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Sandals Foundation marks 10 years of helping the Caribbean

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This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

For a decade, the Sandals Foundation has helped the Caribbean through the fostering of positive change through community, educational, and environmental projects. The Foundation has been a way for Sandals and Beaches to give back to the community through initiatives that support, uplift, and improve the lives of the Caribbean people.

The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. It is the culmination of 3 decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where it operates across the Caribbean.

The Sandals and Beaches family includes more than just its colleagues across the 4 brands and corporate offices – it’s the communities where the Sandals team comes from. That is why they do all they can to make a difference in the Caribbean – because for the Sandals team, it is about family.

The plans, hard work, skills, and innovations of Sandals Resorts have made it the world’s best, but the team believes it has a responsibility to put all these tools to work beyond its resorts. By contributing through community outreach programs in the Caribbean, Sandals hopes to make its corporate social responsibilities reflect its responsibilities to family.

The Sandals Foundation is a way for the team to take on more of what needs to be done in the islands where the resorts operate by making the Caribbean the best that it can be. It is not just about gathering and spending money. It is also about harnessing passion, energy, skills, and brand power to tackle issues under 3 broad headings – community, education, and environment.

Community

Sandals Foundation creates and endorses initiatives that engage and inspire people through skills training and tackling complex social issues head-on to strengthen communities. There have been 384,626 community members impacted including 243,127 Great Shape! Inc. Dental + iCARE patients and 397 pre-term babies who received a fighting chance. Also, 102,150 toys have been donated and 4,218 cats and dogs spayed and neutered, all with the help of 24,215 community volunteers.

Education

Through the Foundation, both children and adults have been provided with essential tools such as scholarships, supplies, technology, literacy programs, mentorship, and teacher training to help them reach their full potential. To date, 59,036 pounds of supplies have been donated in the form of 2,506 computers and 274,517 books impacting 578 schools, 169,079 students, and 2,455 teachers, along with the awarding of 180 scholarships.

Environment

Promising to raise environmental awareness, the Sandals Foundation has developed effective conservation practices and teaches future generations how to care for their communities and preserve the surroundings. Through the efforts of the Sandals Foundation, 83,304 turtles safely hatched, 37,092 pounds of garbage were collected, 12,565 trees have been planted, 6,000 coral fragments were planted, and 6 marine sanctuaries have received support.

Over the past decade, Sandals has worked tirelessly to positively impact the lives of over 840,000 people across the Caribbean. It remains committed to investments that create a positive and sustainable impact on the islands its resorts call home.

More news about Sandals

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

Bartlett calls for united Caribbean voice against vaccine inequity

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As regional stakeholders ramp up efforts to woo back tourists and rebuild the sector in the aftermath of the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has called on Caribbean leaders to raise their voices collectively against the inequitable distribution of vaccines.

“While one in four people in high-income countries has now been vaccinated against COVID-19, only one in more than 500 people in poorer countries has received a jab. Based on the current trend of vaccine inequity it is estimated that the world’s poorest 92 countries will not be able to reach a vaccination rate of 60 percent of their populations until 2023 or later,” Minister Bartlett lamented.

He was delivering the keynote address during a virtual forum on: “Tourism Diplomacy: Rebuilding Tourism Safely,” hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The session was the first in a five-part online forum series, spearheaded by the TLN’s Knowledge Network.

Underscoring the importance of the industry, Minister Bartlett said credible evidence suggested that tourism has now earned the status of an industry that is too big to fail. In that regard, he added, “It is therefore imperative that the sector survives during and beyond the current crisis so that it can continue to fulfill its vital role as a significant catalyst of global economic recovery and growth.”

However, he stressed that without equity in the distribution of vaccines, there would be no recovery for tourism, especially for Caribbean islands which depend heavily on the industry.

“The tourism industry, at both the global and regional levels, must speak up about the vaccine inequity louder than it already has and must play a more significant role in tackling the issues if the industry is to return to any sense of normality, as without vaccine equity there will be no travel recovery,” he warned.

