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Seychelles Tourism Board Partners with Esquire Middle East Awards to Celebrate the Industry’s Best

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In line with its marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) collaborated with ITP’s Esquire Middle East, the leading men’s magazine in the Middle East, for their ninth annual Esquire Award held at the One & Only Royal Mirage’s Arabian Court in Dubai.

The STB Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sherin Francis, and STB Representative based in Dubai, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah attended the award, which is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of men and women across the Middle East over the past year.

The One & Only Royal Mirage’s Arabian Court provided a magnificent ambience and picturesque views for the event, from the photo ops, to the center stage, and to the dinner, which successfully added a glamourous factor to the event.

Observed as one of the most stylish awards nights of the Arab region, the ceremony was filled with star-studded award winners, and for sure, some of very prestigious invitees on the Middle East region. 

“As the GCC region continuously provides positive reception to Seychelles as a destination, it was only natural for us to come onboard this project, which not only supports the region in their endeavors for expanding their horizons but also provides a center-stage for our holiday paradise. Events like this prove and celebrate that as time goes by, the region starts to be more well-known and flourish for the creative potential of Arab creators, visionaries and innovators – which opens doors for more collaborations in the future and of course more exposure,” mentioned Mr. Fathallah, who worked closely with the event organizers.

The STB Representative in Dubai Ahmed Fathallah was given the honor to present three of the prestige Esquire awards, namely the ‘Humanitarian Award’ to Kashif Siddiqi and Bacary Sagna, “Comedian of the Year” to Ahmed Helmy, and Comeback of the Year to Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci.

The Esquire Middle East Awards event acknowledges the brilliance of creative talents in art, film, music, fashion, and literature in the region, as well as the newcomers in the said fields.

With the fantastic food and drinks from the One & Only Royal Mirage, and the great music and atmosphere, the attendees agreed it was a wonderful night to never forget.

More news about Seychelles.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

Bahamas Tourism Director General Named Caribbean Tourism Director of The Year

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Director General Joy Jibrilu impresses leading tourism experts to win coveted Caribbean Travel Award

Expert stewardship and deft handling of the post Dorian climate in The Bahamas were just a few of the attributes that landed the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, the prestigious title of Caribbean Tourism Director of The Year, according to the Caribbean Travel Awards.

Director General of Tourism of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Mrs. Joy Jibrilu responded to the announcement of the award:

“I’m still processing the gravity of such a prestigious award. It is indeed both humbling, personally gratifying and a great way to end, what has been quite a year. This award is not just for myself; it’s the final result of a collaborative effort from an exceptional team. From the communications team to our sales team globally, meticulously working in tandem towards a clear and concise vision. Hurricane Dorian was perhaps the greatest challenge ever faced by our nation. Naturally, the destructiveness of Dorian attracted lots of international media attention. It was critical for us to quickly manage the narrative in the storm’s aftermath, to disseminate the accurate message about the effects of the storm on our destination, to ensure that the world understood that only two of our islands were affected by the storm and that the vast majority of our islands are unaffected and open for business.”

Launched in 2014, the Caribbean Travel Awards are the region’s premier celebration of the best of travel and tourism. Winners are selected by The Caribbean Journal’s editorial staff and network of contributors and based on year-round research and on-the-ground travel experiences and information.

“Joy Jibrilu has done an admirable job for The Bahamas in a year of immense highs and tragic lows, from a rapid tourism surge earlier in the year to calmly leading the destination through the tragedy of Hurricane Dorian — and quickly getting the message out about how and where to visit The Bahamas,” remarked Alexander Britell, Editor in Chief and Founder of The Caribbean Journal.

Mrs. Jibrilu was appointed Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in May 2014, where she has worked passionately to promote The Islands of The Bahamas. She began her government career in 2005 working as a consultant and later legal advisor for the Ministry of Finance. Jibrilu later served as the Director of Investments for The Bahamas Investment Authority, where she was responsible for the facilitation of all FDI projects and negotiated and worked on Heads of Agreements for major touristic developments, including the $3 billion dollar Baha Mar resort.

