Archives for February 2023

A call was made today by Minister Bartlett as he presented “Resilience for Blue Economy” during Caribbean Maritime University Lecture Series.

Recognizing the tremendous contribution of the ocean to tourism development, Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has called on global tourism stakeholders to play a leading role in adopting and encouraging more sustainable values, attitudes, and practices that will promote healthy ocean and marine systems.

The Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.” 

“To ensure that the tourism industry plays its part in contributing to ocean sustainability there needs to be seriousness of intent, purpose and action among tourism stakeholders at all levels to address industrial actions that harm ocean and marine resources,” declared Mr. Bartlett. He added that: “Such firm commitment to sustainable behaviors and practices is necessary to help preserve the enormous benefits of healthy marine and coastal ecosystems to the economic livelihoods and survival of billions of people globally.”

Mr. Bartlett underscored that there was a moral responsibility on all industries, especially those that significantly harness or exploit ocean and marine resources in their value chains, “to make greater efforts to protect fragile and gradually depleting ocean and marine systems that have become increasingly susceptible to man-made phenomena.” These, he said, included ocean pollution, shipping and transport, dredging, offshore drilling, deep-sea mining, over-fishing and the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems linked to sea level rise and or global warming.

The Minister outlined that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has predicted that marine and coastal tourism will be the largest sector of the global ocean-based economy by 2030 generating some US$777 billion in global revenue and employing 8.6 million people.

Noting that small island developing states and other coastal nations were particularly reliant on coastal and marine tourism, Minister Bartlett cited that for the Caribbean, the industry accounts for a quarter of the total economy, and a fifth of all jobs. He drew attention to a 2016 study by the World Bank which estimated the economic value of the Caribbean Sea coastal and marine ecosystems at US$54.55 billion.

“Unfortunately, marine and coastal ecosystems are often threatened by tourism development.”

Minister Bartlett explained during the University Port Royal lecture that the areas that attract tourists have been coming under increasing pressure from the damage and pollution caused by tourist facilities and the supporting infrastructure.

Against this background, he pointed out that the Blue Economy approach recognized and placed renewed emphasis on the critical need for the international community to address effectively the sound management of resources in and beneath international waters by the further development and refinement of international law and ocean governance mechanisms.

Minister Bartlett said: “It is my view that a Blue Economy approach where ecosystem services are properly valued and incorporated into development planning will further advance the transition of the tourism industry.” He explained that this approach would aid in “guiding tourism development and promoting lower impact activities, such as ecotourism and nature-based tourism, where the natural capital is maintained as an integral part of the process.” 

He posited that efficiency and optimization of resource use were paramount whilst respecting environmental and ecological parameters, including where sustainable, the sourcing and usage of local raw materials and utilizing where feasible “blue” low energy options to realize efficiencies and benefits.

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

Tourism Seychelles welcomed the first major group of Chinese travel agents and media since reopening borders in China in early January 2023.

The group was in Seychelles between January and February and comprised travel agents, wedding planners and KOL media partners.

The agents and media’s focus were on the high-end market, weddings & honeymoons, eco-tourism and the cultural aspect of the destination.  They target both consumers directly through different channels, such as social media and business clientele through direct cooperation with different corporate businesses.

“Seychelles is an amazing destination that has more to offer than just sun, sea and sand.”

The group was amazed by the pristine natural environment of our granitic and coralline islands and the high quality of our products and services of our different properties on offer.  Together with the combination of the historical and cultural aspects of the destination, the agents concluded that Seychelles is a world apart from our competitors,” said Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, the Director for China, Tourism Seychelles.

Putting two of the biggest niches of the destination in the foreground namely weddings and honeymoons, the Chinese wedding planners that were present provided Chinese clients with premium planning and execution services for overseas destination wedding ceremonies for young couples who accept new concepts and are loyal to high-quality brands and services focusing on eco-tourism.