He emphasized that tourism players in the region need to be vigilant. Minister Bartlett said, “Persons within the industry have platforms, connections, expertise and global influence and are therefore able to articulate clearly and loudly to policymakers about the consequences of how things are going and also how they can function in a more morally-appropriate manner.”

He posited, “In the final analysis, if Caribbean economic recovery is to begin this year, if employment is to be restored and tourism returned in a significant way, many more vaccines need to be made available very soon,” not just to safeguard public health but for longer term economic recovery and stability.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White said with the onset of the pandemic in 2020, regional tourism inflows declined by 11 million or 66 percent, relative to 2019 and was felt hard in Jamaica, with revenue generated through tourism taxes and other charges evaporating.

So far, he added, “Only 30 percent of local tourism workers have been back on their jobs full-time with another 10 to 20 percent on part-time, with reduced wages as tourist visits continue to rise steadily.”

On the issue of vaccination inequality and hesitation, he saw the need for public/private sector partnership in educating the public, to ensure success at achieving herd immunity.

More news about Jamaica

#rebuildingtravel

Media contact:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924,

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Tourism on Agenda for Renewed Jamaica-Nigeria Bilateral Talks

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Tourism is expected to be a major item on the agenda of talks to take place soon in Abuja, Nigeria, aimed at formalizing a new Jamaica-Nigeria bilateral agreement between the two nations.

Previously set for earlier this year, the talks were postponed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic but with a direct air link now open between the two countries, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama are expressing optimism of it happening soon.

“For many years, we have been looking at formalizing a new bilateral agreement between Jamaica and Nigeria; now the contents of that are being put together. We were to have had a meeting in Abuja in April of this year; it didn’t happen because of Covid but is expected to happen soon,” said Minister Bartlett following a closed door meeting with Minister Onyeama at the Round Hill Hotel in Montego Bay last night.  He is hoping “that in the frame of all of that will be discussions with regards to tourism collaboration between the two countries.”

The Tourism Minister identified marketing through the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) as well as product development and destination assurance strategy developed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), presented to the world as a new way of dealing with post-Covid tourism, as possible points of collaboration for which a technical corporation agreement can be arrived at.

Also on the cards is the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which was established by Jamaica to assess, forecast, mitigate and managing risks related to tourism resilience, caused by various disruptive factors. “We have already established a satellite in Kenya for East Africa and we really would love to have one established in either Abuja or Lagos for West Africa,” said Minister Bartlett. An arrangement is already under consideration and will be pursued involving the University of the West Indies (Mona), which hosts the resilience centre in Jamaica, and a university in Nigeria.

Minister Onyeama concurred that “We now have the framework in place to strengthen the cooperation and to take it to another level and we are going to pursue that. Covid has delayed it but it has not stopped it so we are going to cooperate in different areas, in trade, agriculture, sports, you name it, and really fuse the two countries and our peoples together.”

He stated that Jamaica “has a comparative advantage in tourism, which plays an enormous role in the economy, job creation and so on, so we really feel that we would like for you to share that experience with us. We believe it will be a game changer. We’re looking at diversifying our economy; we’ve depended too much on oil and the petroleum sector and there are gold mines out there in other sectors that can really transform our economy and provide jobs for our teeming population of 200 million.”

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister said his country had a youthful population with most being in the age range of 30 years “so we believe with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica that we can transform the future of both of us into real wins. We’re looking at prosperity for our people and we believe that this partnership can deliver that for our two countries.”

He also expressed an interest in learning about Jamaica’s culinary strategy. “Nigeria has a wide variety of dishes and we were told that your ackee was voted by National Geographic as the world’s second best national dish, so I think there’s some knowledge that you have there that we also want to tap into,” he said.

On December 21, the historical link between Jamaica and Nigeria was strengthened with the first non-stop flight from Lagos landing at the Sangster International Airport. Among those on board with the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister was Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Esmond Reid. Last night he said this direct flight “is the beginning of a transformed relationship, not just for Jamaica-Nigeria, but for Africa and the Caribbean and Jamaica stands ready to play a central role in that partnership.”

