For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

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Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history!

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation delegates lead by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, as well as numerous industry partners took media outlets and tour operators in Canada on a whirlwind tour of the Islands of the Bahamas, solidifying the messaging of the Bahamas being a viable destination for the Canadian tourists, despite the impact of Hurricane Dorian. “Following Hurricane Dorian, we felt that it was absolutely critical to come and let the Canadian market know that we are open for business and to introduce The Bahamas to new aspects of the Canadian market,” remarked Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, “as far west as Vancouver, there is huge potential to market the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation joins forces with VIP hotel and tour operator delegation for largest media blitz in BTO Canada history

Canada is the second largest country in the world and the second largest source market for visitor arrivals to The Bahamas next to the United States. Throughout the first seven months of 2019 an estimated 3.7 million Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America representing a YOY increase of 4.3%. Canadian visitor arrivals to The Bahamas increased by 14% YOY in 2017-2018. During the months of January through September, Canadian arrivals paced 10.5% ahead of the same in 2018. “The tourism industry had an historic year in 2018 and has maintained momentum right up to Dorian’s arrival. International arrivals to the Bahamas increased by just over 13% in August, including 2.1% growth from Canada. Air capacity from Canada was up 7% and fall bookings were looking strong,” remarked D’Aguilar, “it’s not business as usual in the Bahamas- that will be years away but this is a major step to be present in the Canadian market to regain momentum.”

Joining this promotional expedition with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation included Fred Lounsberry, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Baha Mar, Ana Cerna, Director of International Marketing for Rosewood Baha Mar, Bryan Gay Sr. Vice President of Sales at Atlantis Paradise Island, Sydney Engel, Director of Public Relations for Atlantis Paradise Island, Amy Mecl, Vice President Leisure Sales for Atlantis Paradise Island, Franco Pill Vice President of Business Development for Atlantis Paradise Island, Yasmine Strachan Director of Sales, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Sobieda Feliz, Director of Sales Warwick Paradise Island, Phillippe Gringas, Associate Director of Sales, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Lilly Carr, Leisure Sales Manager, Rosewood Baha Mar, Cristina Diaz, Leisure Sales Manager, Melia, James Burrows, Group Sales Manager, SLS Baha Mar, Robert Garzaroli, Principle, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Elaine and Brent Carnegie, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Regia Knowles, Director of Operations Sunrise Beach Club, Hedda Smith, Sales Manager, Superclub Breezes, L’Oreal Sweeting, Out Islands Promotion Board, Jeff Todd, Communications Manager, Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Barbara Dirnberger, National Sales Manager, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines, Carmel Churchill, Sales Manager, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Barbara Spychalla, Operations Manager, Valentines Resort & Marina, William Saunders Jr. Director, Majestic Tours Bahamas, Juan Moss, CEO Leisure Travel and Tours, Michael Symonette, CEO, Bahamas Experience Tours, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sales Manager Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Craig Thomas Director of Sales and Marketing, Margaritaville Bahamas, Donne Nixon, Business Development Manager Sandals Resorts, Krista Cardona Sales Manager, Air Canada Vacations, Emily Spadafora, Andrei Losinski and Christopher Brothers, Sales Managers WestJet Vacations, Lorraine Brisbois corporate manager, Sunwing Vacations and Nancy Drolet Business Development Manager, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Ministry of Tourism officials are hopeful that the media blitz will strengthen sales efforts and add an intimate appeal to the Canadian tourist to visit the Bahamas. “We’ve had a record-breaking year with the Canadian market, and we are looking to continue that trend.” stated Jibrilu.

Jamaica ranked 2nd in the world for prioritizing tourism, says Bartlett

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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica has been ranked 2nd in the world for the prioritization of travel and tourism.

The ranking, which was done by the World Economic Forum through its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTIC), highlights that Jamaica prioritizes tourism through government policies and legislation which enable growth of the sector.

Minister Bartlett, who made the announce at the Ministry of Tourism’s Strategic retreat at the Moon Palace Hotel in Ocho Rios today, said “This ranking falls in line with our consistent drive to create strategies that promote growth in arrivals, earnings and ultimately inclusive growth for our small players in the sector.

I am pleased that this ranking gives credibility to our effort as it shows tangibly that the government is doing all that it can to achieve this consistent growth n the sector.”

