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Jamaica Wins Top Accolades at World Travel Awards 2020

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Efforts by various government ministries and tourism partners to introduce robust COVID-19 health and safety protocols to facilitate the safe re-opening of the tourism sector continue to bear fruit as Jamaica has been named the World’s Leading Family, Cruise and Wedding Destination at the 27th annual World Travel Awards. Several leading Jamaican tourism entities have also won major accolades.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed appreciation for the accolades secured by the destination, stating: “We are indeed quite pleased that Jamaica has been recognized by the World Travel Awards for three top honors and that several local tourism entities have won big as well. This year has been a very challenging one and these awards are a testament to the hard work our industry has put in to safely re-open our destination with strict protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens, industry workers and visitors alike.”

“I was particularly heartened to learn that we received the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, as we are currently working with our regional and international stakeholders to see how we can safely re-start cruise, which is an integral part of the local economy,” he added.

The winners were announced at a virtual ceremony on November 27, 2020, from Moscow, after a one-year process of voting on the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.

During the virtual ceremony Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, said the winners, “have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges…The World Travel Awards 2020 program received a record number of votes cast by the public. This shows that the appetite for travel has never been stronger. With hope with the tourism bounce on the horizon, our industry can look forward to a resurgent and bright future.”

This year, more than 270 nominations were put forward across categories including best hotels, airlines, tour operators, cities, resorts and attractions.

The awards won by Jamaica and its tourism partners at the World Travel Awards are:

  • World’s Leading Family Destination 2020 (Jamaica)
  • World’s Leading Cruise Destination 2020 (Jamaica) 
  • World’s Leading Wedding Destination 2020 (Jamaica)
  • World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2020 (Fleming Villa at GoldenEye)
  • World’s Leading Villa Resort 2020 (Round Hill Hotel & Villas)
  • World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company 2020 (Sandals Resorts International)
  • World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand 2020 (Beaches Resorts)
  • World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company 2020 (Island Routes Caribbean Adventures)

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. It is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. Its annual program is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry.

More news about Jamaica

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

2020 Winner: Sandals Royal Bahamian Leading All-Inclusive Resort

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It’s no secret that Nassau in The Bahamas is one of the best places in the world to go on a worry-free all-inclusive vacation. This is because of all the amazing resorts that can be found in this beautiful and exciting island. At the top of the list you’ll find Sandals Royal Bahamian, located on Cable Beach, a 15-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau’s international airport. This romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort is specifically designed for couples in love and 2020’s winner of “Bahamas Leading All-Inclusive Resort” award (World Travel Awards).

Sandals Royal Bahamian takes luxury to new heights for couples who want to experience the lure of the Caribbean in an upscale resort setting, where everything is taken care of. This resort is often described as “historically regal” and “one the most elegant all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas”. Once you’re immersed in its European sophistication mixed in with exotic island appeal, you’ll understand why.

No other all-inclusive resort in Nassau offers guests a private off-shore island with a swim-up bar, seafood restaurant, spa, beach cabanas, and over-the-water hammocks. Make use of the Sandals snorkeling equipment for free and find plenty of tropical fish and turtles around this secluded island.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between at any of the 11 gourmet restaurants. Sandals Royal Bahamian offers you the most delicious dishes from a variety of cuisines. It’s all included, all unlimited. Want to have a double portion? No problem!

Order unlimited tropical cocktails (and other drinks!) at one of the 9 bars, including 3 swim-up bars. Let the bar staff make your favorite cocktail or have them make their signature cocktail for you. Always mixed with premium brand liquors and never watered down.

Insider tip: Get the royal treatment and be picked up at the airport by Rolls-Royce and drive to and from the resort in style. Book one of the following Butler Suites at Sandals Royal Bahamian to unlock this luxury inclusion: Windsor Honeymoon Hideaway Swim Up Crystal Lagoon Zen Butler Suite, Windsor Oceanfront Penthouse Butler Royal Suite, Windsor Oceanview Walkout Butler Royal Suite, Windsor Honeymoon Oceanview Butler Royal Suite or the Windsor Oceanview Butler Royal Suite. A ride (and suite) to remember!

Exclusive Rolls-Royce airport transfers are just part of the Sandals Luxury Included® difference.

No other resort brand in The Bahamas has more quality conclusions than Sandals.

See what else is included:

Included from the moment you set foot in Nassau

Besides the restaurants, bars and offshore island that made Sandals Royal Bahamian famous, here are some of the other inclusions:

Water sports

Get into water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and even try out water trikes or hobie® cats. Whatever you choose, one thing is certain – there’s no better way to strengthen your bond with your partner than by trying something new together! It’s all included.

Scuba diving

Nassau is one of the best places to scuba dive in the Caribbean. Scuba diving trips are included for certified divers (max. two tanks a day) staying at Sandals Royal Bahamian. That includes top-of-the-line equipment and professional staff. Not certified? No problem! Get PADI® certified at the resort and dive the rest of your vacation for free!

Land sports

What’s your favorite land sport, and when was the last time you made some time for it? If you can’t remember, your Sandals vacation may be just the right opportunity to pick it up and brush up on old skills.