More news about Jamaica

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

Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Spread Holiday Cheer to Caribbean Children

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More than 10,000 children experienced a little more joy this holiday season with brand-new toys and games donated by the Sandals Foundation in their annual Christmas Toy Drive.

As the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, the Sandals Foundation’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive has been a staple calendar event for more than 10 years through the generous donation from valued partner, Hasbro, Inc.  Iconic toys of the global play and entertainment company include Nerf, Magic: The Gathering, My Little Pony, and Transformers.

Additionally, support for the annual Toy Drive also comes from Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ team members, visiting guests, and travel industry partners.

While the customary parties were not be held, this year’s region-wide approach galvanized the logistical support of the Salvation Army, police force, schools, and local community groups to carefully distribute more than 10,800 toys to children across the Caribbean – all while bearing in mind the health and safety protocols of the respective countries.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, explained that in light of the challenges experienced this year, it was critical to maintain a semblance of normalcy, particularly during the holidays.

“Christmas is a magical time for children and this year should be no different. Because it has been such a tough time for families across the Caribbean, it was even more important for us to do what we could to help bring joy and, of course, a sense of hope through the delivery of these gifts.”

“Our invaluable partners at Hasbro,” Clarke continued, “have been truly supportive of our mission, and we are pleased that we have been able to find a way to get these toys safely in the hands of some of our most deserving children.”

Shipments of toys have been delivered in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.

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Sandals Resorts Announces Expansion to Curaçao

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Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the world’s leading all-inclusive company, announced the signing of an agreement that will bring Sandals® Resorts to a brand-new destination, at the Santa Barbara Resort on the island of Curaçao.

This will mark the ninth island destination for the brand in the Caribbean region. The new Sandals Curaçao will initially include 350-luxurious rooms and suites stretched along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea, with a further expansion planned in the coming years. Formerly the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, part of a broader 3,000-acre development, the resort will be completely “Sandalized,” a process set to begin in 2021.

Sandals Curaçao will bring the opulent resort innovations to the island, which have become synonymous with the world-renowned Sandals Resorts brand across the region. Conceptual plans for the resort include adding key elements for the signature Sandals experience, including new expansive pools, a variety of 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining options and lavish accommodations, including magnificent newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighboring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and 38,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the largest on the island. 

World-famous for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches and coves, Curaçao also boasts spectacular dive sites and exotic marine ecosystems. With year-round temperatures of 80 degrees, it’s touted as the perfect anytime-escape. The resort will have a positive, immediate and long-term impact on the island and the people of Curaçao. In year one alone, it is expected to have an over $40 million economic footprint and an impressive track record on the creation of new employment. The resort alone will add over 1,200 local jobs, comprised of 800 new team members, and 400 local tradesmen and craftsmen. This will be followed by a positive economic ripple-effect for the community extending to the local taxi and transportation sectors, wider supply chain, agriculture, increased airlift and increased yearly tourism numbers—especially with the key US tourism market.

Roald Smeets, Director of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, said: “We have a unique opportunity to attract a globally-recognized hotel operator, owner and investor such as Sandals Resorts, which will bring an unprecedented boon to the Curaçao tourism industry and the local economy. Its position as both a hotel operator and owner, with the ability to attract regular scheduled airlines from North America, distinctly marks it out from other hotel groups. We found its impressive plans for the site and dedication to building the profile of Curaçao as a world-class tourism destination particularly compelling. Its future investment into the community will reinvigorate the tourism market, secure the livelihoods of hundreds of families and benefit every individual on the island through rejuvenating the local economy. Curaçao has a tremendous future ahead, due to this exciting new venture, which will put Curaçao truly on the global stage.” 

