Archives for March 2023

With abundant opportunities for cultural immersion, exclusive experiences, and vacation deals across The Bahamas’ 16 islands, large families, groups of friends, and couples alike will enjoy their time in paradise.

NEWS

JetBlue Airways Launched New Daily Service to Nassau from New York — As of 30 March, JetBlue offers daily direct flights to Nassau, the nation’s capital, from LaGuardia International Airport in New York. Travelers will reach the destination in just over three hours.

South Eleuthera Hosts Five-Day Rock Sound Homecoming Festival — Celebrate Easter at the Rock Sound Homecoming Festival. Taking place from 6 to 10 April 2023, festivities include local food and family-friendly entertainment.

Sloop Sailing Competition Returns to The Exumas — Since 1954, the annual National Family Island Regatta has represented the best in traditional Bahamian sloop sailing. From 18 to 22 April 2023, sailors and boat builders will compete for the title of best-in-class on the crystal-clear waters of Elizabeth Harbour in Exuma as spectators cheer them on. As the sailing competition heats up on the waters,  onshore, each day features a schedule of exciting cultural activities at the Regatta Site, including culinary competitions,  craft exhibitions, games, cultural demonstrations, and musical entertainment.

Café Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar Hosts an Exclusive French Wine Tasting Experience — Renowned Chef Antoine Baillargeon has curated a one-night-only, four-course dining experience with Cos d’Estournel — one of the most prestigious wine cellars in Bordeaux, France — at Café Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar. The event takes place on 19 April, and pairings start at $180 per person and feature foie gras, Périgord black truffles, and escargots. Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Outstanding Conservation Efforts at Coral Vita Recognised in 2023 Global Vision Awards — Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards honor conservationists around the world, and this year’s winners included Coral Vita. This Freeport-based company creates high-tech coral farms to restore dying reefs.

The organization was recognized for its innovative approach to coral reef restoration and work underway on the Grand Lucayan Waterway. Travelers can book interactive facility tours for $20 per person.

Cat Island Breaks Ground on Multi-Million-Dollar New Bight International Airport — A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March for an all-new, multi-million-dollar airport development project on Cat Island, expected to be completed in two years. The New Bight Airport will serve as a port of entry, with customs and immigration services, and feature solar panels, smart lighting and rainwater collection.

Royal Caribbean Set to Debut Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in 2025 — For more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean and The Islands of The Bahamas have been dedicated partners, and this partnership continues with the first-of-its-kind agreement to open Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in 2025. The 17-acre club will be owned, built and operated by Bahamians and will feature private cabanas, pools and locally inspired architecture.

The Bahamas Signs Historic Agreement for the Nation’s First Zero-Carbon Resort in The Exuma Cays — The Government of The Bahamas has signed a $56 million heads of agreement for the development of Ki’ama Bahamas, which will become the country’s first fully sustainable, zero-carbon residential and yacht resort community in The Exuma Cays. The 36-acre property will be completely solar-powered and feature a protected marina, six private beaches, and 28 luxury residences.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visit bahamas.com/deals-packages. 

Save on Spring and Summer Getaways at Caerula Mar Club — Luxurious Out Island escape Caerula Mar Club, located on South Andros, offers guests who book three or more nights a 10% discount. Those making reservations for four or more nights will receive a $200 credit to apply to excursions or food and drinks. The booking window is now through 30 April 2023, for travel until 31 July 2023.

Bundle to Save at Atlantis Paradise Island — Located on five miles of white sand beaches; there’s much to explore at the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island. Guests heading there can save up to $300 when bundling their flights and hotel reservations. The booking window is now through 28 February 2024, for travel until 28 February 2024.

Private Pilots Visiting The Bahamas’ Out Islands Will Receive a $150 Credit — Private pilots who book a two-night stay at participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board hotels between now and  30 June 2023, for travel until 31 October 2023 will receive a $150 credit.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday.

The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples, and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at Bahamas.com  or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT 

Anita Johnson-Patty 

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation 

[email protected] 

Weber Shandwick 

Public Relations  

[email protected]

The automotive supplier Webasto continues to expand its EV (Electronic Vehicle) supply equipment product offerings.

These new offerings include the TurboConnect™ wallbox, Webasto ChargeConnect Application, and the next generation TurboDX™ 2.0 Plug-In wallbox.