Prior to joining the public sector in The Bahamas, Mrs. Jibrilu, an attorney by profession, lived in West Africa and England where she worked in international education, serving as a Director of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) for nine years. During this time, she traveled extensively throughout sub-Saharan Africa providing training in board governance and legal counsel on international contracts, institutional reform, dispute resolution, arbitration and conflict prevention.

“Being named Tourism Director of the Year by Caribbean Journal, a leading regional travel publication, is a very rewarding accolade that means so much to me, personally, and also to our destination. This award crowns a year that has seen us in The Bahamas rise to meet one of the greatest challenges dealt to our tourism economy,” remarked Director General Joy Jibrilu.

The Director General now joins the ranks of five others who have received this distinguished award since its inception. The official award presentation will be held at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Marketplace at Baha Mar, January 21 – 23, 2020.

About the Caribbean Travel Awards

The Caribbean Travel Awards, which were first launched in 2014, are the region’s premier celebration of the best of travel and tourism. Winners are selected by Caribbean Journal’s editorial staff based on year-round research and on-the-ground travel experiences and information.

Media Contact:

Rissie Demeritte
Sr. Manager Domestic Communications
[email protected]

Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards

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Antigua and Barbuda celebrated the success of a record-breaking year in Tourism by hosting the inaugural annual Black Pineapple Awards Ceremony in New York on Wednesday, December 4th. The Black Pineapple Awards – eponymous to the Black Pineapple that is only found in Antigua – were created solely to honor the partners, tour operators, resorts, travel agents and media, who have diligently and tirelessly worked to promote Antigua and Barbuda. The Black Pineapple Awards, held at Sarabeth’s Park Avenue South, was hosted by the US Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) led by Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton and special guest, ABTA CEO, Colin C. James. The evening celebrated 40 partners who played a key role in helping the twin-island nation reach record-breaking numbers of visitors in 2019.

ABTA CEO, Colin C. James shared the importance of the awards, “I am incredibly proud of the record-breaking tourism arrivals Antigua and Barbuda have seen this past year – none of which would be possible without our incredible partners across the industry. We have been lucky enough to see consecutive years of tourism growth, and our vision is continue this growth and become the premiere destination not just in the Caribbean but in the world. We know we will only achieve this with the help of our partners and friends. The Black Pineapple Awards offer us a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to everyone and celebrate our wins together.” 

With over 150 attendees at the invite-only Awards, guests were treated to celebratory cocktails and dinner, with live music and dancing as entertainment. In addition, guests were provided hand massages and private consultations from Aveda Spa sponsored by Antigua’s Sugar Ridge Resort, which features the only Aveda Spa in the Caribbean. Guests left with gift bags carrying Aveda products, Antigua and Barbuda branded gifts, and the opportunity to be awarded a $1,000 social media campaign prize from ABTA’s business partner: Sugar Mill Estate. Every guest left talking about Antigua and Barbuda, armed with further information of why the twin islands are the hottest destination of the Caribbean.

Dean Fenton, ABTA US Director of Tourism, explained why the team launched the annual awards, saying “The tremendous achievements Antigua and Barbuda has seen would not be possible without the support of our partners who represent the highest standard of excellence in the travel industry. The bonds between our islands and travel partners empowers us to grow stronger – both in the US market and abroad. The Black Pineapple Awards allow us to express how grateful we are to awardees and guests for their tireless dedication and work in positively promoting our twin-island nation. We are excited about ending the year on a strong note and look forward to beginning the new decade on an even higher one.”