Sandals Resorts International Founder and Chairman, the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, along with Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart, had this to share: “It has been our distinct pleasure to work alongside the government of Curaçao and the Smeets family on this exciting new endeavor for the Sandals brand,” stated Gordon “Butch” Stewart. “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Roald Smeets, who has been instrumental to this process and absolutely delightful to work with. We plan to do more than our part to raise the world’s appreciation of this beautiful country.”

Adam Stewart added: “Each time we expand, we bring with us the full potential of our 40-years in hospitality. The new Sandals Curaçao embodies our philosophy of forward-thinking and looking through a new lens. It is a promise not only to our guests but to our team members for continued innovation. Curaçao is a place to be discovered, and we are so proud today to become part of this community.”

More news about Sandals

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

2020 In Review: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Reflects on a Difficult Year and Looks Forward to Brighter Days to Come

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As 2020 comes to an end, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is once again reflecting on a remarkably historic and challenging year. After celebrating a record-breaking seven million visitors in 2019, the country was poised for continued growth and tourism-driven prosperity, thanks to planned increases in airlift from several major airlines, not to mention the endorsement of international media outlets, such as The New York Times, Frommer’s and The Globe and Mail, among others, that had touted The Bahamas as a must-visit destination in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unforeseen crisis that has had an unprecedented impact on the global tourism industry, the effects of which have been felt greatly in The Bahamas. Tourism is the heart of the country and, therefore, is everyone’s business. As was seen after Hurricane Dorian, Bahamians are no strangers to making history under difficult circumstances. Now, the Bahamian people have come together as a family of islands, united in strength and resilience to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that business can soon prosper again. There is great optimism in that the islands will see a return to record breaking visitor numbers, once it is safe for all to travel freely again. In the meantime, the government is doing all that is possible to get Bahamians back to work.

“It is with the consistent support and collaboration of The Bahamas’ tourism stakeholders, promotion boards, agencies, media and other travel partners that the country has been able to establish the on-island guidelines and preventative measures to help curb further spread of COVID-19,” said the Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation, Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Our new, streamlined protocols for entry and inter-island travel, adjusted after careful monitoring, diligent analysis and swift response from all government entities, responsibly enforce public health and safety measures while allowing travellers to more freely enjoy our vacation experience.”

The latest protocols have been well received by consumers and tourism partners alike and coincide with news of hotel property reopenings and increased airlift resumption. Of note, three of the largest hotel properties in Nassau – Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Atlantis Paradise Island and British Colonial Hilton – are reopening mid-December, with additional hotel inventory coming back in January and February. Also starting mid-December, top U.S. airline carriers including JetBlue, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta are adding flights to their schedules.

“It is our duty at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation to promote tourism to our beautiful country, and while 2020 brought unprecedented roadblocks to that task, our optimism and dedication to that mission never wavered,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. “As we look ahead to 2021, we will continue to find new and unique ways to promote our islands offerings through expanded programs and initiatives that will bring even more visitors back to our shores as quickly as possible.”

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation continues its aggressive public relations and marketing campaign to reach key markets in the U.S. and promote that The Bahamas is open for business, while sharing entry requirements and travel protocols necessary to keep the country safe. Promotional tactics include:

•             Targeted Media Plan – Since the beginning of March, a strategic, geo-targeted media plan has been underway with the goal of keeping The Bahamas in the consideration set for travellers, specifically those living in key markets such as South Florida, Houston and New York, and enticing those who have frequented the destination in the past to return.

•             Robust Media Outreach – Consistent and widespread communication to tourism, lifestyle and news media has informed consumers that The Bahamas is open for visitors, while sharing accurate information on entry requirements and on-island protocols that will impact visitors. Publications that cover key vertical markets such as private aviation and boating were also targeted to ensure their audiences are informed of the latest requirements for visiting The Bahamas.