Webasto Charging Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Webasto Group, today introduced two new wallboxes to its EV charging product family at the EV Charging Infrastructure USA Conference in Anaheim, Calif. and at the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada: the fully connected TurboConnect™ charger, featuring seamless integration into the Webasto ChargeConnect Cloud, and the next generation TurboDX™ 2.0 Plug-In charger.

The robust and reliable TurboConnect and TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In chargers are designed and manufactured to withstand any conditions while keeping users safe and secure. Certified according to global standardization bodies, like Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), the Level 2 EV chargers also meet the needs of private and commercial business applications such as residential, fleet, workplace and destination charging. Additionally, both chargers are available for order from business and automotive partners with a later rollout for end-consumers.

“We are really excited about taking this next step into the future of electrification and demonstrating that we are an ideal partner for addressing the needs of electromobility.”

Michael Bauer, Executive Vice President, Webasto Charging Systems, added, “Every battery needs to be charged, and the TurboConnect and TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In wallboxes offer a high-quality, high-performance solution for workplaces, fleets, dealerships and other public or private lots.”

Webasto TurboConnect™ Charger for private and commercial business applications

The TurboConnect Level 2 charger marks a new beginning in the era of electrification. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ethernet connectivity options, including OCPP 1.6J compatibility, the charger enhances the user experience while meeting the highest cybersecurity standards with a built-in Trusted Module Platform (TMP). The Webasto TurboConnect has undergone rigorous in-house validation assessments, including penetration testing and threat analyses, to ensure data remains private. Additional OTA software updates safeguard from zero-day exploits.

The Energy Star-rated wallbox charges up to 11.5kW at 240V with a maximum output of 48A, adding up to 50 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle. ETL-certified, this charger prioritizes safety with its continuous monitoring of ground, current and voltage, in addition to its leakage, thermal and auto-restart/recovery features. The TurboConnect charger also enables cost-efficient multi-system applications through capacity-based charging, also known as load balancing, and features a variety of interfaces, allowing it to connect easily to energy management systems and to provide optimized photovoltaic surplus charging. This makes it ideal for private, business, and public charging.

Webasto ChargeConnect App and backend now available in the U.S.

Webasto Digital Solutions, the perfect addition to the Webasto TurboConnect charger, puts EV charging administrators and end-users in complete control of their charging experience. Using the Webasto ChargeConnect Cloud, charging providers can benefit from efficient, demand-optimized charging. The Webasto ChargeConnect Dashboard allows for easy access to manage complex multi-charging sessions, checking on device status, retrieving charging history, controlling energy consumption, and much more.

For end-users, the app can easily connect with existing Webasto ChargeConnect Cloud services, enabling payments, data collection and analysis, and is now available for download on the app store.

Webasto ChargeConnect and the Webasto TurboConnect are the perfect pair for an outstanding and seamless charging experience.

TurboDX™ 2.0 Plug-In charger for cost-efficient and fast deployment

The second edition Webasto TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In saves time and project installation costs for residential or private parking lots. Designed with a focus on cost-efficiency and rapid deployment, this wallbox provides a reliable, efficient, and trustworthy EV charging solution. With no complicated setup or updates required, the TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In charger simply connects into a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. The slim and robust aluminum housing allows for flexible mounting options, including interior and exterior walls and posts, with the ability to support up to four devices on a single pole. It is also designed to withstand the harshest conditions and to perform under extreme temperatures.

The Webasto TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In charger provides a charging power of 7.7kW at 240V, adding up to 27 miles per hour depending on the vehicle. This wallbox ensures secure and reliable charging every time with future-proof safety features like a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and a thermal sensor on the NEMA 14-50 plug to prevent electrical hazard to you and your property.

Official Launch at the 2023 EV Charging Infrastructure USA Conference and the EV Charging Summit & Expo

The TurboConnect charger, together with the Webasto ChargeConnect digital solution, and the TurboDX 2.0 Plug-In wallbox will be launched at the 2023 EV Charging Infrastructure USA Conference and displayed at the EV Charging Summit & Expo, taking place in Las Vegas (March 30-31). Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to product experts, attend the Webasto thought leadership presentation on the importance of standards in the industry, and learn more about Webasto‘s EV product portfolio.

For additional details about the product and purchase options, please click here.