Whether you like land sports like beach volleyball, day & night tennis, croquet, basketball, or you want to try things like table tennis, lawn chess, board games, shuffleboard, or taking daring shots from the pool tables, your Sandals vacation is the perfect time for you to show that special person just what you’re made of!

Day and night entertainment

Expect hip and fresh Caribbean entertainment day or night during your stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian. While there, spend some time at the Piano Bar or the Amphitheatre, and experience events like Caribbean Night, White Night, Talent Night, Sandals’ Carnival Party, live bands and shows, and so much more!

Fitness center with a view

Active vacations are all the range! Have a vacation that’s as active (or relaxed) as you would like with options of spending some time at Sandals’ Penthouse Fitness Center with an amazing view over the turquoise waters of The Bahamas. You’ll be able to get into (free) group fitness classes or try more personalized training sessions. Either way, you’ll be able to get moving and keep fit!

Free Wifi

Wifi is included in all rooms and common areas. Stay connected with family and friends and share the amazing views from the beach on social media.

Tips, taxes & gratuities

Experience service excellence with all tips, taxes, and gratuities already taken care of – it’s included in your booking, with exception of the butlers (in case you booked a butler suite). Tipping the butlers is common, but entirely up to you.

Free airport transfers

Sandals includes direct round-trip, non-stop airport transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle for all room categories. Some suites even come with private luxury transfers!

Tip: On arrival, make an appointment at the Red Lane® Spa to get a mind and body reset that will help mellow you out so you’re perfectly tuned to have the vacation of a lifetime. Try treatments like the Night Blooming Jasmine Massage, or the Scents of Love Couples Massage. Note: treatments at the Red Lane® Spa are not included in your stay.

Butler Suite or not?

Sandals Royal Bahamian offers guests three room categories: Luxury, Club and Elite Butler. Luxury suites are the entry-level rooms. Club Level suites come with access to the Sandals Club lounge and free room service from 7 AM until 10 PM. There will be a Club Level menu in your room to order from.

The Butler Elite suites are the most luxurious level of suites at Sandals. This category of accommodation takes service and luxury to a whole new level as it includes a personal butler trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

If you choose to stay in a suite of this category, you can expect that your butler will greet you on arrival with lemongrass-scented hand towels, welcome cocktails, and even culinary treats. Your butler will escort you to your suite and fill you in on the various resort facilities, and you can check-in from the comfort of your suite. Once you’re checked in, you can tweak accommodation preferences, tour the resort, or just relax – you’ll get a personal cell phone to reach your butler whenever you need assistance.

Butlers can also make dinner reservations, book tours, spa treatments, and other activities on property. They’ll get up early in the morning to reserve your favorite cabana near the pool or on the beach. This especially comes in handy during peak season from December to April.

Butlers can even serve you lunch, dinner, culinary treats, your favorite cocktails and champagne from any restaurant or bar on the beach, at the poolside or in your suite.

Read more: Most Common Sandals Butler Requests: Prepare to be ‘WOWED’.

Note: Guests at all rooms in Sandals Royal Bahamian have access to all amenities and inclusions (with exception of the Club Sandals lounge). The higher-end suites come with privileged locations and a better view. Every room comes with a free to use mini-fridge stocked up with cooled water, soda, juice, local beer and Robert Mondavi wines.

Benefits of staying at an adults-only all-inclusive resort

  • Worry-free state of mind. Without having to think about the little things and leaving the ‘cherry on top’ in the hands of well-trained staff, couples are able to spend more time appreciating each other during their romantic escape.
  • Value for money. When everything is included, you can enjoy The Bahamas without limits. Where you can expect to pay $10 USD for a beer and $20 USD for a cocktail at a regular resort in Nassau, at Sandals all-inclusive resort you order what you want, as much as you want. Drinks at Sandals are always mixed with premium brand liquors and never watered down. Even the mini-fridge in your room is stocked and free to use!
  • Socialize without limits. Adults only means there won’t be any kids running around, and you can focus on enjoying an experience with other guests. This means plenty of opportunities to make new friends for life. Great place to start: the swim-up bar at the main pool!
  • Room for intimacy. Sandals adults-only resort in Nassau is social when you want to connect with other couples, and intimate when you want to have some time with just the two of you. Cuddle up at the enchanting fire pits and find secluded spots for romantic rendezvous. Sandals’ rooms and suites are ‘made for romance’, so you can expect to be encapsulated in love from the moment you check in and are escorted to your room.
  • Every night is date night. With 11 gourmet restaurants on-property, Sandals Royal Bahamian offers its guests delightful dishes from all over the world. From French cuisine at Baccarat, to Italian delicacies at Casanova. From teppanyaki at Kimonos to a tranquille dining experience on the water at ‘Gordon’s Pier Restaurant’. It’s all included, all unlimited.

Bonus: Best places to visit in Nassau as a couple

Combine the comfort of Sandals Royal Bahamian with the experience of exploring Nassau. After all, the island is small enough to discover its highlights within the time span of a few days. Don’t leave the island before considering the following points of interest with your significant other!

