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Bartlett Lobbies for Power Star Michael Rainey Jr. to be a Local Youth Ambassador

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that actor Michael Rainey, Jr., best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz network’s hit drama series Power, is an ideal candidate to become an official Jamaica Youth Ambassador for the country.

The Minister made this announcement during a recent courtesy call at the Minister’s New Kingston offices, where  the young actor who was accompanied by his mother Shauna Small; publicist, JLexy Brooks, and Management Assistant, Jared Pessoa.

“This is a good moment, I am really inspired [by you] myself. The response you probably expected is that he is great for tourism, and you are, but you are much more than that. Michael is great to be a role model for Jamaica’s youth who need to have a sense of what they can accomplish,” said Minister Bartlett.

“I would love to have him have another conversation with us, which is beyond tourism where we can look at him in a more extensive way to give inspiration not just to a market that is going to need his image but to a country that is going to need his kind of efforts, especially coming out of Covid-19,” he added.

Rainey, who recently received his Jamaican citizenship, is a lead actor on Power Book II: Ghost, which is currently the Starz network’s most-watched series.

Despite his early rise to fame, the 20-year-old Rainey says his primary goal is to use his platform to inspire youth to acknowledge their endless potential and to work hard to achieve their dream careers.

“The big thing in my career is being able to inspire kids my age or even younger than me to know that they can do whatever they want in life. Whether it is to be an activist, or play basketball or play football or be a doctor or anything.

I just want to make sure kids know that it is possible and there is always faith in anything you do. That is definitely what I enjoy the most about being in that position,” said Rainey.

In the drama, Michael leads a star studded cast, which is a direct spin off from the hit series Power. Michael starred as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power, in a leading role alongside Omari Hardwick, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Naturi Naughton. 

More news about Jamaica

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

Bartlett Mourns Death of Shipping Stalwart Harry Maragh

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Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed condolences to the family and loved-ones of the late Harriat “Harry” Maragh, past president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and chairman of Lannaman & Morris Group of Companies.

“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of one of Jamaica’s stalwarts in the tourism and shipping industries, Harry Maragh. He was always pleasant and the consummate professional. This is indeed a great loss for our industry and he will be truly missed,” said Minister Bartlett.

Maragh’s company Lannaman and Morris is credited as the shipping agent for cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America, Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises. He also the founding manager of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal.  Over the years, Lannaman & Morris has become the leading cruise agent, representing in excess of 75 per cent of all cruises that call at Jamaican ports.

“I greatly admire our homegrown talent who start from humble beginnings and go on to do great things for the nation.  He started as a validating/traffic clerk with Lannaman & Morris and later bought the company which has represents in excess of 75 per cent of all cruise lines that call on Jamaica. The success of our industry could not have happened without the stewardship of this great Jamaican.

I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Charmaine and the rest of their family as well as to his staff, who I am sure will miss him dearly. May God continue to provide you comfort during this very difficult period of mourning,” said Minister Bartlett.

In expressing her condolences, Executive Director of the Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts said, “As one of the main agents for cruise ships with the responsibility of acting as the agent for major cruise ships arriving at our ports, we have worked very closely with Lannamans. Mr. Maragh was very hands-on as CEO, always approachable and reliable, always willing to assist when challenges arise.”

“He was a source of knowledge, expertise and was a great support due to his experience and relationship with the cruise lines. He assisted with giving invaluable advice on the industry and nurtured collaborations between Jamaican stakeholders and cruise executives. He continued to always make that call and assist to the very end. His passing will be a great loss for the cruise industry,” she added.

Maragh served on the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s board of directors as chairman of the audit sub-committee and the human resources sub-committee from June 2012 to February 2016.  At the time of his passing, Harry Maragh was chairman of the Kingston Port Workers Superannuation Fund, a post he had held since 2003. He was also a director of Express Catering and Margaritaville Turks & Caicos.

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

Santa Arrives in The Bahamas for an Extended Stay on Stocking Island

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This year has been long and taxing for everyone — even the world’s jolliest. As an essential worker, Santa’s annual duties this year came with the added pressure of spreading more cheer than ever before.

As a token of appreciation, The Bahamas invited Santa to hang up his suit and hat after the holidays and spend the next year defrosting on Stocking Island in the picturesque Exuma Cays. By gifting Santa and Mrs. Claus complimentary BEATS visas (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay), they are now able to unwind and experience The Bahamas’ most merry offerings until next Christmas.

Trading snowy boots for bare feet on one of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas and where they will feel right at home, Mr. and Mrs. Claus are now soaking up the sun on Jolly Hall Beach, which is reserved especially for The Clauses and their elves. And, thanks to the seclusion of the Out Islands of The Bahamas, they can remain socially distant and out of the public eye on Stocking Island, while they relax and enjoy all the outdoor adventures The Bahamas has to offer.  