Published every 2 years by the World Economic Forum, the TTIC measures the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness of 140 economies. The measurement includes the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the Travel & Tourism sector which contributes to the competitiveness of the country.

Minister Bartlett added that, “Jamaica was also ranked 6th for the effectiveness of promotion and brand marketing. This augurs well for our digital transformation drive through the Jamaica Tourist Board, which has transformed the way we market brand Jamaica in the digital space. Both rankings mean that Jamaica is doing it right and the world is taking notice.”

TTCI 2019 results also indicated that air transportation, digital connectivity and international openness are advancing in a global context of growing trade tensions and nationalism.

For more news about Jamaica, please click here.

What’s new in the Islands of The Bahamas this December

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The weather may be cooling down in the U.S., but The Bahamas is heating up this winter. With numerous awards under its belt, The Bahamas is top-of-mind as people around the world set their 2020 travel plans. From continued reopenings on Grand Bahama Island, to a new craft cocktail bar in Nassau to exciting cultural events such as the vibrant celebration of Junkanoo, there is no better time than now to see just why it’s always “Better in The Bahamas”.

NEWS

The Bahamas Sees Increase in Year-over-Year Bookings – Expedia reported an increase across all major areas in The Bahamas comparing November 2017 – October 2018 bookings to November 2018 – October 2019, including air tickets, room nights and passengers. The islands had a 0.5% increase in air tickets, a 6.7% increase in room nights and a 3.7% increase in cruise passengers.

Grand Bahama Island Hotels Reopen – Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, a resort that played a key role in Hurricane Dorian relief efforts, reopened in early November. Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is scheduled to reopen Dec. 10 and is offering 40% off as part of its grand reopening celebration. Grand Lucayan Lighthouse Pointe, Taino Beach Resort & Clubs and more are also open and welcoming visitors this travel season.

Balearia Caribbean Resumes Regular Service to Grand Bahama Island – Balearia Caribbean has resumed its regular sailing to Grand Bahama Island following Hurricane Dorian and increased services with an additional Saturday sailing. The fast ferry service will continue supporting relief efforts on The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island through its partnership with Reach Out Ministries.

Craft Cocktail Bar Opens in Nassau – The Bahamas’ first and only craft cocktail bar, Bon Vivants, recently opened in Nassau’s Sandyport area with a 23-page menu featuring more than 48 drinks ranging from classic cocktails, spirits and wines to colorful adult-versions of childhood favorites. The postcard worthy bar boasts oversized rattan chairs, lush colorful wallpaper, a vintage cocktail glass collection and hosts Jazz nights each Wednesday. Bon Vivants doubles as a café in the daylight hours offering various coffees and pastries.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Bahamas Included in Frommer’s  ‘Best Places to Go in 2020’ List – The Bahamas was listed as one of the top travel destinations for 2020 by Frommer’s, which encouraged travelers to trade the “overtouristed” spots for destinations with no shortage of culture, adventure, food and scenery.

Fodor’s 2020 Go List Features The Bahamas – Fodor’s included The Bahamas in its 2020 Go List, an annual list that highlights the most talked about destinations to consider for the New Year.

The Bahamas Named the World’s Leading Wedding Destination – The Bahamas was named the World’s Leading Wedding Destination at the 26th annual World Travel Awards. Known for its pristine beaches, iconic waters and luxurious resorts, The Bahamas has always been beloved for destination weddings. The World Travel Awards celebrates key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

The Bahamas Honored in Recommend’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards – The Bahamas was named a favorite destination among travel advisors in Recommend’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Valentines Resort Island Hopping Offer – Pre-book an air/ferry-inclusive vacation package for four to six consecutive nights at Valentines Resort & Marina and receive a $75 inbound and outbound flight credit. Offer is valid for flights originating and ending in Nassau or Freeport.

Suite Dreams at Warwick Paradise Island – Experience Bahamian luxury with the most stunning views of beautiful Nassau Harbour with up to 30% off at Warwick Paradise Island. Stay for two or more nights and receive a $100 Amber Spa Credit per person or a $350 Amber Spa Credit per person when staying five nights or more.