  • Recent Awards – The Bahamas swept the awards circuit this year, winning several top accolades. Caribbean Travel Awards named The Bahamas Innovative Destination of the Year; four Bahamian hotels including Kamalame Cay, Rosewood Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and The Islands of The Bahamas has been recognized in this year’s Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, with placements highlighting the destination’s vast dive offerings across 700 islands and cays. The awards included The Bahamas winning top spots in many categories but most notable   #1st in the big animals’ category.  Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards Recognizes The Bahamas in Three Categories – In Caribbean Journal’s 7th annual Caribbean Travel Awards, The Bahamas was awarded Innovative Destination of the Year for its continued flexibility throughout the pandemic and setting a standard for destination entry practices. Additionally, Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport was named Caribbean Airport of the Year and Graycliff was recognized as the Caribbean Restaurant of the Year.

•             Bahamas Extended Stay Program – The Islands of The Bahamas announced its new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program, a one-year residency permit designed to allow professionals and students to pack their laptop and their swimwear as they march to the beat of their own island drum, remotely, from The Bahamas.

•             Refreshed Website – A new, revamped Bahamas.com website is preparing to launch, offering a more user-friendly interface and including additional tools to promote key passion points for potential travellers. New sections will highlight romance, events, adventure and an extensive focus on how to get to the Out Islands.

•             Virtual Sales and Vertical Market Offerings – As sales and vertical market promotion could not be conducted in-person this year, the Ministry of Tourism’s sales team worked quickly to come up with virtual offerings that would keep the travel trade community engaged.  This work included the development of a new virtual platform for webinars and trade shows. The Bahamas specialist program was newly redeveloped to close the gap between education, inspiration and sales.  With this new technology, the Ministry of Tourism conducted virtual events around the world bringing all suppliers and trade partners together to share and discuss COVID-19 protocols and updates. Additional virtual events included: the first-ever virtual Bahamas dive pavilion for dive operators during DEMA, the largest dive supplier show in the world; webinars for private aviators espousing the coming pre-clearance initiative in South Florida and Facebook Live events featuring culinary experts, award winning mixologists and other local craftsmen. Lastly, the team worked hard to strengthen relationships with air partners in an effort to facilitate the return of international flights.  The Ministry also launched a dive and boat ambassador program which includes top influencers in the industry who will support and assist us in promoting the destination.  Highlights for Romance 2020 include successful participation to TravAlliance Fall show for Destination Weddings and Honeymoon Segment and official review of The Bahamas’ Romance Magazine which will be fully launched during the Ministry’s Romance Forum in March of 2021.

•             Authentic Storytelling – An award-winning content marketing campaign featured local Bahamians speaking to the country’s culture, cuisine, art and other unique offerings that make The Bahamas stand out from other island getaways.

•             Blogger Program – In addition to an authentic storytelling program, the Ministry of Tourism also developed a robust blogging program on Bahamas.com where local influencers and writers shared their stories of travel and culture in The Bahamas in hopes of inspiring wanderlust and connecting with future visitors.

•             Local Content Shoots – In an effort to keep new creative content flowing on Visit The Bahamas social channels, the Ministry enlisted local talent and camera crews to shoot content aimed at enticing users to want to learn more about the destination.

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 travellers 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.

More news about The Bahamas

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]

The Islands of The Bahamas Swept the 2020 Travel Award Circuit

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Despite an unprecedented year, The Bahamas continues to position itself as a leading Caribbean travel destination and received top accolades from consumer, trade and niche vertical award shows. With its unique geography of 16 major islands and hundreds of cays, the islands appeal to travelers eager to get away and indulge in a secluded vacation. As the island nation looks back at 2020, with a number of awards from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Caribbean Journal under its belt, The Bahamas is determined to have an even brighter 2021.

“We are thrilled to have The Bahamas recognized in so many awards, despite the difficult year our tourism industry faced,” said Ministry of Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu. “These awards certify that The Bahamas remains a favorite among travelers, and we are eager to continue to welcome them back in the new year.”

Travel + Leisure Awards Bahamian Islands in World Best Awards ­– The Abacos, Harbour Island, The Exumas and Eleuthera were recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards in the Top 25 Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and The Bahamas category. Andros’ Kamalame Cay Resort was awarded in the Top 100 Hotels in the World and Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels categories.