About Webasto

The Webasto Group is a global innovative systems partner to the mobility industry and one of the 100 largest suppliers to the automotive sector worldwide. The company’s offering includes in-house developed roof, heating, and cooling systems for various types of vehicles, batteries and charging solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles, and additional services related to thermal management and electromobility. Among the customers of Webasto are manufacturers of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and boats, as well as dealers and end customers. In 2021, the Group generated sales of 3.7 billion euros and employed around 15,700 people at over 50 locations. The headquarters of the company, which was founded in 1901, is located in Stockdorf near Munich (Germany). For more information, please visit webasto-group.com.

Media Contact:  Glodow Nead Communications for Webasto Charging Systems, Inc.: [email protected]

Venice, the city known for its grand canals and romance, is a destination that has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries.

But beyond the stunning architecture and rich history, Venice has also undergone a transformation that has made it a place to enjoy both traditional Venetian soul and modern hospitality, just waiting to be rediscovered by visitors. And now, with “White Lotus” season 2 set in Italy, the time to book your dream Italian vacation is now.

In recent years, Venice has embraced modern hospitality in the form of luxurious hotels, trendy restaurants, and chic cafes. You can now find world-class cuisine, craft cocktails, and cutting-edge design in the heart of the city. And with the recent renovation of many historic buildings, visitors can experience the best of old-world charm and the comforts of modern luxury.

At the forefront of Venice’s hospitality transformation is The St. Regis Venice, a luxury hotel that offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

A Transformed Venice Is Waiting to Be Rediscovered

The hotel is the newest hotel in Venice to undergo a complete renovation. Faithful to its motto “Cultivating the Vanguard”, The St. Regis Venice offers to its guests the opportunity to discover Venice from a very new perspective. The hotel unites the captivating spirit of the city with the timeless sophistication and service of the brand, re-interpreting Venice’s rich history through a modern lens.

From (1) showcasing contemporary art using the historical glassmaking techniques, (2) cocktails inspired by masterpieces of celebrated avant-garde artists to (3) the launch of the first electric charging post in Italy, The St. Regis Venice hopes to reshape travelers’ perception of Venice on their next trip to the city.

With the popular White Lotus season 2 set in Italy, the country is expecting an even busier travel year. Die-hard fans and travelers can live out their White Lotus Italian summer vacation dreams, by spritz-ing and adventuring throughout the breathtakingly beautiful city and live it up in luxury like the characters of the show at The St. Regis Venice.

SEEN IN IMAGE: View from The St. Regis Venice looking towards San Giorgio Island – image courtesy of The St. Regis Venice

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Executive VP, Glodow Nead Communications, US: 415-394-6500, [email protected]

Jamaica Tourism Minister announced plans to harness the potential of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee to stimulate economic growth.

The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Jamaica Tourism, said this will benefit local communities through the creation of a unique experiential tourism product. His vision for this includes the creation of a Coffee Innovation Town in St. Andrew or Portland, which would serve as a hub for showcasing the diverse attributes of this world-famous product.

The Minister made this announcement on Saturday, March 25, during the 6th annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, highlighting the importance of coffee to the Jamaican economy and the country’s cultural identity.

“We want to tap into this very large, elongated, wide, and deep coffee value chain, every link of which has potential for economic growth, development, and enhancement of individuals and communities,” he said. “We could build a coffee innovation town in the hills of St. Andrew and possibly Buff Bay, where we could utilize the various attributes of coffee to bring economic well-being to people and also to bring pleasure, joy, and satisfaction.”

The Minister explained how coffee could be a key driver of experiential tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world looking for unique and authentic cultural experiences.

“In tourism we have found that consumption is why we travel.”

“And the consumption patterns are created by the cultural offerings of the various destinations that we go to. And so for Jamaica to be able to attract a very wide demographic of all types of people from all over the world, we must increase the offerings of experiences that we offer in Jamaica,” said Bartlett.

“And a key area that we can maximize this experiential tourism is coffee because of its diversity and its whole broad application. Its capacity to be utilized in so many areas,” he added.

The highly anticipated event, which took place at the Newcastle Parade Grounds in St. Andrew, featured a plethora of coffee by-products on display, ranging from aromatic candles to indulgent food creations. More than 35 businesses from around the country showcased their unique and diverse coffee-inspired products, providing attendees with an immersive experience of the world of coffee.

