CTO News

Belize Tourism Board Unveils Redesigned Travelbelize.org

Belize City, Belize, Tuesday, June 15, 2021 – Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the official tourism marketing organization for Belize, invites visitors to explore its all new travelbelize website. The revamped webpage is the country’s official resource center for travelers planning their next tropical vacation.

Providing visitors from all over the world with a unique, enticing Belizean experience, the new site has been completely redesigned to make exploring, planning and booking a vacation to Belize even easier. Immersive video and imagery, a virtual interactive map, and a modified flight map helps travelers plan their stay from point ‘A to Belize’; while a fresh, intuitive design and navigation inspires them to explore the myriad adventures, natural attractions and the cultural diversity which Belize is known for.

“With the highly anticipated launch of the redesigned travelbelize website, guests can now catch flights and feelings for Belize,” said BTB Chairman and Interim Director of Tourism, Mr. Evan Tillett. “Our goal is to spur guests’ excitement in dreaming, planning and customizing their vacation experience, before, during and after their time in the country. We hope this new interface is refreshingly helpful and continues to spark digital wanderlust.”

For more information on Belize, visit travelbelize.org.

Hospitality Sector Vaccination Rate Now Over 60% Of Employees Vaccinated

Tuesday June 15, 2021, Antigua and Barbuda:  Antigua and Barbuda hospitality industry partners are looking ahead and seeing recovery in sight with airlift and occupancy showing slow signs of increase.

The industry sees one of the major factors in the recovery process being the vaccination of employees. Resorts, tours, retailers, restaurants, taxi drivers and all related hospitality businesses have all been exceptional in their support and encouragement of employees to get vaccinated.  2^nd dose vaccinations are now underway for over 3,500 employees in the sector with many other employees now also taking the opportunity to get their 1^st dose.

A recent industry survey by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association shows average occupancy for the destination for October – December 2021, currently showing at an estimated 45% with a potential for growth as we are encouraged by our new Level 1 rating from the CDC in the United States, the possibility of the UK moving Antigua and Barbuda to the green list and the return of the Canadian travelers in the last quarter of this year.  This number will continue to climb as we also promote the safety of our destination.  Mr. Vernon A. Jeffers Snr, Executive Chairman of the ABHTA remarked “we must be serious and think aggressively about promoting our destination as Sun, Sea and Safe.  Safety means ensuring that we protect our employees and encourage them to get vaccinated, protecting themselves and their families. Our team members must also feel safe in a work environment where they can deliver the best service to guests. Our success is simply vaccination, where each one, protects the other.”

The Honorable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment lends his support to the vaccination process for the hospitality sector. “Vaccination is still the only proven scientifically known way for us to get out of the clutches of this pandemic; saving lives and livelihoods and allowing us to fully open our country for tourism.  We are encouraged by the steadily increasing vaccination rate in the sector and will continue to support our industry partners however we can, to ensure employees are safe and the sector continues to see increased growth and a return to full employment”, said the Tourism Minister. 

Employees wishing to get more information about the vaccination process should speak directly with their health care provider.

Embrace Island Time In The Bahamas With Ease Of Air Travel

NASSAU, Bahamas, June 14, 2021 – The Bahamas is poised for a big comeback this summer. Whether travelers are toe-dipping their way back into travel and seeking a close-to-home vacation, or adding island hopping to their adventure-focused itinerary, getting to The Bahamas is within arm’s reach, thanks to the many airlift options in major hubs across the U.S.

“Travelers have been daydreaming of a vacation in The Bahamas for nearly a year and half, and we’re so thrilled there are so many nonstop and one-stop flight options to make a Bahamian escape a reality,” said the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation.

There are plenty of ways for every type of traveler to get to The Bahamas by air this summer:

TOE-DIPPING BACK TO TRAVEL

The Bahamas is quite literally positioned as the closest Caribbean destination to the U.S. There’s no need to hop on a plane across the world to get the vacation you’ve been wishing for.

• American Airlines is offering escapes to Nassau from Chicago, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas.
• New Yorkers looking to escape the East Coast can fly Delta, Jet Blue, American Airlines, or United non-stop to Nassau.
• Silver Airways offers many flight options to The Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, including Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Bimini and Nassau.
• Those traveling from Florida have plenty of options to get to Nassau via Bahamasair from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
• Houstonians can trade the Gulf of Mexico for the blue hues of The Bahamas via United’s nonstop flights to Nassau. Dallas-area residents can also fly into Nassau twice weekly from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Denver and Houston residents can book one-stop flights to Grand Bahama Island, Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco via the airline as well.

ISLAND TIME IN THE OUT ISLANDS & GRAND BAHAMA

The Bahamas Out Islands are known for their secluded nature, not to mention they’re home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For those seeking an under-the-radar vacation and want to opt in to everything or nothing at all, there is plenty to choose from with these flight options:

• American Airlines will be offering flights from Miami and Charlotte all summer to Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco. Chicago residents can also make a trip to the Out Islands including Exuma, Abaco and Eleuthera via the airline.
• Delta Airlines offers daily flights from Atlanta to Eleuthera and Exuma.

A BUDGET FRIENDLY WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE BAHAMAS

Just around the corner, starting June 24, 2021, Frontier Airlines will take travelers from Miami to Nassau, giving wanderlusters a more budget friendly way to travel. The airline will depart Miami International Airport four times weekly, including Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

LOOKING AHEAD

Southwest Airlines has announced the resumption of its daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau beginning October 7, 2021. The airline will also resume its Saturday and Sunday service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) beginning October 7, 2021. Flights are available for booking today.