An Exumas Bucket List Day Tour – Get 25% off Staniel Air’s 5-Star rated Bucket List Day Tour when you fly from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, using the code BAHAMAS2019 at checkout. The package includes stops to experience the Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay, Compass Cay’s Nurse Sharks, Thunderball Grotto and more.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and happenings in The Bahamas: www.bahamas.com/events

HERO World Challenge (December 1 – December 7) – The invitation-only tournament hosted by Tiger Woods and comprised of the top ranked golfers in the world will be played at Albany, Bahamas, Dec. 1 – Dec.7. Golf Channel and NBC will provide live television coverage of the HERO World Challenge. For more information, visit HeroWorldChallenge.com.

The Jonas Brothers at Atlantis (December 30) – GRAMMY-nominated band, the Jonas Brothers, will perform at Atlantis, Paradise Island on December 30, 2019. The performance is a part of the resort’s acclaimed entertainment series, Atlantis LIVE. This will be the multiplatinum trio’s fifth time performing for Atlantis LIVE and 10 years since their last Atlantis performance. Tickets are available for purchase at jonasbrothersatlantis.com.

Junkanoo (December 26; January 1) – Considered the cultural event of the year, Junkanoo is a vibrant and one-of-a-kind celebration of Bahamian culture. From eye-popping and colorful costumes to lively dancing and music, see Junkanoo performers rush the main streets of Nassau as their groups compete for Best of the Best title. For more information, visit NassauParadiseIsland.com/Your-Guide-to-Junkanoo.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 15 of the 16 unique island destinations currently open for business, The Bahamas lies just 55 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.

For more news about The Bahamas, please click here.

Jamaica and Panama to establish multi-destination arrangement, says Minister Bartlett

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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and the Republic of Panama is set to establish a multi destination arrangement, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism relations between both countries.

This announcement follows discussions with Minister of Tourism for Panama, His Excellency Ivan Alfaro, and Minister Bartlett at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London yesterday.

“Multi destination tourism is a strategy to increase the product offerings of the respective destinations but more so to enable better air connectivity between markets particularly, for long haul destinations. With this multi destination arrangement, Panama will become a hub for long haul flights and Emirates and Air China are among the two targeted carriers,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Panamanian Tourism Authority will meet to conclude details of the arrangement by January 2020 for signing during FITUR in Spain.

“The second area of collaboration will be to explore how we can better leverage the Jamaican Diaspora that has contributed to the cultural enrichment of Panama.

The third and final area of collaboration will be resilience building in the region, which will include the establishment of a satellite Global Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at an agreed university in Panama,” added Minister Bartlett.

Jamaica has had diplomatic relations with Panama since 1966. Currently, COPA Airlines, which is the flag carrier of Panama, operates eleven (11) flights weekly into Jamaica.

The WTM is a major promotional platform for the JTB and features many Jamaican companies, creating the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.

Minister Bartlett, who is participating in WTM as part of efforts to increase outbound travels from the UK, Northern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia and Nordic region to grow arrivals from these markets, will return to the island on November 8.

For more news about Jamaica, please click here.

What’s new in the Islands of the Bahamas for November

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Grand Bahama Island has already rebounded from Hurricane Dorian with a handful of reopenings this month.  Many of its hotels and attractions have reopened or plan to do so shortly, while cruise ships have resumed calling to the island and the airport plans to resume international service this month. The Islands Of The Bahamas are truly Open For Business and are ready to welcome visitors as we head into the holiday season.

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND REOPENS

Hotel Openings – Many of Grand Bahama Island’s resorts reopened towards the end of October, including Grand Lucayan Lighthouse Pointe, Castaways Resort & Suites, Taino Beach Resort & Clubs, Paradise Cove, The Village Bahamia, Royal Islander Resort and Sunrise Resort &Marina. Pelican Bay Hotel, Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort and Bell Channel Inn are open to relief workers. While its marina, Teasers Beach Side Bar & Grill, Banana Hammocks Harbour Side Bar and the beachside pool reopened in October, Old Bahama Bay Resort is expected to reopen to guests in November.

International Airport – Grand Bahama International Airport has a tentative opening of mid-November while Bahamasair and Western Air have resumed domestic services out of temporary facilities.

Cruise Port – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration returned to regular scheduled  sailings on September 27. Passengers have the option to add a free volunteer excursion to help on the ground or assemble family boxes onboard the ship. Carnival Cruise Line has also resumed sailings to Grand Bahama Island. Between the relaunch date and the end of the year, Carnival expects to host 39 calls in Freeport, bringing more than 100,000 visitors to the island.