1. Rose Island

Location: North-East of Nassau (day trip)

Photo credit: Liz Miller/Shutterstock.com

Rose Island is considered one of the “Out Islands” in The Bahamas, which basically means that it is located a boat ride away from New Providence/Nassau. Rose Island is loved by visitors and locals alike for the peace and serenity to be found there which serves as the perfect opportunity to be away from it all.

Rose Island makes the perfect day trip for couples, and there are tours you can sign up for which include lunch and a welcome drink (there’s also a beach bar). Some tours also include snorkeling and swimming with the pigs, which sums up to a pretty awesome beach experience!

2. Blue Lagoon Island

Location: North-East of Nassau (day trip)

Photo credit: Victor Maschek/Shutterstock.com

Taking a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island is one of the top things to do while in Nassau. This is a private island and it is loved by people who value a pure environment and want to spend some time in an eco-friendly zone. On this island, you’ll have lots of time to enjoy some great Bahamian beaches and swim with dolphins or sea lions.

Blue Lagoon Island is about three miles from Nassau, and it won’t be difficult finding a way to get there from the capital city. Blue Lagoon Island is a great day trip for couples and families alike.

3. Clifton Heritage Park

Location: West of Nassau

Photo credit: photravel_ru/Shutterstock.com

Clifton Heritage National Park to the west of Nassau is a good option if you’re looking for a place packed with history and culture where you can also find great views and snorkeling opportunities (see the world’s largest underwater sculpture!).

This is a very mixed landscape, which includes rocky areas, white sand beaches, wetlands, and more. You’ll be able to learn more about early inhabitants of The Bahamas here, which includes the Lucayan people, and their architectural preferences. Bring your own drinks and end your day relaxing on Jaws Beach.

4. Nassau’s Historic City Center

Location: Downtown Nassau

Photo credit: Ramunas-Bruzas/Shutterstock.com

Make your way down to the historic city center of Nassau on a sunny day and marvel at the colorful colonial buildings. Start by visiting Fort Charlotte and make your way down to Parliament Square and the Queen’s Staircase. Grab a lunch at Senor Frogs and a craft beer at Pirate Republic. Shop around and bring some rum cake home from the Rum Cake Factory, and sample some rum at the John Watling distillery. End the day by having a cocktail at vibrant Junkanoo Beach.

5. Love Beach

Location: West of Nassau

Looking for something a bit more low-key? Love Beach is often mentioned as being Nassau’s favorite beach by the locals. Get yourself a rum punch at the Nirvana Beach bar, find yourself a good spot on the white sand beach and float around the calm turquoise waters, while watching the planes fly over. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Looking for a night out? Consider having a beer and burger at Philosophy Smoke House on Thursday night for some live music (20-minute taxi ride) and dance the night away at Bond Nightclub (5-minute taxi ride) on the weekends.

Rather party during the day? Besides Sandals lively swim-up bar, consider Senor Frogs and Junkanoo Beach (both located downtown, on a 15-minute taxi ride from the resort). Remember that drinks in The Bahamas can get quite expensive. Guests can have unlimited free drinks at Sandals Royal Bahamian to get in the mood!

A whole new meaning of “all-inclusive” in Nassau!

Get ready for a vacation in paradise that blows your socks off from the comfort of Nassau’s best all-inclusive adults only resort. The stunning attributes of The Bahamas, and the ever-aiming-to-please attitude of team Sandals collides in these islands in a spectacular way, leading to a vacation experience that’s second to none.

With world-class accommodations, a private offshore island, and plenty of gourmet dining options, it really doesn’t get much better than Sandals Royal Bahamian for the perfect adults only all-inclusive vacation in Nassau!

Book today and get ready to fall in love all over again!

Sandals Royal Bahamian rooms
Sandals Royal Bahamian photos
Sandals Royal Bahamian restaurants
Sandals Royal Bahamian map

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

The Seychelles Islands Remain a Tourist Favorite

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The mystical Seychelles Islands remains a fantasy escape for travelers across the globe and, although the vicious pandemic has dwindled travel, the destination maintains its allure.

On the path to a slow yet steady recovery, the tropical paradise has seen the arrival of 98,894 up to November 15, 2020.

Based on data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, since re-opening to commercial flights on August 1, 2020, the Seychelles International Airport has seen the arrival of 9,272 visitors.

Since then, up to date, the local tourism industry’s traditional markets have remained steadfast with the UAE as the top visiting region with 3,065 visitors, followed by Germany with 2,328, Switzerland with 1,495, the UK with 662 and France with 298.

In week 46, the airport has seen 1,154 arrivals with the same markets remaining strong during this time hailing 628 visitors from Germany, 218 from Switzerland, 83 from the UAE, 72 from South Africa and 55 from Austria.

Additionally, since the resumption of Air Seychelles flights to South Africa, there has been an increase in the number of visitors from the region from 11 in week 45 to 72 in week 46.

Reviewing the recent tourism arrival numbers, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated that the current situation leaves little room for previsions of trends as travelers are booking very close to their travel date.