“Santa wasn’t the only one working overtime this year; we know that people everywhere need a break and change of scenery,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “The Bahamas welcomes paradise seekers of all kinds to embrace island-time, and we offer a variety of island escapes perfect to suit each visitor’s unique remote working needs.”

The Bahamas has 16 unique islands for travelers to choose from, each with its own individual personality, seclusion and adventure. In The Bahamas, outdoor activities are aplenty, making the destination perfect for a safe, socially distant getaway. A full list of current travel offers can be found on Bahamas.com/deals.

Given that Santa and Mrs. Claus are immune to COVID-19 and in recognition of their hard work during the 2020 holiday season, the Director General is honoured to grant them honourary Travel Health Visas.  Travel entry requirements for the rest of Santa’s entourage and all other visitors can be found on Bahamas.com/travelupdates — including details specifically related to testing and obtaining The Bahamas Travel Health Visa.

Additional details related to the BEATS program application, such as costs and frequently asked questions, are available at BahamasBeats.com.

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

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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

#rebuildingtravel

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

Seychelles authorities take steps to address the new COVID-19 variant

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Following this week’s Safe Tourism Task Force meeting led by the Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, the Public Health Authority has proposed new measures for the destination.

As of Monday, December 28, 2020, the United Kingdom will no longer feature on the list of countries from which visitors may travel to Seychelles. 

As of December 31, 2020, South Africa will not feature on the list of countries permitted into the country.

Between Wednesday, December 23, 2020, to Thursday, December 31, 2020, all visitors arriving from South Africa will not be permitted to stay in their private residences. Visitors will have to book a Category 2 establishment for at least 10 days before being tested, and if negative, they may complete the remaining 4 days at their private residence or a Category 1 establishment.

These decisions follow recent developments, whereby the UK and South Africa are being affected by a new variant of COVID-19. 

The measures will be effective until the end of January 2021 and will be subject to review before then.

Updates on travel measures and procedures to the destination can be viewed on the websites of the Tourism Department http://tourism.gov.sc/ and Department of Health http://www.health.gov.sc/ as well as Seychelles Travel Advisory page https://advisory.seychelles.travel/ .

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

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

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

ajohnson@bahamas.com

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

ajohnson@bahamas.com  

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations 

Bahamas@webershandwick.com   

Tourism and Culture Ministers Urge Everyone to Buy Jamaican This Christmas

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, have joined forces in calling on Jamaicans and other persons seeking gift items, to use the yuletide season to shop locally and support and buy Jamaican designers, artisans and other local producers of goods and services.

Their appeal was made at the third annual staging of the Tourism Linkages Network’s Style Jamaica event, a fashion show featuring 14 Jamaican designers whose creations, the ministers agreed, could stand out against any of their international counterparts. This year’s event was also paired with the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) new e-Chrismus Marketplace initiative, which is an online shopping marketplace showcasing a range of products from Jamaican designers and artisans.

The two-day event runs from December 16 to 17 and is being staged virtually at the newly opened Main Street Jamaica shopping facility (Formerly The Shoppes at Rose Hall), in Montego Bay, St. James. The location’s linkages concept promotes the best of Jamaica to international travellers with shopping as a major part of their visitor experience. The Style Jamaica event also presented Jamaican participants with an international marketing avenue through an online shopping platform.

“The online marketing of products and services is now the norm and our Jamaican consumers are beginning to appreciate that this comes with other benefits that in themselves add value in terms of cost-savings and even time-savings, in getting goods from the producer to the consumer,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Minister then urged everyone to buy Jamaican this Christmas. He stressed that: “Especially at this time though, I want to invite our Jamaicans to show confidence in ourselves and give meaning to ‘Buy Jamaican’. We are approaching the season of giving to friends and loved ones, a loving act that COVID-19 and social distancing cannot stop, and I really want to appeal to everyone to shop Jamaican this ‘Chrismus’.”

“That special item you may desire is literally at your fingertips. Just visit the shoppinginja.com/echrismus platform and there you will find an amazing array of gift items that are available from local suppliers who are eager for you to contact them,” he added.

While endorsing the call for persons to support local producers when shopping this Christmas, Minister Grange said “shopping is a major area for tourism and Destination Jamaica is one of the great brands.”

She also saw the Main Street Jamaica concept as capturing the essence of what Jamaica is all about, adding that: “What it has done is to present what Jamaica is about; its culture, its music, its food and the great talent our artisans have and has brought all of this together with brands of the world and to show that we can stand up and be a part of what the world is all about.”