OTHER NEWS

The Bahamas Awarded in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards – The Islands Of The Bahamas placed tenth in Condé Nast Travelers’ 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards for the Top 10 Islands in The Caribbean & Atlantic. Despite the trying hurricane season, The Islands continue to be a leader in Caribbean travel.

United Airlines Adds Non-Stop Service between Denver and Nassau – United Airlines have added Saturday-only non-stop service from Denver to Nassau. The service begins March 7 and continues through August 15.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s New Nassau Offering – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line introduced its popular cruise and stay program to Nassau. Departing from the port of West Palm Beach, passengers can choose from a two or six night stay at participating resorts in Nassau, including SLS Baha Mar, The Melia Nassau Beach All-Inclusive or Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Over 250,000 stayover guests are expected to arrive to The Islands Of The Bahamas in the next year.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Warwick Paradise Island’s Fourth Night Free – Guests traveling through December 15 can earn a fourth night free when spending three nights at Warwick Paradise Island.

Pineapple Fields’ Special Offer  – Stay in a one bedroom upstairs condo for three days or more from November 18 – December 15 and save 20% when booking by phone.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Stay up-to-date with the latest events and happenings in The Bahamas: www.bahamas.com/events

The P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship (November 8 – November 10) – Atlantis, Paradise Island will play host to professional watercraft competitors, representing 12 countries for the P1 AquaX Bahamas World Championship. Additional festivities will include a nearby Race Village with live music, local bands, food and activities for all ages. Tickets can be purchased at www.atlantisbahamas.com/p1-aquax.

Bahamas Hoopfest (November 27 – November 30) – In partnership with International Youth Education & Sports Foundation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation will be hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Thanksgiving Classic in Nassau this year. This will be the first women’s basketball event of its kind to be hosted in The Bahamas. View fan packages here.

The Jonas Brothers at Atlantis (December 30) – GRAMMY-nominated band, the Jonas Brothers, will perform at Atlantis, Paradise Island on December 30, 2019. The performance is a part of the resort’s acclaimed entertainment series Atlantis LIVE. This will be the multiplatinum trio’s fifth time performing for Atlantis LIVE and 10 years since their last Atlantis performance. Tickets are available for purchase at jonasbrothersatlantis.com.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. It’s also easy to get to The Bahamas from Canada by traveling on Air Canada or Westjet. 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.

For more news about the Bahamas, please click here.

Guam Request for Proposal: Tourism Destination Marketing Representation Services in Southeast Asia

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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), a public, non-stock, non-profit membership corporation, has issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) soliciting proposals from established marketing companies to act as GVB’s TOURISM DESTINATION MARKETING REPRESENTATION SERVICES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA to assist GVB in promoting Guam tourism and achieving visitor arrival goals in Southeast Asia.

RFP packages can also be downloaded at no cost  from GVB’s website at https://www.guamvisitorsbureau.com/news/rfps or obtained (in USB format) at the GVB Office, 401 Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon, Guam, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, excluding Guam holidays.  A non-refundable $25.00 fee is required for each packet picked up at the GVB office payable in US$ cash, bank wire transfer or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB).

Questions, if any, should be made in writing to the President and CEO, which can be dropped off at the GVB office; emailed to procurement@visitguam.org; or sent by fax to 671-646-8861 according to the timeline provided in the RFP.

GVB hereby notifies all offerors that it will affirmatively ensure that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit a response to this request for proposal and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award. 

GVB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any imperfection in the proposal, or cancel this solicitation all according to law in the interest of the bureau.  Direct or indirect contact with the GVB Management or Staff, Board Member, or any person participating in the selection process is prohibited. 

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please note the deadline for submission is no later than 5:00 p.m. (Chamorro Standard Time) on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT: GUAM VISITORS BUREAU, Office: (671) 646-5278, Mobile: (671) 686-4827, http://www.visitguam.org

News: Top end Palm Jumeirah property market remains buoyant

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Breaking Travel News Selection on FIR:

A 9,000 square foot villa on the Palm Jumeirah was the most expensive unit sold in Dubai in the first-quarter of 2019, fetching Dh51 million.