“The last quarter of 2019 alone, Seychelles received 104,079 visitors; therefore, the numbers presented this year may seem dull in comparison. However, looking at the bigger picture, these same figures are monumental for the local tourism industry. At current, our marketing approach is flexible and in constant evolution. We are doing so without deviating from the very crucial goal of keeping our people safe,” said Mrs. Francis.

Mrs. Francis further stated her gratitude to the local industry, international partners and the airlines who are pushing for Seychelles to remain visible and accessible during these challenging times.

Keeping abreast on client’s sentiments regarding the safety of visitors in the destination, a small-scale pilot study was conducted by STB’s Strategic Planning and Market Intelligence Team in collaboration with Hilton Northolme, and the data collected comes as a beacon of hope for the local tourism industry.

With support from Hilton Northolme, the Market Intelligence Team was able to evaluate tourists’ travel motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing tourists’ perception of the destination during the COVID-19 pandemic, measure tourists’ level of safety and satisfaction in Seychelles during the pandemic as well as capture issues and challenges faced by travelers when travelling to Seychelles in the ‘new normal’.

The findings revealed several key information as 100% of respondents stated that they felt safe being in Seychelles during this time, with 81% claiming to feel very safe. Furthermore, 100% of respondents claimed that they would recommend travelling to Seychelles during this time and 17% responded that they came to Seychelles to seek refuge from the pandemic.

The data collected convey growing confidence in the travel industry especially in the Seychelles where the local authorities have united to implement extensive safety measures whereby the low infection numbers have created a sense of security in the minds of travelers. The study is expected to be repeated with a bigger sampling.

As the pandemic swept across nations and fear of travel rose, Seychelles made safety central to its recovery strategy. As the main marketing body for the islands, STB has been advocating for safe travel for months now, through a myriad of campaigns and participation in virtual summits and webinars addressing the safety of travelers and tourism recovery.

“Safe tourism is not an option for Seychelles but rather a must. This is not only for the safety of our people but also especially for the restart of our industry, which was, until we were hit by the pandemic, a flourishing one. Our commitments for safe tourism have been ably supported by the various partners on the tourism task force,” said the STB Chief Executive.

During these moments where reconnection with loved ones and family and the much-needed escape are desperately sought after, the Seychelles Islands, with its pearly white beaches meeting crystal waters and spectacular landscapes, fulfils these desires whilst keeping the safety of travelers and locals its highest priority.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  

What’s New in the Islands of The Bahamas this Winter

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It’s Better in The Bahamas this winter as the country welcomes international visitors to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. From hotel reopenings with exciting deals to the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board’s $500 air credit, The Bahamas is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an escape from the cold this holiday season.

NEWS

Ministry of Tourism Launches Interactive Island Guide ­– In an effort to make planning a safe, much-needed Bahamian getaway more seamless, the Ministry of Tourism introduced an interactive map that provides visitors with an island-by-island guide of the most up-to-date guidelines, including business hours of operations, beach access and more. Hotel Reopenings Across The Bahamas ­– Atlantis Paradise Island is scheduled to reopen on December 10, 2020, and Eleuthera’s French Leave Resort is set to reopen December 15, 2020. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Exuma’s Grand Isle Resort & Spa are both scheduled to reopen December 17, 2020. Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort will reopen January 28, 2021, while Sandals Emerald Bay will reopen February 1, 2021. Exuma and Long Island Airport Expansion[FE(1] s ­– Exuma International Airport is getting a major upgrade. The project, which is slated to begin next month, will expand the terminal from 2,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. The country is planning additional airport expansions for Long Island, which is expected to be completed in March 2022. The project will expand the airport’s runway from 4,000 feet to 6,500 feet.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages. Out Island Black Friday Air Credit – The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board is offering a $500 air credit this Black Friday to help travelers plan their next Bahamian vacation. Credit is applicable when pre-booking an air-inclusive 7-night package at a participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member hotel. Travelers must book by November 30, 2020 and travel by January 31, 2021. Blackout dates apply. Atlantis First Night Free Package – In celebration of the resort’s reopening, Atlantis is offering guests their first night free with a two-night minimum stay. Bookable between November 10 – 22 and valid for stays between December 10 – 17. Baha Mar Dream Away and Getaway Package – Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is offering guests 20 percent off just in time for the resort’s December 17 reopening. Book by December 6, 2020 for stays through April 4, 2021. Coral Sands Resort Credit – The beloved Harbour Island resort is offering a $100 resort credit inclusive of daily continental breakfast for two and access to all non-motorized water sports when staying for a minimum of two nights. The offer is valid through December 15, 2020.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards Recognizes The Bahamas’ Still Rockin’ Campaign – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation’s Still Rockin’ campaign was awarded the best destination advertising/marketing campaign. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the campaign highlighted The Bahamas’ 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country’s record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019. The awards also recognized the Ministry’s From Bahamas With Love campaign, which was awarded silver in the destination marketing TV commercial category.