Awardees: Lynn Miller – AAA, Iris Citron – Alice Travel, Linda Clark – Alice Travel, Mary Delello – All About Travel, Amy Hiles – All Inclusive Outlet, Lynn Minard – Altour, Roberta Diaz – Apple Leisure Group, Tom Nero & Team – Avenue Travel, Dawn Anderson – Beaches And Beyond Travel, Anna Wells – Blue Waters, Gary Randall – Blue Waters, Robert Papkin – Bob’s Ultimate Travel, Mandy Cameron – Carlisle Bay, Carolyn Waffle – Carolyn Waffle Certified Travel, Feona Bailey – Catamaran Resort & Spa, Verna Hartlove – Charm City Travel, Kandi Edelstein – CI Travel American Express, Lilliana Musmanno – Classic Vacations, Andrew Michellin – Cocos Hotel, Patricia Cooney – Concierge Travel, Robert Sherman – Curtain Bluff, Wendy Eardley – Curtain Bluff, Brianna Kastukevich – Custom Travel, Michelle Thurston – Destinations Weddings Travel, Mark Hennigan – Dreamers Travel, Rod Hinds – Elite Island Resorts, Sherrie Ault – Elite Island Resorts, Susan Hammond – Endless Travel, Kerri Brewster – Escapes Unlimited, Ted Friedli & Team – Excel Travel, Susan Jeske – Finding Paradise With Sue & Travel Wize, Lindsey Taylor – Flight Centre Travel Group, Carol Rice – Frosch Mann Travels, Lian Alston – Generation Al Travel, Heather Travis – Globe Getaways, Natalie Faggianelli – Gramatan Travel, Donna Borrelli – Hamden Travel, Andy Thesen – Hermitage Bay, Karen Bull – Hermitage Bay, Andrea Wolter – Intoxicating Travel Group, Jodi Lubin – Island Destinations, Kim Sheer-Goldstein – Journey’s Inc., Beth Mollo – Largay Travel, Bill Lynch – Largay Travel, Molly Sumption – Molly’s Caribbean, Jill Smith – Moonlight Travel, Ian Fraser – Nonsuch Bay Resort & Spa, Jim Marino – Oyster Bay Travel, Annie Davis – Palm Beach Travel/Altour, Alison Turner – Powell Travel And Tours, Vivian Gringer – Power Travel, Katherine Schweiger – Prestige Travel Group, Kimberly Jacoby – Romantics Travel, Ruby Stanfield & Team – Rubys Travel, Elisabeth “Lili” Richter – Saddle River Travel Service, Alice Mccalla – Sandals, Gen Edwards – Sharp Travel Int’l, Janet Haber – Simplicity Travel, Debbie Ryan – Springhouse Travel, Roseann Freeman – Spring House Travel, Vernon Jeffers – Sugar Ridge Resort & Spa, Susan Peavey – Susan Peavey Travel, Rufus Gobat – Tamarind Hills Resort & Spa, Heather Coyle – The Journey Group, Sally Jane – Smith & Team- The Travel Smiths, Susan Coulton – Travel Dreams Unlimited, Cookie Carney – Travel Experts, Heather Howard DiPietro – Travel Sales Group, Paula McCarty- Travel Smart With Paula, Marianna Darie – Traveling With Marianna, Leslie Kepplinger – Trips Ahoy, Karen Cavadas – Twinsburg Travel & Cruise, Howard Kaplin – Tzell Travel, Marilyn Pires – Tzell Travel, Barry Posner – Ultimate Vacations & Honeymoons, Lila Nicholas – Uniglobe Travel, Jennifer Doncsecz & Team – Vacations By VIP, Jacqueline Cort-Thomas – Villas At Sunset Lane, Brenda Oneale – With This Ring Destination, Devin Joseph – Yacht Club.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.  Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda  Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
ABTA Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton, Anna Wells from Antigua’s Blue Waters Resort & Spa and ABTA CEO, Colin C. James
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
The Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
Guests at Antigua & Barbuda’s inaugural Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate tourism heroes at Black Pineapple Awards
Antigua & Barbuda branding at the Black Pineapple Awards

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Gillo

PM Group

E: [email protected]

M: 646.628.4895

Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso; Asilia Africa; Nikoi Island/The Island Foundation; ME TO WE (we.org) will receive 2019 World Tourism Awards

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The 2019 World Tourism Awards will be presented to  Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso; Asilia Africa; Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation; and Me To We (WE.ORG), on the opening day of World Travel Market (WTM) London, November 4, 2019 at ExCel London.  The awards are co-sponsored by The New York Times, The Travel Corporation, United Airlines and host sponsor Reed Travel Exhibitions. Emmy Award-winning journalist, Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and world-renowned travel expert, will host the award presentation.

The distinguished 2019 Honorees are being recognized for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and for fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.

