Archives for December 2022

Tourism Seychelles had the honor of attending the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

This esteemed event celebrates travel industry leaders, and Seychelles Tourism was an exclusive Travel Partner early in December 2022 at the One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The awards recognize the noteworthy contributions of the Tourism and Travel community to the global scene. The attending nominees and guests included CEOs, Managing Directors, High-Net-Worth individuals, and key personalities from the travel and tourism industry.

In attendance at the event, the Tourism Seychelles representative in the Middle East, Mr Ahmed Fathallah, presented some of the awards on-stage for the categories: Places to Stay in the MENA Region – Favorite Desert Escape, Favorite Destination Spa Resort, Favorite Family Hotel, and Favorite Hotel for Private Pool Villas.

In recognition and celebration of the finalists and award winners, a high-profile dinner was hosted after the awards ceremony, bringing together Dubai’s social elite.

“With the long-lasting relationship we have with Conde Nast Traveller, it is such an honor for Tourism Seychelles to be an exclusive Travel Partner in such a significant and grand ceremony as this one.”

“We are delighted for all the winners, and we come here together to celebrate the success of the entire tourism industry. Indeed, as the year ends, we can see that the travel & tourism industry has gotten back on its feet, and we are looking forward to more success for the industry in the MENA region and beyond,” said Fathallah.

The collaboration with Conde Nast Traveller was made through the Tourism Seychelles office in the Middle East. Recognized as the standard for excellence in the travel and tourism industry, Conde Nast Traveller’s Reader’s Choice Awards is held to celebrate the best-in-class destinations, resorts, hotels, airlines and destinations in the Middle East and beyond.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

The first of a series of direct flights from Kazakhstan landed at Seychelles International Airport December 27, 2022, with 137 passengers.

The flight, operated by the national carrier Air Seychelles, was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute and welcomed by the Minister for Transport, Mr. Antony Derjacques, and the PS for Civil Aviation, Mr. Alan Renaud, and the Tourism Seychelles Director-General for Destination Planning and Development, Mr. Paul Lebon.

Also present at the airport was Air Seychelles’ Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sandy Benoiton, and Tourism Seychelles Market Director, Mrs. Lena Hoareau.

The flight is the fruit of the historic bilateral air services agreement recently signed in October this year between Seychelles and Kazakhstan, allowing airlines to operate direct flights between the two countries.

A seasonal service will run until March 2023, providing twice-weekly flights for visitors from the region. Air Seychelles has further announced additional flights on the route during the festive season.

Tourism Seychelles’ Director-General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, expressed her satisfaction to have direct flights to Seychelles from this part of Central Asia, which can be a closer option for visitors from nearer parts of Eastern Europe.

“Although the market is still a small one for the Seychelles, Tourism Seychelles has been maintaining a presence over the years because we see the potential from the area.

“Now with this new direct service we expect to see more visitors from Kazakhstan and its neighboring region visiting our destination.”

“On our part, Tourism Seychelles is planning to intensive our marketing efforts and increasing our promotional activities on the market.

“We have already started with the series of collaboration with both local and international partners.”

 Seychelles has recorded 327 visitors from Kazakhstan from January to November 2022.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

In a recent statement about Sandals Foundation 40 for 40 programs, Executive Chairman explains how tourism can be transformed for the better.

Launched as part of Sandals Resorts’ 40th anniversary celebrations, 40 projects were identified across 8 Caribbean destinations where Sandals Resorts International (SRI) operates that best showcase the incredible link between tourism and its power to transform communities and improve local lives.

The 40 for 40 Initiative projects fall under 6 key areas:

– Conservation efforts and tours

– Investing in food security by supporting and working with local farmers

– Hospitality training and certifications aimed at ensuring ongoing excellence

– Support of local artisans

– Music education and entertainment

– Small business and community market support

Across the Caribbean, SRI team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches® Resorts and the Sandals Foundation rolled up their sleeves to help bring these projects to life.

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman at Sandals Resorts International, said: “We know that tourism has the power to transform. it transforms the lives of our locals, our team members, and even our guests who help impact our communities. This year, we especially wanted everyone to experience that kind of impact more intimately when we launched our Sandals Foundation 40 for 40 programs.

“Fast forward to today, and I am proud to share that we have exceeded our goals.”

“We set up 40 projects in 2022, and we completed 86.”