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 fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas. MEDIA CONTACTS:  Anita Johnson-Patty General Manager, Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation ajohnson@bahamas.com Weber Shandwick Public Relations Bahamas@webershandwick.com #rebuildingtravel

Health and Wellness Key to Driving Tourism Industry Post COVID – Bartlett

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Health and wellness tourism has been identified as a key area that will help to drive growth in the Jamaica tourism industry moving forward, in light of the new norm created in the global travel and hospitality market, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This position was outlined by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the opening of the two-day Jamaica Health and Wellness Tourism Conference now underway at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. This is the second such conference being hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and with physical attendance restricted by COVID-19 protocols, this year’s event is being streamed live to online participants.

Minister Bartlett said: “Health and Wellness will become one of the key cornerstones for destination differentiation in our tourism marketing. This is primarily because the new demographic emerging, Gen C, are going to be the new drivers of travel and they are going to require destinations that have strong health security properties.”

He noted that the Jamaican people are key players in the new thrust. “This is one of the reasons why we are going to be focusing heavily on building the capacity of our people to better take care of themselves and also to provide those elements of care that are going to be fitting the need that the visitors have when they come to the country,” said the Tourism Minister.

He proffered that the coronavirus pandemic has provided a new opportunity in the health and wellness tourism arena while also creating great demand for the island to be more pristine by making a greater investment in destination assurance. “Jamaica is going to have to establish itself as a destination where the confidence that the visitor wants, that he is going to be safe and secure, and he will have a seamless experience, is never second guessed,” underscored Minister Bartlett.

He says Jamaica’s tourism marketing will focus heavily on that as it seeks to woo back hundreds of thousands of visitors whose travel plans have been derailed since February this year by the pandemic. In that regard, Mr. Bartlett disclosed that an international team has begun work on Jamaica’s Destination Assurance Policy which will become the guiding light for the country’s own strategies to ensure better management of the destination.

The new tourism marketing thrust is supported by President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Clifton Reader who said “coming out of COVID-19 there will be a great demand, especially for older people travelling; they have the money to travel and they are going to bring their families, but, of course, they have preexisting conditions.”

Stating that health and wellness tourism was a very lucrative US billion dollar industry, Mr. Reader said: “When you look at the economic viability of this area, it is tremendous and Jamaica is so poised with all the facilities we have.” The JHTA president also said it was very important that through collaboration with government and private stakeholders, that the medical facilities within Jamaica be developed to attract more travelers.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Seychelles National Carrier Returns to Tel Aviv

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Sunny Seychelles draws closer to its Israeli market with the resumption of Air Seychelles flights on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

A resounding success, as flight HM022, operated by the destination’s national carrier from Ben Gurion Airport on the evening of Tuesday, November 17, 2020, landed at Seychelles International Airport at 0745hrs.

The resumption of these flights followed the addition of Israel on the Public Health Authority’s Category 1 list of countries permitted to enter Seychelles, which was reviewed by the local authorities and became effective as of Monday, November 16, 2020.

A growing market for our small island destination, 5,185 people visited Seychelles in 2019.

Speaking of the strategy for the market, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated that the long-term strategy of the tourism board has been to attract the affluent segment including young couples and young professionals on the market.

“It is great news for us to know that our national airline has resumed its flights to Tel Aviv as the demand from the Israeli market remains very positive for the destination. With the pandemic and our status as a safe destination making Seychelles even more attractive for visitors, it places us at the peaks of holiday searches,” said Mrs. Francis.

She further commented that with limited destinations available for Israelis to travel in the next months, having a direct flight, the destination would definitely see an increase in numbers from Israel.

Remco Althuis, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer explained: “Tel Aviv is now the second route to be re-established unto the Air Seychelles network after Johannesburg, which was restarted on 7 Nov. Following the positive response received from the Israeli market after an 8 month absence on this route, we will continue to work closely with international and local authorities to meet the travel demand whilst ensuring the health and safety of its guests including flight crew remains a top priority.”

Air Seychelles will be operating four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Tel Aviv to Seychelles during the month of November with the Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, Fridays returning flights set to depart Seychelles at 1730 hours to arrive in Tel Aviv at 2150 hours.

The late evening departure flights from Tel Aviv gives visitors a smoother travelling experience as it allows them to rest throughout their flight and feel rejuvenated as they are greeted by sensational surroundings in the tropical paradise of Seychelles.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel   

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

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Those daydreams of catching a flight, sipping on tropical cocktails, sunbathing on white-sand beaches, and enjoying the luxuries of total privacy are finally coming true — and it all began with Sandals Grande Antigua. A singular, but bold reopening that served as a beacon of hope for the future of travel. Sandals Resorts #backtohappy isn’t just a hashtag.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy
Take a dip into all-inclusive luxury and privacy at Sandals Grande Antigua.

Stepping back into paradise, Sandals wanted to ensure that every reopening was as safe as possible for both guests and team members. That’s why all 18 resorts implemented the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. By training all staff and mapping out a list of 18 touch points, Sandals Grande Antigua was first to put the protocols into action and to start getting guests back to their happy place in the Caribbean.

It was a long-awaited turning point in which Caribbean tourism had officially begun its comeback and Sandals Resorts was leading the way, giving travelers a reason to grab their passports again.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Grab your passports and retreat to pure happiness at Sandals Resorts.

