pools, ocean view villas, and elegantly decorated rooms in a historically inspired two-story building. The Palmilla Restaurant and Admiral Nelson’s Bar are renowned for fine food and drink complemented by extraordinary, personalized service. Attention to detail by staff and management alike has won accolades from international media and awards from prestigious organizations such as Conde Nast Traveler, Conde Nast Johansens. For more information, please visit: victoria-house.com.

Media Contact: Glodow Nead Communications at [email protected]  

The Sandals Foundation is committed to investments that create a positive and sustainable impact on its communities and surroundings, including the people who live there and call the Caribbean home. Recently, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International made a donation through its Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) Program that funds key empowerment and educational programs of the Barbados organization.

In attendance at the ceremony commemorating the donation was Shamelle Rice, Director at Jabez House (seen center in the image), and Robert Smith, Business Development Manager, Ontario, Unique Vacations Canada Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts (seen extreme right), along with a group of female Canadian travel advisors from Ontario.

Sandals Foundation donated more than 50 pounds of feminine hygiene products to help combat the challenges of period poverty experienced by women who are transitioning from the sex industry through educational and vocational training.

The Foundation works closely with its neighbors, civic leaders, team members, travelers, and partners to harness resources, energy, skills, and passion in its lasting commitment to the Caribbean.

Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts Foundation President of the Board and Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman, said: “For us, inspiring hope is more than a philosophy; it is a call to action. It is about equipping our people with confidence, empowerment, and fulfillment, while providing communities with real sustainable solutions to the problems they encounter each day.”

For more than four decades, Sandals Resorts International has been involved in giving back to the local communities in the Caribbean islands. The establishment of the Sandals Foundation became a structured approach to making positive change within the areas of education, community, and environment. Today, the Sandals Foundation is a true philanthropic extension of the brand; an arm that spreads the gospel of inspiring hope across every corner of the Caribbean.

Sandals sees its own acts of creating inspiration come right back to them. “We, in turn, are inspired daily by [the people’s] resilience, their creativity, and their tenacity to achieve a better life. Our immeasurable rewards have been the progress and success of our programs and the beneficiaries. In its simplest form, to inspire is defined as the action or power of moving intellect or emotions. We, the Sandals Foundation, believe that the action of inspiring hope is a force that can move mountains.” Stewart added.

The Sandals Foundation is a non-profit organization launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the Caribbean. It empowers lives by creating and endorsing initiatives that engage and inspire people through skills training, sports, and health initiatives which help to tackle complex social issues head-on to strengthen communities. It encourages dream that provide both children and adults with essential tools such as scholarships, supplies, technology, literacy programs, and mentorship, and teaches training to help them reach their full potential. And it cultivates a tomorrow that promises to raise environmental awareness, develop effective conservation practices, and teach future generations how to care for their communities and resources in the islands.

All costs associated with administration and management is supported by Sandals International so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly towards funding impactful and meaningful initiatives.

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

Junkanooers, Bahamians, and friends of The Bahamas will converge Thursday, July 28, at Bunche Park in Miami Gardens for the first ever Junkanoo Fest 242 sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA). The 4-day cultural festival, running from July 28-31 is organized by Conch Pearl Entertainment and seeks to celebrate the connection between South Florida and The Bahamas while showcasing the talent and creativity of Bahamian artisans to a wider audience.

The festival officially opens to the public on Friday, July 29. Lady Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, will be a special guest at the festival on Friday and Saturday. A main highlight of the festival will be a unique Junkanoo rush out where festival attendees are invited to bring drums, whistles and cowbells and join the more than 100 Bahamian and American Junkanooers in a 2-day parade contest. Davis will present the awards to the winners of the competition during an awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon, July 30.

Festival goers can expect to be treated to an authentic Bahamian fashion show and a Bahamian cultural show.

Featured will be Bahamian artists such as Sweet Emily and Ilsha with the Motion Band.  There will also be booths displaying authentically made Bahamian products and vendors with a variety of Bahamian culinary treats and beverages to choose from.

Junkanoo Fest 242 will culminate with an Honors Banquet on Sunday night, July 31, where 10 community-minded Bahamian residents of South Florida, will be recognized for their commitment to preserving Bahamian heritage through the creation of programs and support services in their respective communities.  

To learn more information about Junkanoo Fest 242, please visit Bahamas.com/junkanoo-fest and visit Conch Pearl Entertainment 242 | Facebook. For more information on planning escapes to The Bahamas, please visit Bahamas.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at bahamas.com  or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

Director, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

[email protected]