In its simplest form, to inspire is defined as the action or power of moving intellect or emotions, and at the Sandals Foundation, it is believed that the action of inspiring hope is a force that can move mountains.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, our foundation’s volunteers and members, guests, donors, and supporters for inspiring hope across the region and helping transform the Caribbean,” Stewart added.

“Here’s to seeing what more we can achieve in 2023.”

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. 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 within the key areas of Education, Community and Environment.

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

Sixty North American Jamaica travel specialists participated in an exclusive incentive trip and award gala.

The top 60 North American Travel Specialists from the Jamaica Travel Specialist (JTS) program were recognized and rewarded for a successful 2022 year at the annual One Love Affair at Secrets St. James Resort in Montego Bay. Fifty agents across the different regions of the U.S. and 10 agents from Canada were awarded during the four-day event.

For the past decade, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has hosted their annual One Love Affair to incentivize and celebrate their dedicated travel specialists. In 2022, 174,000 room nights (60,000 tourists) were sold from September 1, 2021 – October 30, 2022.

The agents work closely with their regional representatives from the JTB and their partners throughout the year to sell the destination.

From destination weddings to large group trips and smaller vacations, the specialists play a large role in the uptick in tourism to the island since the reopening post COVID. Jamaica is expected to see a continued growth in visitors to the island in winter 2023.

“Jamaica is projecting record-breaking arrival numbers for the upcoming winter season, and these loyal JTS agents from the United States and Canada have played a pivotal role in the destination’s success,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, JTB. “The One Love Affair gives us an opportunity to come together to recognize these top travel specialists, celebrate their achievements, and thank them for their ongoing support.”

Not only does the One Love Affair event celebrate the agents, but also ensures they are able to further familiarize themselves with the island during this time. The trip is an opportunity for the agent’s continued education of Jamaica by experiencing more of the island, touring the resorts, and ensuring the agents are informed and up to date on all the JTB’s latest updates.

“Jamaica Travel Specialists today form the core of advisors who inspire U.S. vacationers to select Jamaica for warm-weather vacations,” said Donnie Dawson, Deputy Director of Tourism, Americas, JTB. “We are excited to celebrate them this year and continue to support our travel specialists.”

As part of the One Love Affair celebration, agents and their plus ones were wined and dined during the evenings and taken on excursions during the day. They were able to select Reggae River rafting in the Lethe Village or a scenic catamaran tour. They also attended a chic, all-white beach party at Montego Bay’s Half Moon Resort. The elegant One Love Affair award ceremony featured dinner and dancing, a virtual presentation from Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and a special performance by famed Jamaican Dancehall artist, Beenie Man.

To register for the Jamaica Travel Specialist program, visit oneloverewards.com.

For more information about Jamaica, please go to visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

In 2021, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 14th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded four gold 2021 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’; as well as a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 10th time. In 2020, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 ‘Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Victoria Polansky / Cathy A. Preece

Lou Hammond Group

[email protected] / [email protected]

“Find out what people want, give it to them, and in doing so, exceed their expectations.”

“This was my father’s philosophy and what would become the mantra for the standard of hospitality excellence,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, remembering Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s guiding vision.

Sandals Resorts was founded by his late father, and Adam is only the second Chairman in the company’s 40-year history. He assumed the role after working alongside his father for more than 2 decades, serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International and, most recently, Deputy Chairman, leading the brand’s transition to its now Luxury Included® signature and overseeing a period of great expansion that also introduced the region’s first over-the-water accommodations and adding resorts in the new destinations of Curaçao and Saint Vincent.

“I can honestly say that it’s because of this mindset, and the dedication and excellence of the World’s Best team, that we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space.

“More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovations are created in the Caribbean.”

“Butch” Stewart blazed trails in the hospitality industry, and it all began with one resort and a big dream. Forty years later, he turned that dream into the World’s Only 5-Star Luxury Included® Vacation. Today, there are 20 Sandals and Beaches Resorts on 10 islands across the Caribbean — in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, and Saint Vincent.

Adam concluded: “We wrap up Sandals40 – a multi-layered celebration of 4 decades of innovation, trust, and love that all stemmed from this philosophy – while also reflecting on our milestones within the past 12 months – from the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of Sandals Royal Bahamian; the opening of Sandals Royal Curacao, a stunning new resort in a new destination; Caribbean-inspired uniforms for our team by the legendary Stan Herman; our Sandals Foundation’s 40 for 40 initiatives for our communities; and our launch of Future Goals in partnership with AFC Ajax – demonstrating our commitment to out-performing ourselves, with my dad’s DNA on everything we touch.”

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