The Bahamas Awarded in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards – Four Bahamian hotels were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Kamalame Cay, Rosewood Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar were included in the Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic Islands category.

Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards Recognizes The Bahamas in Three Categories – In Caribbean Journal’s 7th annual Caribbean Travel Awards, The Bahamas was awarded Innovative Destination of the Year for its continued flexibility throughout the pandemic and setting a standard for destination entry practices. Additionally, Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport was named Caribbean Airport of the Year and Graycliff was recognized as the Caribbean Restaurant of the Year.

The Bahamas Takes Home 13 Awards in Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards – The Islands of The Bahamas was recognized in this year’s Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, with placements highlighting the destination’s vast dive offerings across 700 islands and cays. The country was voted number one for Best Big Animals, placed in the top five for Best Overall Destination, Best Cave Diving, Best Snorkeling and Best Value and in the top ten for Best Wreck Diving, Best Wall Diving, Best Advanced Diving, Best Photography, Best Shore Diving, Best Macro Life and Best Health of Marine Life.

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. 

More news about The Bahamas

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]  

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations 

[email protected]   

Sandals Resorts Elevates All-Inclusive Portfolio With Luxurious Renovations Across Jamaican Resorts

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Sandals Resorts International, the world’s leading all-inclusive company, has officially unveiled the world’s first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites and completely reimagined 112-room beachfront Dutch Village at its stunning Jamaican escape, Sandals South Coast. In addition to this exciting resort update, the all-inclusive leader is pleased to announce a second resort upgrade, as Sandals Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its beautifully renovated poolside rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings.

The first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites at Sandals South Coast are Jamaica’s newest and most secluded luxury accommodations. Each suite features zero-entry swim up access, a private plunge pool, an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two, and Sandals Resorts’ new signature Serenity Swing with scenic views. Not to mention, the stunning suites are in the brand-new South Seas Village situated on the longest swim-up pool in the western hemisphere at 17,040 sq. ft.

To round out Sandals South Coast’s portfolio of romantic upgrades, the secluded retreat also debuted the fully renovated Dutch Swim-Up Village, setting the scene for modern relaxation inspired by the sea. The new village boasts 112 magnificent, beachfront rooms with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, freestanding tubs with a separate shower in select categories and direct swim-up pool access for select rooms, offering a true romantic escape just waiting to be discovered.

Continuing the renovation momentum, Sandals Royal Caribbean also unveiled a sweeping array of enhancements, with the renovation of 36 rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings for guests to enjoy. Located in the resort’s Caribbean Village and joining the new Sandringham building introduced earlier this year, the newly renovated poolside rooms feature custom furniture, Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, new bathrooms and more enhancements that completely update and modernize the rooms, offering guests the most luxurious accommodations possible. Additional enhancements at Sandals Royal Caribbean, include developments to the South Pool and surrounding area, including a new jacuzzi, new cabanas with outdoor fans and lighting, and a new outdoor shower.

This news comes on the heels of the three recently introduced restaurant concepts at Sandals Royal Caribbean, including: 

  • Spices, which brings Pan-Caribbean favorites to the table for an authentic island restaurant experience 
  • Bombay Club, which offers authentic Indian cuisine – from flavorful dishes like Butter Chicken, to delicious vegan and vegetarian options like Aloo Gobi 
  • La Tavola, which allows guests to share in the comfort, cuisine and camaraderie found around every Italian table 

These enhancements add to each resort’s already cutting-edge architectural design features, including the intimate and lavishly designed Over-the-Water Bungalows at both Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean, as well as the sought-after Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, brand-new Wedding Garden venue and Latitudes Overwater Bar at Sandals South Coast, offering guests endless vacation choices.

Sandals® Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 16 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and now Curacao, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com.