The World Tourism Awards will honor Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, in recognition of Virtuoso’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices; and its mission to make sustainability a greater factor in consumer choice when traveling – to preserve, protect and advance the local culture, environment and economies of the lands they visit and to increase success for those who are dedicated to travel as a force for good.

A World Tourism Award will also be presented to Asilia Africa, in recognition of Asilia’s multi-pronged approach to make a positive impact on the local communities, wildlife and vital ecosystems of East Africa. Through this holistic approach, they are able to empower these crucial wilderness areas as well as the people who call them home

Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation will also receive a World Tourism Award in recognition of Nikoi Island and its commitment to sustainability by having a positive impact on the local culture, community, conservation; and for establishing the Island Foundation in 2010, which is transforming education for Riau’s island communities through the creation of 8 learning centers.

ME TO WE (WE.ORG) will be honored with a World Tourism Award in recognition of ME TO WE’s impact through its partnership with WE Charity; providing more than 1 million people with clean water, building 1,500 schools overseas, and empowering children with access to education; and of course, providing volunteer travel to those looking to change the world.

The Award itself, Caring for Our World, sponsored by VisitMalta, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass.and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to care for all people around the Globe.

About the World Tourism Awards

The World Tourism Awards, celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, are presented annually at World Travel Market (WTM) London and sponsored by The New York Times, The Travel Corporation, United Airlines and host sponsor Reed Travel Exhibitions. It was inaugurated to “recognize individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and for fostering sustainable tourism and developing programs that give back to local communities.”  

The Award ceremony will take place on Monday Nov. 4, 2019, at WTM London, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, at Excel Centre, London, Platinum Suite 3 Level 3 and will be hosted by Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor. The Ceremony will be followed by a special reception hosted by United Airlines.

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises eight leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events include:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

Editorial Contact World Tourism Awards:

The Bradford Group:

Karen Hoffman/ Amanda Benedetto

The Bradford Group

Tel: 212 447 0027

E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial Contact World Travel Market:

Julia Newbound  

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

E-mail: [email protected]

Gabriela Reyes

Account Manager

The Bradford Group

347 Fifth Ave. Suite 1205

New York, New York 10016

T (212) 447-0027

F (212) 725-8253

[email protected]

www.bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Bartlett to receive Africa Travel and Tourism Award

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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized by the African travel and tourism industry for his exemplary work and contribution to the growth of the sector in Africa and in the Diaspora.

ATQ News and Akwaaba African Travel Market have selected Minister Bartlett as one of the Africa Top 100 Tourism Personalities to be honoured at the First African Tourism Diaspora Conference 2019, which takes place in Lagos, Nigeria, September 22 to 24, 2019.

Publisher of ATQ News, Ikechi Uko says “The award recognizes personalities of African origin, living in Africa or outside the continent, irrespective of their current citizenship or nationality who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and its Diaspora.”

While he is unable to accept the award in person due to prior commitments, Minister Bartlett has acknowledged the prestigious Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Award as a tremendous honour for the work he has been doing on behalf of Jamaica and reaffirmation that it is a tour de force in the global travel industry.

“The relationship Jamaica’s tourism industry has with the continent of Africa is very meaningful.  I therefore wholeheartedly thank the African Tourism Diaspora for this wonderful recognition, which I believe will further strengthen the relationship Jamaica has with the continent,” said Minister Bartlett in his letter acknowledging the award and advising that Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency Esmond St C Reid, will receive it on his behalf.

Minister Bartlett is a member of African Tourism Board Association and has been working to create avenues for continued growth and corporation between the nations of Africa and Jamaica which recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Kenya to broaden cooperation in tourism. Also, President Uhuru Kenyatta, on his recent official visit to Jamaica, agreed to be honorary co-chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crises Management Centre (GTRCMC) for Africa.

The Africa Travel 100 Awards, now in its 18th year, has recognized over the years leaders, industry practitioners and government officials who have promoted tourism and improved travel using unique platforms and new information.

It is also set up to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves as foremost and outstanding drivers in the travel and tourism industry and through their efforts and that of their organizations have impacted positively to the travel and tourism sector, stimulating and helping to achieve the country’s tourism goals and forging interactions among stakeholders.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30