Canadians can also look forward to the return of travel to The Bahamas, with resumed service from Toronto to Nassau via Sunwing Airlines beginning June 27.

To learn more about the flights offered to The Bahamas, check out: https://www.bahamas.com/getting-here/flying.

Be sure to head to Bahamas.com/travelupdates for an overview of The Bahamas’ travel and entry protocols before booking a vacation in paradise.

The USA CDC Moves Antigua & Barbuda To Low-Risk As Visitors Return

JOHN’S, ANTIGUA, June 14, 2021… The Government of Antigua & Barbuda is delighted to announce that the country has been moved to Level 1, the lowest risk level, in the most recent travel advisory issued by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC).  Level 1 countries include those like Australia and New Zealand considered the lowest risk destinations, having reported less than 50 Covid-19 cases in the last 28 days.

“We are delighted that Americans can have confidence in traveling to our shores,” said The Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment.  “We have worked very hard to ensure the safety of our people and our visitors and this has paid off in lower numbers of COVID infections and reduced impact on our economy. This latest announcement by the CDC is an endorsement of everything we have done.”

Travelers everywhere are still asked to take precautions and the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before traveling even to a low-risk locations.  Visitors to Antigua & Barbuda will be expected to observe Antigua & Barbuda’s own travel protocols which the government updated June 1, 2021.  These are intended to ensure the continued safety of travelers and residents.

The V.C. Bird International Airport is open for international and regional air traffic. The Antigua Port Authority is also open to Cargo Vessels, Pleasure Craft and Ferry Services.  Antigua & Barbuda continues to carry out a combination of screening, testing, the issuing of monitoring bracelets and other measures to mitigate the risk of importing any new cases of COVID-19 into the country. Additionally, measures have been implemented for the quick detection of any imported cases. Visitors arriving in Antigua & Barbuda on commercial flights stay at approved accommodation and are evaluated for COVID-19 with a series of health screenings, to include temperature checks.

“There is every indication that this is another step towards a full recovery,” Minister Fernandez said.  “We want to ensure that we move forward enthusiastically but with all necessary care to ensure that we do this right.”

Anguilla Tourist Board Invites You To “Lose The Crowd, Find Yourself” In Anguilla

The Valley, Anguilla, June 14, 2021….The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) launches its official reopening campaign this week under the theme “Lose the Crowd, Find Yourself”.  A tourism delegation led by Mrs. Stacey Liburd, Director of Tourism will travel to the United States to promote the island’s new relaxed protocols and remind visitors of the extraordinary experiences that await them in Anguilla. The ATB team, comprised of Mrs. Liburd and Mrs. Chantelle Richardson, Coordinator, International Markets, will be joined by representatives from Belmond Cap Juluca, Zemi Beach House, Tranquility Beach Anguilla, Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection and Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club.

Anguilla’s successful Covid-control and updated safety protocols have earned the island a Level 1 classification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lowest possible risk level.  As an extra layer of protection for both residents and guests, as of July 1^st, 2021 all visitors to Anguilla must be fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arrival to be allowed entry to the island. Visitors must still apply for entry and produce a negative rt-PCR COVID-19 test administered 3-5 days prior to arrival, but they will no longer be tested on arrival or required to vacation in place.  They will be free to explore the island’s spectacular beaches, dine at their favorite local restaurants, and experience the destination’s timeless appeal at their leisure.

“We have missed our visitors, and we can’t wait to welcome our loyal repeat guests back to Anguilla and greet the new friends who will be discovering us for the first time,” declared Mrs. Stacey Liburd, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism.  “Since we reopened on May 25^th we have welcomed hundreds of visitors, who have provided a tremendous boost to our tourism economy.  Our reopening campaign is designed to ramp up demand, to keep the momentum going and lay the foundation for our best winter season ever,” she continued.

The reopening campaign will take place in three phases and will target Anguilla’s travel partners and potential consumers via in person sales calls, targeted advertising and social media channels. In Season 1, from June 18 – 30, the ATB delegation will visit the Southern US cities of Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, to promote the expanded summer airlift via St. Martin, a major gateway, as well as Seaborne Airlines’ non-stop service from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport in Anguilla.  The delegation will meet with Virtuoso travel advisors, as well as with advisors from leading agencies Pro Travel, FROSCH, Travel Experts, Travel Edge, SmartFlyer and Travel Leaders. 

“The campaign strategy is grounded in our brand pillars – Romance, Adventure & Events, Culture, Family, Cuisine, Health & Wellness — and our imagery and messaging will reflect these experiences,” declared Georgios Tserdakidis, Chief Marketing Officer, ATB. “We have created a series of videos and static ads based on the different brand pillars and the “Lose the Crowd” brand slogans. Through social media stories and posts and strategic ad placements, we invite our guests to “Find Romance”, “Find Adventure”, “Find New Flavors”, “Find Tranquility”, or “Find a Community” in Anguilla.”

In Season 2, the ATB will target the Northeast cities of Boston, MA; Greenwich, CT; New York, NY; Northern and Southern NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC, and the Baltimore, MD and Virginia Beltway.  In Season 3, the ATB heads to the West Coast, to visit travel partners in Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, AZ.

“Our focus is on the US market as American travelers have been the first to resume travel, having the least travel restrictions and greatest access, and so much pent-up demand,” said Chantelle Richardson, ATB Coordinator, International Markets. “We look forward to engaging with our travel advisor partners in-market, who have supported us throughout by sending their clients as soon as we reopened our borders.”

For travel information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com/escape; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

Editor’s Note:  Anguilla’s June Roadshow Video Announcement is available at this link – https://bit.ly/3cEBMYl