According to high-end property brokerage firm Luxhabitat, the second costliest villas was sold for Dh50 million in Umm Suqeim with built-up area of 9,000 square foot.

Global real estate consultancy CBRE said in its latest report that average prime property price in Dubai is $548,338, more economical than Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore, Paris and Sydney among major cities.

According to Luxhabitat analysis, more than 1,737 villas and 6,194 apartments were transacted in the first quarter of 2019; while the secondary-market saw transactions reaching Dh20.4 billion.

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This is compared to Dh18.5 billion in quarter four last year, registering an increase of ten per cent.

The prime residential market in quarter one of 2019 totalled Dh10.6 billion, which is approximately 44 per cent higher than the previous quarter.

The analysis defines the prime residential market as a residential market composed of properties that lie on the high-end spectrum of the Dubai residential market.

Source: Breaking Travel News

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News: reefLIVE submits Belfast aquarium planning request

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Breaking Travel News Selection on FIR:

Aquarium company reefLIVE has submitted a planning application for a £12 million aquarium in Titanic Quarter.

The plans submitted to Belfast City Council propose the development of a state-of-the-art aquarium attraction to be located on the Queen’s Road opposite the Titanic Hotel, a short distance from Titanic Belfast.

The reefLIVE Aquarium, which has now finished its pre-application community consultation, aims to open its doors in spring 2021.

Once open the Aquarium is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors each year.

Keith Thomas, managing director, reefLIVE, commented: “We are extremely excited to see the reefLIVE Aquarium plans being submitted to the Belfast City Council and hope to see the application progress swiftly through the decision-making process to allow us to begin construction of this immersive visitor experience.”

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The application which will be considered by Belfast City Council’s planning committee, has been widely supported throughout the public consultation.

The plans received an overwhelmingly level of positive feedback both via the consultation’s official feedback channels and on social media.

Over 100 people engaged with the project directly by submitting comments either by post, email or at the public exhibition event.

Thomas continued: “The proposal to bring a new Aquarium to Belfast has attracted strong levels of support from the community and has bolstered our confidence in the decision to open the first reefLIVE Aquarium in Northern Ireland.

“Feedback received both at the public exhibition and via the project website shows strong public support for an aquarium which will showcase some of the best marine environments worldwide, including around the Irish coast.”

Subject to planning approval, it is anticipated that the reefLIVE Aquarium will be the largest marine-life visitor attraction on the island of Ireland and in bringing another international-standard attraction to the Titanic Quarter, will help to boost the length of each tourist visit to the city.

Source: Breaking Travel News

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J$250 Million to Start Tourism Workers’ Pension Fund in January, says Bartlett

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says J$250 million will be used to ensure the start of the highly anticipated Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme next month. This forms part of the government’s effort to seed the fund to meet the deadline of a January 2020 start date for the pension scheme.

Minister Bartlett, who made the announcement at a pension sensitization session with hotel workers at Royalton Negril today, said “We are well on our way to implementing the pension scheme and currently the Board of Trustees is in the process of procuring a Fund Manager and Fund Administrator.

As soon as the Fund Manager has been appointed, 250 million will be disbursed to seed the fund so that if workers have contributed for only 5years and reach their retirement age of 65 they will get a guaranteed minimum pension.”

The Ministry of Tourism has been carrying out pension sensitization sessions across the island to update tourism workers on the next steps of the pension scheme. Over 400 workers attended the session at the Royalton Hotel and approximately 100 workers attended the session at the RIU Hotel, both in Negril.

The Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 year in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed. This includes hotel workers as well as persons employed in other tourism subsectors such as craft vendors, tour operators, red cap porters, contract carriage operators and workers at attractions.

In highlighting the significance of the pension scheme, Minister Bartlett added that, “This landmark Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is a carefully strategized arrangement that forms part of the Ministry’s overall human capital development strategy in the sector. The pension scheme is the final cap in that strategy to ensure a social security safety net for our workers at retirement.”

Registration for Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is scheduled to begin in January 2020.

J$250 Million to Start Jamaica Tourism Workers’ Pension Fund in January, says Bartlett
A section of the over 400 workers at the Royalton Hotel in Negril during the pension sensitization session haled there today. The session forms part of Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett’s effort to update workers on the next stage of the Tourism Worker’s Pension Scheme which will be implemented next month.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

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
Rdemeritte@Bahamas.com