And now, Sandals is giving everyone more reasons to get #BackToHappy.

12 Luxury Included® Resorts open with more on the horizon: #BackToHappy

Step onto any Sandals or Beaches Resort right now and you’re guaranteed to experience pure bliss after simply taking a look around. There’s a deeper appreciation for the magnificent blue oceans, the vivid sunrises, the beautifully manicured gardens, and those golden Caribbean sunsets. Happiness can be seen radiating all throughout the grounds.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Take a seat poolside and watch the vivid sunrise at Sandals South Coast with your other half.

The Caribbean breeze carries the scent of fresh seafood across expansive acres of land, gourmet kitchens are back to work serving up some of the world’s best cuisines, couples are rekindling their romance in their private pool sanctuaries, and families are leaving nothing but happy footprints in the sand. All of life’s simple luxuries are finally back and better than ever.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Stroll hand-in-hand and enjoy all of that family time at Beaches Negril.

15,000 team members: #BackToHappy

Everywhere you look, team members are seen smiling through their eyes because they are genuinely happy to be back doing what they love the most — delivering exceptional hospitality to guests. From PADI® certified dive instructors and exceptional bartenders to Red Lane® Spa specialists and butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, the ‘heartbeat’ of Sandals is now beating stronger than ever before.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Sandals team members are ready to deliver the 5-star vacation you’ve been dreaming of.

World renowned chefs are back in their happy place, beloved bartenders are mixing up the best cocktails, playmakers are taking entertainment to new heights (literally entertaining guests while on stilts), and so much more. The team is going above and beyond to take care of guests and showcase just how warm their hospitality is. We all need a little R&R with some built-in luxury, and Sandals and Beaches are ready to over-deliver!

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Take your love to new heights and rekindle the romance in a Penthouse Skypool Butler Suite at Sandals Grenada.

Friendly, new faces and the loyal guests who have become family: #BackToHappy

There’s no denying it: an oasis for two sounds pretty picture-perfect right now. Because Sandals is a trusted brand for nearly 40 years now, couples and families are grabbing their passports and escaping to paradise because they want to get back to doing what makes them happy.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Get #BackToHappy and soak up some Caribbean sun at Sandals Resorts.

Across every resort, guests can be seen reveling in luxury again, soaking up the Caribbean sun right from their private beach-side cabanas, reconnecting with each other over private candlelight dinners beneath the stars, and suspending themselves in over-the-water hammocks made for two, while sipping on piña coladas. All of this bringing them #BackToHappy in the process.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Sip on your favorite cocktails with 360-degree views of the ocean at Sandals South Coast’s Latitudes Overwater Bar.

It’s a universally acknowledged truth that travel makes people happy, and Sandals and Beaches Resorts want to get everyone #BackToHappy. From expansive resorts built with social distancing in mind to impeccable service that puts guests first, Sandals has always been a strong leader in the hospitality industry. Couple that with reuniting its incomparable staff and guests with all-inclusive luxury and the most mesmerizing destinations on earth… now, that’s something we can all be happy about!

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Ready to boost your happiness and rekindle your love for paradise? Learn more about planning an all-inclusive vacation with Sandals or Beaches Resorts now.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Christmas in Malta Comes to Washington DC

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In July, the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government of the Republic of Malta partnered with Museum of the Bible to host an exhibition contest of handcrafted Nativities from artists of the island nation of Malta and its sister island, Gozo. Now, 10 finalists have been selected to have their Nativity scenes displayed at the museum as part of the Christmas in Malta exhibition. 

“The high level of quality of the cribs submitted for this competition testifies to the dedication and craftsmanship of the Maltese and Gozitan crib-artists,” a Malta Winds article noted. “An expert jury chose the cribs to be sent to Washington, DC. These cribs offer very varied themes, with some incorporating the Maltese landscape as part of the crib structure. Some of the crib-artists have even decorated their crib with original statues.”

The apostle Paul is credited with bringing the gospel to Malta (Acts 28) around A.D. 60. For centuries, the people of Malta and Gozo have celebrated Christmas by crafting Nativity cribs for display in homes, outside and in churches. According to Keith Azzopardi, ambassador of Malta to the United States of America, the earliest known Maltese Nativity was built at the Dominican Friars Church in Rabat, Malta, in 1617. The Nativity-building tradition in Malta began to flourish during the 1800s and early 1900s. 

“Through this exhibition, we are providing the opportunity for Maltese and Gozitan artists, works, and craftsmanship to be recognized for their intrinsic cultural and religious value around the world,” said José Herrera, minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government of Malta. “The exhibition is certain to generate interest in religious tourism and Maltese expression of Roman Catholic worship traditions.”


Select Image of finalists in the handcrafted Nativity scenes from Malta on display at the Museum of the Bible

The 10 finalists will be displayed at the museum from Nov. 16, 2020, through March 2021.

Museum visitors and social media followers are invited to select the winning Nativity. Votes may be cast in person at the exhibit or online via museum Instagram and Facebook pages.

The first-place Nativity will become a permanent part of the Museum of the Bible’s collections, and the nine other finalists will continue to be showcased in exhibitions in Malta and globally through 2021. 