During the festival’s opening, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, commended the event organizers, noting the event’s cultural and economic value.

“I’m very happy to be here because clearly agriculture is alive and well, and the cultural investment is alive and well. I see all the shops down here, and I’ve already tasted some of the products. But as a Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, wherever I go, I am there asking for investment to come into this industry because we have something very special here in Jamaica that we must continue to build,” said Minister Hill.

The 6th annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, organized by the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the TEF, showcased Jamaica’s rich tradition of coffee production and diversity of coffee through coffee-related products and experiences. It also included barista and mixology contests as well as entertainment from Etana, dBURNZ, the Silverbirds Steelpan Orchestra, and the Charles Town Maroons.

SEEN IN IMAGE:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, (second right), Minister of Industry, Commerce and Investment, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, (left) and Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace, (right) shares lens time with Marley Coffee proprietor Rohan Marley (second left). The occasion was the 6th annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, which took place on March 25, 2023 at the Newcastle Parade grounds, St. Andrew. – image courtesy of Jamaica Tourism Ministry

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alyssa Taffe

Communications and Public Relations Officer

Tourism Enhancement Fund

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 1(876)908-5970/Ext: 5721

Cell: 1-876-441-5055

Sandals Foundation and Beaches Ocho Rios Resorts have partnered with The Motivated Mom and Melanin-Media at the PhilMOMthropy Conference.

The inaugural 2023 PhilMOMthropy Conference is unlike any other event in the philanthropy sector. The event, which takes place at Beaches Resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, brings together women passionate about giving back to their communities through philanthropic leadership, advancement, and advocacy. In addition, attendees will receive educational content on governance, fundraising, skill building, and community impact with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and peer partners.  

The PhilMOMthropy mission is to increase the impact of non-government organizational (NGO) advocacy, fundraising, and influencer impact for moms and women of color. Providing opportunities for sector leaders and regional and national non-profit organizations to learn together and strengthen their fundraising, influencer, and advocacy work. Enabling women of color to build and sustain a collective approach toward work at their communities’ local, state, and federal levels.

Sandals Foundation, Public Relations Manager, Patrice Gilpin, said: “We are thrilled to support Melanin-Media in providing an engaging and memorable experience for women making a difference in their communities in the United States!”

“We are honored that these women and their families will support the work of the Sandals Foundation.”

“We share a common belief that the action of inspiring hope is a force that can move mountains! This collaboration will make a real difference in improving the educational infrastructure for students in Ocho Rios. Not only will the projects enhance traditional and digital literacy levels, but the investment in a community garden will strengthen the area’s food security – a key focus of the Sandals Foundation this year across the Caribbean.”

Attendees and their families will partner on four community initiatives with the Sandals Foundation. The first project is to paint and provide renovations and a technology lab for pre-K and kindergarten students at a local school. The second project focuses on helping residents build a community garden while providing education on how to sustain and monetize the garden for sustainable economic impact. The third community event is a reading road trip where volunteers will provide themed books and all school supplies in a backpack to children ages 3-6. The final initiative will donate laptops to high school students in need.

According to The Motivated Mom, LaToyia Dennis, CEO of Melanin-Media and Founder of PhilMOMthropy: “Women of Color are the most influential and essential workers for grassroots movements and non-profit leadership. Yet, they tend to receive the least funding. The PhilMOMthropy movement celebrates motherhood and social good while helping these women develop strategies to obtain capital to fund their non-profit organizations. It supports moms as they give back to their communities through leadership, community engagement, and meaningful partnerships to create long-term sustainable impact. Our collaboration with Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation enables us to provide a fun and unique educational experience to women in philanthropy and their families while giving back to the residents of Ocho Rios.”

Confirmed speakers to date include Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, Esq., SHRM-SCP, CEO of Dress for Success, Dr. Que English, Director for Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Froswsa’ Booker-Drew, Founder, Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation and President, Soulstice Consultancy.

To register for the conference, click here.

Sandals Foundation

For more than four decades, Sandals Resorts International has been involved in giving back to the local communities in the islands it calls home. The establishment of the Sandals Foundation became a structured approach to making positive change within the areas of education, community, and environment. Today, this 501c3 is a true philanthropic extension of the brand; an arm that spreads the gospel of inspiring hope across every corner of the Caribbean. For Sandals, inspiring hope is more than a philosophy – it is a call to action.

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