Guests visiting Sandals Royal Caribbean can now stay in fully reimagined rooms

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

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Wins Platinum Award for “Your Space in the Sun” Campaign

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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has received a second international marketing award for its “Your Space in the Sun” digital marketing campaign, created as part of the destination marketing body’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  


Presented by the organizers of the international MARCOM Awards, in the category of “Digital Media | Social Media | Social Branding Campaign,” the Tourism Authority received the Platinum award, the highest-level award granted. 

The “Your Space in the Sun” campaign was designed to specifically speak to the new desires and needs of travelers. The campaign shows Antigua and Barbuda has the perfect antidote of space and invites people to broaden their horizons and enjoy all the space they need: space to move, space to think, space to be you.

The MARCOM Awards honors excellence in marketing and communications while recognizing the creativity, hard work and generosity of industry professionals. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also recently received the Gold Travel Weekly Magellan Award for the same campaign. 

As the “Your Space in the Sun” campaign continues to roll-out, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is now inviting persons to enter the “Your Space in the Sun” sweepstakes on www.visitantiguabarbuda.com, to win the escape they deserve in 2021 to Antigua and Barbuda, staying at the luxurious, all-inclusive Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa. 

ABOUT THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is a statutory body dedicated to realizing the tourism potential of Antigua & Barbuda by promoting the twin island state as a unique, quality tourist destination with the overall objective of increasing visitor arrivals thereby providing sustainable economic growth. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is headquartered in St. John’s Antigua, where regional marketing is directed.  The Authority has three offices overseas in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:

Maria Blackman

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601

E: [email protected]

Minister Bartlett Welcomes Return of BA to Montego Bay

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Three days ahead of the start of the traditional winter tourist season, Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, elatedly welcomed the return of British Airways flights to Montego Bay. The first fully loaded Boeing 777 flight, BA2265 from London Gatwick, touched down at the Sangster International Airport late Saturday afternoon (December 12).

Joining Minister Bartlett in welcoming the capacity 332 passengers, as well as Captain Graham Dawkins and the flight crew, were British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Asif Ahmad, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations, Joy Roberts, Jamaica Tourist Board Regional Director, Odette Dyer and British Airways Commercial Manager Caribbean, Diane Corrie.

Returning after an absence of 11 years, it was outlined that the BA flight will operate for the winter season until April 17, 2021 with a capacity of 31 Club World (Business Class), 52 World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and 250 World Traveller (Economy) seats. Thereafter, it will be operating a twice weekly schedule with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

“This is a very good sign because it is starting for us the recovery of the industry, and certainly the British market,” said Mr. Bartlett as the beat of drums mastered by the group Children of the Drums, filled the hallway. The mix of passengers included Brits and Jamaicans from the Diaspora.

He was also cognizant of the importance of the flight in gradually adding to the return of jobs displaced earlier this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted, however, “as we are anxious and excited about the return to economic activities, we have to recognize the responsibility that we have to manage this pandemic and to comply with the protocols that have been established.”

Mr. Bartlett said all workers in the industry had a responsibility to protect themselves and for its part, the ministry had invested in providing protective equipment for them. Also, “all the hotels have been responding extremely well to the need for the COVID-19 infrastructure that will enable us to not only be compliant but to reduce to a minimal, if not to zero, the incidences of infection.”

Responsible management by the tourism sector has ensured that since reopening in June, “the incidence of infection has been very, very low, if not at zero and the resilience corridors that we have developed are an example to the world of how to create a bubble that will protect both locals and international visitors alike,” said Minister Bartlett.

High Commissioner Ahmad said the significance of British Airways coming back to Montego Bay, adding to existing flights into Kingston, was that Montego Bay is important to Britain, and indeed the other way around as well. “It is the kith and kin connections that we have with the 800,000 Jamaicans that we have living in the UK and the tourists who come here repeatedly and visit family and friends; that is important,” he said.

Mrs. Corrie said British Airways has been flying to Jamaica for over 70 years and was “absolutely delighted to be back in Montego Bay.” She said Jamaica had many attractive assets, including its warm weather that people in the UK and in Europe wanted to get out and experience.

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