Minister Bartlett noted that it was with the knowledge that shopping was one of the most important activities for tourists, and also an important factor in the choice of destination for many, that shopping was identified as one of the must-haves in the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the TEF, which now helps to drive efforts to diversify Jamaica’s product offering.

He said the objectives of Style Jamaica were in keeping with the broader objectives of the tourism sector as it sought to promote Jamaica as a premium shopping destination; promote and highlight local designers to the tourism market, and to diversify the on-island shopping experience. This year’s staging therefore leveraged the growing online market trend even as it sought to develop authentic and unique shopping experiences that add value to the Jamaican tourism product.

More news about Jamaica

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

Centara Unveils New Cosi Krabi Ao Nang Beach for the Freedom Loving Traveler

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has debuted its COSI brand in southwest Thailand with the opening of COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach.
 
Styled as “The Lifestyle Hotel for the Freedom Loving Traveller”, COSI Krabi Ao Nang follows in the trendsetting footsteps of its sister hotels in Koh Samui and Pattaya.
 
Capturing the youthful energy of the hotel is a series of red hawk murals – a motif chosen to symbolize freedom – specially created for COSI Krabi by award-winning street artist Rukkit Kuanhaweth.
 
COSI’s signature social vibe is cultivated with The Hub, the heart of the hotel designed as a chill-out space to watch a film or a game, get some work done at the coworking space, and mingle with like-minded travelers any time day or night.
 
Also central to the COSI lifestyle is 24-hour convenience, which, in addition to the 24-hr Hub, extends to a café, COSI Fit fitness center, and a self-service laundromat, all open around the clock.
 
The smart hotel provides all the necessary comforts for today’s connected generation. Each of COSI Krabi’s 142 rooms comes fully equipped with power shower, free Wi-Fi, Smart TV, bedside USB ports, in-room safe, and a small retro fridge. Guests have a choice of three room types, including king or twin bed configurations, and a COSI Plus room which features a king bed and bunk bed, ideal for a small group of friends or young family seeking the social and connected COSI experience. 
 
When COSI guests are not out and about exploring all that Krabi has to offer, they can unwind at the hotel’s rooftop pool, complete with underwater speakers, and enjoy the stunning views of Ao Nang’s iconic limestone rocks.
 
Rock climbing holds adorn feature walls around the hotel, referencing Krabi’s reputation as a world-class rock climbing and bouldering destination. In the guest rooms, headboard designs draw inspiration from iconic long-tail boats that ply the waters in southern Thailand.
 
Guests who wish to explore more of the destination need not go far, as the hotel is located within walking distance from Ao Nang Beach and the town’s nightlife and restaurants. Further afield, adventure-loving travelers can visit and explore the region’s caves, go rock climbing on its soaring limestone cliffs, and go in search of offshore island gems.
 
“Krabi is a beautiful destination, and with the opening of COSI Krabi, we look forward to providing a trendy base for freedom-loving travelers exploring the region. After months of preparation, my team and I are very excited to start welcoming guests,” said Rutjiret Ananphong, General Manager, COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach.

To celebrate its opening, COSI Krabi Ao Nang is offering an “Even Stronger Together” package with rates starting at THB 720, which includes THB 100 food & drink credit per person per night. Guests can also enjoy free early check-in from 9 a.m., and late check-out up to 9 p.m. for stays on Sundays to Thursdays, subject to availability. 
 
For more information and reservations, please visit
https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/even-stronger-together/

COSI Rooms range from 18 – 22 sqm with king or twin beds
Café 247, the social hub of the hotel, stays open around the clock
Rooftop swimming pool at COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach


ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 81 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centers and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travelers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty program, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.
 
Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com and see why our hotels and resorts are The Place to Be on our video.


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More news about Centara

Media Contacts:
 
Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)
Corporate Public Relations Manager – International Media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
pornchanokth@chr.co.th            Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733
 
Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)
Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
puntirach@chr.co.th                  Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922
 
Jerome Richard
VP, Communications – Delivering Asia Communications
Tel. +66 (0) 90 902 5407
Email: jr@deliveringasia.com

Seychelles Closes COVID-19 Test Center

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The Seychelles Ministry of Health informed on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, that the English River Health Centre station being used for COVID-19 PCR tests has closed. Services will continue at the music stadium.

Friday, December 18, 2020, will be the closing date for the English River Health Centre station for COVID-19 PCR tests. The Ministry of Health has said, however, that the Music Stadium testing station remains operational for test in the region.

Appointments for tests must be booked at least 5 to 7 days prior by calling 4388410 or 2829340 during working hours.

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