“We are excited to showcase these beautiful Maltese and Gozitan Nativity scenes at the museum,” said Jeffrey Kloha, Ph.D., chief curatorial officer for Museum of the Bible. “I believe visitors will enjoy seeing how the Christmas story is told through this rich tradition. Again, we give special thanks to His Excellency, Ambassador Azzopardi, for helping to bring these Nativities to the Museum of the Bible.”

Additionally, Malta President George Vella gifted the Museum of the Bible copies of the first printing of the Bible in Maltese. Ambassador Azzopardi presented the Bibles Thursday, Oct. 29, during an event hosted at the Museum of the Bible as a prelude to the Nativity exhibition.

More information on the Museum of the Bible is available here. 

Select Image of finalists in the handcrafted Nativity scenes from Malta on display at the Museum of the Bible

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 sights 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, visit www.visitmalta.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg

P 212 213 0944 

F 212 213 0938 

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com 

MTA US/Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/Gabriela Reyes

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: visitmalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Condor Colors Return to the Seychelles Islands

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Some 224 visitors from Germany and its surroundings disembarked in Seychelles as Condor airlines made a special return to paradise Seychelles, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. 

The airline operated a special charter in collaboration with DER Touristik, a German tour operator, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and Mason’s Travel in the aim to ignite the spark for Seychelles for visitors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

Working in partnership with the STB and Mason’s Travel, DER Touristik- prominent European tour operators and a market leader for long haul travel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland- gave the honor to Seychelles to be the first destination for such a charter since March.  

Ensuring the success of this venture, sixteen local accommodation partners joined the project and created various attractive packages, which included special honeymoon packages for newlyweds, a booming market segment for the pristine paradise.  

In line with the new travel prerequisites to enter Seychelles, the various packages included a travel health insurance required for entry with Covid-19 coverage and the super carefree package from DER Touristik, which protects holidaymakers in the event of Covid-19 related incident. Travelers were allowed to cancel their trip free of charge up to 14 days before departure. 

The collaboration carries hope for the local tourism industry, as the operated Condor charter was a fully booked one with passengers excited to be away from the confined cities to experience the mystical beauty of the islands until their return flight on November 21, 2020. 

Speaking about the special flight to Seychelles, the STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to see the interest of the visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“Our collaboration with Mason’s Travel, Condor, DER Touristik is in anticipation of the resumption of the Condor flights at the end of the year. We are glad to see that the interest of our visitors and partners from the market is still present. Germany remains a very important market for Seychelles and as such, is vital that we remain very close with our partners,” said Mrs. Francis.

On his part, Mr. Christian Zerbian, STB representative on the German market stated his satisfaction to see the response of the visitors from that market to the offer.

“This is a definitely a very positive outcome of the efforts invested these past few months. There is still a lot of potential for this market to produce even more and we are striving to make the return on Condor on the Seychelles route beneficial for the destination,” said the STB Representative in Germany.

Safety has become pivotal to rebuilding confidence in the travel industry, through this partnership between the destination, airline, hotels and DMCs, traveler safety remains central throughout the entire travel chain starting from departure extending throughout their stay.  

Condor is expected to resume flights to Seychelles on December 18, 2020, with a direct weekly flight from Frankfurt.    

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Jamaica Tourism Minister Addresses Pandemic in Travel and Tourism

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Bartlett, who recently received the Tourism Heroes award from the World Tourism Network, addressed this morning the Tourism Recovery discussion hosted by EU Commissioner Elena Kountoura.

Here is a transcript of his speech:

Global travel and tourism have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNWTO reported a 65% drop in international tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2020. In 2020, the global travel and tourism market is predicted to experience a loss of 121 million jobs worldwide and USD 3,435 billion in global GDP.  Evidently, the sector is facing a crisis of historic proportions with no clear timeline for a return to normalcy in sight.  The pandemic has elicited various responses from destinations globally to generally mitigate the economic fallout and prepare for recovery in the post covid19 era.  One of the foremost responses has been for tourism stakeholders to pay closer attention to their frameworks for building confidence in their destination security during this period of heightened anxiety and uncertainty.  After the initial period of border closures, which brought international tourism to a halt, many destinations, beginning in May/June, began to roll out plans for controlled reopening that generally emphasized reassuring international tourists that it was safe to visit.  This has meant a heightened focus on health and safety protocols.

In the initial reopening phase, some destinations limited the reopening of tourism  to domestic visitors and  between specific countries, through the introduction of a  “travel bubble” that allowed tourists to travel feely between two  countries which have both recorded relatively low deaths from covid-19,  before gradually opening up to international tourists.   Other destinations have developed comprehensive health and safety protocols.  In Jamaica, my ministry introduced our Tourism Industry Post Covid-19 Protocols, which were developed to ensure the safety of the workers in the industry, as well as to build confidence among travelers to adapt to “the new normal” of additional health and hygiene practices. The protocols, which are contained in an 88-page document, cover all segments of the industry including –Airports; Cruise Ports; Accommodations; Attractions; Tourism Transportation Operators; Craft Traders; Water Sports Operators; General Security and Public Safety; and Mega Events. The COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols have been endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The protocols have been globally recognized as providing leadership in tourism COVID-19 management arrangements and when fully adhered to, will make Jamaica among the most COVID-19-resilient destinations in the world. Generally, most hotel and resorts island-wide have introduced protocols to mitigate  the spread of COVID-19, including increased physical distancing, wearing of masks in public places, removal of shared or self-service items, installation of handwashing/sanitisation stations, visible cleaning taking place frequently, and more contactless/tech-based transactions.