“The wedding planners were able to meet with different service providers from properties and locations, flower providers, local photographers and more.  Being able to be in the destination to understand what is physically possible and to draw up different business opportunities for the destination targeting the demanding Chinese wedding and honeymoon market is a very important step in developing this segment,” added Mr Lai-Lam.

The agents started receiving Chinese bookings to the destination well before the end of the visit. The Director for China further mentioned his satisfaction to have completed this first mission with the Chinese trade since 2020 and said that the reconnection with Seychelles would not have been possible without the support of the different Seychelles partners.

Partners involved on this marketing event included Payanke Lounge, Ponant, Story Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, North Island Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa, Raffles Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Praslin Seychelles, Pedaler Velo Island Tour, and Calou Guest House.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected] 

Trial run of self-driving electric vehicle underway at Frankfurt Airport – Eight-kilometer-long test route in airport’s secure area – Results key to efficient processes

Fraport AG Ground Services are currently trialing an autonomous baggage and cargo tractor. The electric vehicle will operate on an eight-kilometer-long test route within Frankfurt Airport’s secure area. The aim of the trial, which will take several weeks, is to determine whether and under what conditions an autonomous vehicle can support regular baggage and cargo operations on the apron.

Eric Agthe, Project Manager for Process and Product Development at Fraport, says: “Autonomous vehicles are a very promising future option for us as an airport operator. We’ve already trialed self-driving vehicles in some areas. But deployment on the apron on such a long route is a completely new dimension. Safety will be the top priority during the trial. The fact that we are tackling these kinds of innovative projects, despite the challenging operating conditions, once again emphasizes our role as a future-focused company.”

The test route starts in the eastern section of Frankfurt Airport’s apron in the baggage handling facility at Terminal 2, before heading southwards and approaching the future Terminal 3. The trial section is divided into three components, each of which present particular challenges for the autonomous vehicle. These include operations inside the baggage handling facility amidst other traffic and people, as well as in the open where there are few other vehicles. To ensure the outcome reflects real-life conditions with sufficient complexity, the test drives will take place both during the day and at night, in different types of weather.

During the test operations, the vehicle will operate at a maximum speed of 13 kilometers per hour and will tow a maximum of three baggage trailers or two large cargo trailers. A safety driver who has received special training and certification for the project will be present on each test drive. In an emergency, this person will immediately be able to react and actively intervene if an unplanned situation should occur.

Autonomous vehicles could provide significant support in daily ground-handling operations. Dennis Stein, Vice President Division Development, Logistics, and IT, says: “For Fraport, this project is of high importance because of its potential to facilitate more efficient deployment of staff in the future. Due to the size of the airport apron, our employees often have to cover long distances. If parts of these routes could be operated using autonomous vehicles, this would give the Ground Services teams more flexibility to handle flights even more efficiently.”

The trial with the autonomous baggage and cargo tractor will run until the end of March 2023.

Media Contact:

Maria Linden

Corporate Communications

Media Relations

Phone+49 69 690-70557

[email protected]

Tony Cortizas has been announced as Chief Marketing Officer for Unique Vacations, a representative company for Sandals.

Affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts, Unique Vacations Inc. (UVI) today announced the appointment of Tony Cortizas as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective immediately. Cortizas, a veteran hospitality marketer, brings more than 3 decades of creative storytelling and strategic brand building expertise for global hospitality names. He will report to CEO Jeff Clarke, strengthening his leadership role within the organization where he is charged with directing research, creative, and brand marketing for the hospitality brands under the UVI umbrella, particularly all-inclusive trailblazer Sandals Resorts and sister brand, family-friendly Beaches Resorts.

“Tony’s body of award-winning work demonstrates his proven ability to engage audiences over time and across channels with rich storytelling and opportunities that foster lifelong relationships between brands and customers,” said Clarke.

“We are thrilled to have his expertise as we take on the transformative work of exceeding the expectations of new generations of audiences to Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.”