We have also introduced the concept of resilient corridors to boost the country’s ability to manage and trace the movement of tourists along controlled corridors of the island.  We have strategically planned the reopening stages, first requiring travelers to stay on the resort grounds and now giving them freedom to visit attractions within the Resilient Corridors using transportation approved under the Tourist Board. The Resilient Corridors, which encompass the majority of the island’s tourism regions, provide the opportunity for visitors to enjoy more of the country’s unique offerings, as many coronavirus (COVID-19)-compliant attractions, located along the Corridors, are authorized for visits by the health authorities. The Resilient Corridors will play a key role as the sector continues on the path to recovery.

This crisis has also provided countries with the opportunity to untap hidden sources of resilience. Reduced international travel has forced destinations to pay closer attention to domestic markets which they have traditionally overlooked or underutilized.   My ministry recently launched a Rediscover Jamaica campaign, which is an initiative to encourage Jamaicans to take advantage of the country’s many tourism products and attractions through lower-priced staycation packages based on lower rates. The initiative has received tremendously positive reception from locals, with some hotels reporting 60-80 % reservations from locals.  As we look to the future many destinations are realizing the benefit of incentivizing local tourism to offset seasonal downturns in international tourist arrivals as well as volatility in the global tourism .

Recovery plans for the post-COVID era are also well-advanced in most countries. As devastating as the pandemic has been, it will not be permanent.  Recovery of the tourism sector will, however, not be an automatic, seamless experience. Recovery has to be carefully planned and managed to ensure the desired results. To this end, my ministry has already unveiled a  five-point plan for the recovery of the tourism sector  which includes developing robust health and safety protocols, increased training for all segments of the tourism sector, building safety and security infrastructure, and acquiring PPE and hygiene tools. This framework is based on public-private sector collaboration consisting of key stakeholders from the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism, and Agencies of the Ministry. It will be supported by two Working Teams – one for general tourism and another for cruise tourism – and a Secretariat. These  specially -assigned teams will  promote a realistic view of the sector’s baseline or starting position; develop scenarios for multiple versions of the future; establish the strategic posture for the sector as well as a broad direction of the journey back to growth; establish actions and strategic imperatives that will be reflected across various scenarios; and establish trigger points to tackle action, which includes a planned vision in a world that is learning to evolve rapidly.

Global responses have also paid attention to the human side of the impact of the pandemic on tourism specifically as it relates to the well-being of displaced workers and the survival of small businesses.  At the onset of the pandemic, my ministry entered discussions with commercial banks for them to provide temporary cash-flow support to businesses and consumers in affected sectors through deferral of principal payments, new lines of credit and other measures.  We have also provided fiscal stimulus for displaced workers and business through the provision of various grants and cash transfers. Also, to ensure that tourism workers are using this time to develop competencies for the post-covid19 tourism sector, since April, we have been providing 11 free online courses for tourism workers as part of the Government’s thrust to ensure the continued development of employees in the sector. The courses are offered in areas such as laundry attendant, gift room attendant, kitchen steward/porter, public area sanitation, hospitality team leader, certified banquet server, certified restaurant server, Servsafe training in food safety, certified hospitality supervisor, introduction to Spanish, and disc jock (DJ) certification. 

To further strengthen the responsiveness of the sector to the current crisis as well as future ones, the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre intends to establish a tool to facilitate reliable measurement of tourism-related risks  as well as to  ensure that there is a  repository of information with policy implications for international tourism. The idea of The Global Tourism Resilience Barometer (GTRB) will ensure that tourism stakeholders will have be access to a centralized  instructional and supportive tool that will help them to develop sound policies and identify mechanisms that will help to reverse  divisive and disruptive trends that are threatening the sector.  This Framework will essentially assist policy makers and stakeholders to determine the level of tourism resilience readiness across countries. Through the framework and index, stakeholders will be able to:

– Determine, through a composite score and ranking, how well a country is doing as it relates to tourism resilience.

– Identify Tourism Resilience gaps across countries and, implement corrective strategies to prepare these countries for various disruptions.

– Enable progress on global tourism resilience to be measured over time.

– Access new insights which will deepen understanding of global tourism resilience by enabling comparisons and facilitating conversations based on broader, long- term considerations rather than some of the usual insular considerations.

I am also proposing a Global Tourism Resilience Fund to equip vulnerable countries to be able to respond, manage, and to then recover and grow after disruptions.  The Fund would especially target destinations that are recognized as facing high vulnerability but have insufficient financial capacity to prepare for and recover quickly from disruption.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729