Prior to his promotion to CMO, Tony Cortizas was SVP of Brand Development, a role he held since his return to Unique Vacations in 2021.  Before that, Tony spent fourteen years with Meliá Hotels International, most recently as Vice President of Global Brand Strategy where he led the strategic vision of the company’s entire brand portfolio, driving performance through optimization of the customer journey.

Tony was part of the Unique Vacations team, directing global advertising and working closely with agency partners and directly with Sandals Resorts International Founding Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

For more than a dozen years starting in 1995, they worked on consumer-facing campaigns, web design, digital marketing, and industry co-operative programs. These efforts, among many others, helped define and raise the profile of Sandals Resorts as the leading luxury all-inclusive vacation for adult couples and Beaches Resorts as the family market leader.

Since his return, Tony has been working to enhance the customer journey, from partners and vendors to travel advisors and ultimately guests as they engage with and experience the Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts brands.

“We are at an incredible moment in the story of all-inclusive hotels when the market is seeking clarity and resonance. I am thrilled to bring my point of view and passion to brands that I believe deeply in and create the winning differentiation they deserve,” said Cortizas.

About Unique Vacations, Inc.

Unique Vacations is an affiliate of the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts, including Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts and Fowl Cay Resort and Your Jamaican Villas, delivering the best Caribbean vacations to every sector of the market. Fulfilling sales, marketing, public relations, creative services, and web-based initiatives for Sandals Resorts, Unique Vacations works to effectively showcase and grow each distinct brand among consumers, partners, media, and industry professionals alike. Unique Vacations is also committed to the success of its retail travel partners, offering the most comprehensive agent education and reward and recognition programs in the industry and a stringent pricing policy that eliminates discounting, protects brand integrity, and avoids consumer confusion. For over 30 years, Unique Vacations has continued to successfully elevate the resort portfolio of Sandals Resorts as the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company.

Media Contact: The Decker/Royal Agency, [email protected]

New non-stop flights from the United States of America boosts air service connectivity on the island of Jamaica.

Continuing to expand gateways and ease of access to the island for US travelers, Jamaica welcomed new nonstop air service from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) with Frontier Airlines. In keeping with Jamaica’s warm island culture, the inaugural flight was celebrated with traditional festivities upon departure from the airport and arrival to the island.

The new flight, operating three times per week, will be the only non-stop service from the Denver market, opening this important region to the destination. The new service marks the third new launch with Frontier Airlines this week, with the airline inaugurating new flights from St. Louis on Thursday along with Chicago Midway expected today. In addition, Frontier Airlines will launch new service from Dallas in May which will bring the total number of gateways with Jamaica to nine.

“I am pleased to welcome this new service from Frontier as we continue to grow our partnership together, said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica Tourism Minister.

“It has been a banner week for Jamaica and the airline with our launches in St. Louis, Chicago, and Denver.”

“It is a testament both to our strong partnership and the continued strong interest in Jamaica as a destination for U.S. travelers.”
 
“These new services will provide ever easier ways for our visitors to get to our shores and begin to connect with our rich culture and scenic adventures,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

“Our growth in Montego Bay and across the island is unmatched,” said Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Frontier Airlines.

“Our expansion to three popular American destinations provides tremendous opportunity for Jamaicans who are eager for even more convenient and affordable travel options.”

“Furthermore, we are thrilled to bring additional tourism and economic impact to Jamaica through this new service which will allow even more travelers from the U.S. to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, communities, and resorts.” 
 
In addition to a special welcome from Jamaica Tourist Board representatives at the departure gateway in Denver, the jet received a high-spraying water salute on the runway upon arrival from MBJ Airport’s Emergency Response Service firefighting unit. A Jamaican flag was flown from the cockpit, and disembarking passengers were greeted by officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board, Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association. In keeping with tradition, gifts were presented to the pilots and crew of the flights in appreciation of their service during welcome receptions to close out the festivities.

Frontier Airlines’ non-stop flights to Montego Bay from Denver and St. Louis three times weekly and Chicago one time weekly.

Please check here for additional information.
 
For more information on 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]