Archive for Allied News

Saint Lucia Crowned ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’

Castries, October 18, 2021 – Saint Lucia has won the award for ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ at the 28th annual World Travel Awards. President and Founder of World Travel Awards, Graham Cooke, presented the award to Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire at the ongoing Dubai Expo, in the presence of the other senior tourism officials.

The win represents the island’s eighth consecutive title as ‘Caribbean Leading Honeymoon destination and twelfth overall, of the same title.

Ancillary service providers were also recognized in various categories.

  • Leading Car Rental Company – Thrifty
  • Leading Beach Resort- Marigot Bay Resort, Spa & Marina
  • Leading Hotel- Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat
  • Leading Resort- Sandals Grande St. Lucian
  • Leading Destination Management Company – Barefoot Holidays
  • Leading Tour Operator- Spice Travel & Tours
  • Leading Travel Agency- Going Places Travel

“Romance continues to be the essence in brand Saint Lucia, a significant niche market for our world-renowned island destination. This award, particularly in this era, reflects the resilience and perseverance of our people and the results of the hard work of all our tourism stakeholders. This truly is an award for the people of Saint Lucia!” stated Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire –Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information.

Saint Lucia is also the twelve-time winner of the ‘World Leading Honeymoon Destination’ by World Travel Awards.

The public is encouraged to vote for Saint Lucia as the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2021, until October 24. The grand finale event which acknowledges first class excellence of travel brands from across the world, takes place on November 26, 2021.

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit stlucia.org.

Posted in: 2021 News, Allied News, Destination News

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Grenada Has A Fix With Increased Airlift For Winter

St. George’s, Grenada W.I. – October 12, 2021 – The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) announced today the destination will become even more accessible with increased airlift from the United States and the resumption of service from Canada. The timing comes just ahead of winter, officially the time of SAD and when the Caribbean is especially appealing for North Americans who are already dreading early darkness and frigid temperatures.

“As people re-engage their passion for travel, our airline partners recognise the value of providing connectivity to our special island. We are truly a slice of paradise with a low-key vibe, warm and welcoming people, and offerings that connect visitors not only with nature and amazing water adventures, but also with a fascinating culinary journey” said Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority. “New and expanded air service helps Grenada regain its position as a highly attractive destination for visitors seeking a distinctive Caribbean experience.”

A roundup of airlift updates include:

From the U.S.

  • JetBlue offers daily service from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND). The carrier’s premium Mint aircraft operates on Saturday
  • American Airlines offers service, twice a week, from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) on Wednesday and Saturday
  • Starting November 2, service operates three times a week (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Daily service begins December 1
  • Starting November 27, service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), operates once a week on Saturday

From Canada

  • Air Canada Mainline will resume direct service, twice a week, (Wednesday and Sunday) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) starting October 31
  • Sunwing is expected to offer service once a week from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) starting November 7

PURE SAFE TRAVEL

The health and safety of Grenada’s citizens and its visitors has been at the forefront of the development of the island’s Pure Safe Travel protocols. All persons entering Grenada either by air or sea must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks with a WHO-approved vaccination and present a negative PCR test result, taken within three days of arrival. The cost for the PCR test, which was originally $150 USD, has been reduced to $50 USD, effective October 6th. Exemptions to fully vaccinated status include citizens, residents, persons under 13, diplomats and airline crew on layover.

A ‘Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate’ is needed by each traveler, including children, arriving in Grenada. Fully vaccinated travelers are only required to quarantine until clearance is received from Health Officials within 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test on entry. Attractions are open to visitors and dine in at restaurants is available to fully vaccinated persons. For more information on travel protocols, visit: www.puregrenada.com/travel-advisory/

For more information on Grenada or to plan your getaway to the destination, visit www.puregrenada.com.

Posted in: 2021 News, Allied News, Destination News

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2021 Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding and Romance Guide

New York, NY, October 19, 2020 –  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel and tourism industry to a standstill and so, to stimulate romance travel, MarryCaribbean.com is producing a 2021 edition of the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance GuideThis new and revised version is designed to capitalize on the pent-up demand of consumers wanting to rekindle passion, celebrate a milestone anniversary, renew marriage vows, experience a beach wedding or enjoy a honeymoon, and to do so in the Caribbean.  Melanie Reffes, MarryCaribbean.com Editorial Director, will add her talent, experience, and intimate knowledge of the Caribbean to this project.

Marrycaribbean.com CEO, Jacqueline Johnson, stated that “after months of confinement, there is a wanderlust for travel and travelers are seeking an escape, especially to locations that are uncrowded and unhurried. For those who are in love, the need is even more urgent. With open spaces to roam and freedom to explore, the Caribbean provides such a respite and a welcome change for the many that are living in urban areas with restricted access to the outside world. We have re-designed the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance Guide to speak directly to those persons”.

The Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance Guide features a newly constructive homepage with content on Caribbean destinations that cater to the romance market. The guide is recognized as the lead source in the romance market for information on Caribbean countries, cruises, resorts, hotels, and service providers.  This inclusive marrycaribbean.com promotion is open to all the regional tourism stakeholders.  With a 12 month shelf life, the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance Guide is carried on E-Zine, reaching a targeted audience of over 2.2 million couples with a passion for travel and in need of the most up-to-date information on destinations, including laws and other requirements pertaining to getting married in the Caribbean, along with expert advice on where to go, when to go and how best to have a seamless and memorable experience.

Johnson continued, “To support our previous partners, the 2021 edition of the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance Guide will feature advertorial coverage at no additional cost to ensure that the publication remains an extraordinarily productive investment.  We encourage maximum participation by all sectors of the Caribbean travel market in this one-stop shop where consumers and the travel trade obtain vital information on all things romance

Posted in: 2020 News, Allied News, Blog

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MarryCaribbean.com and CTO Collaborate on the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding and Romance Guide

New York, NY (January, 14th, 2019) – (www.MarryCaribbean.com) a subsidiary of the Global Bridal Group and the leading online resource for Romance, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons in the Caribbean in  collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is pleased to announce an exclusive and comprehensive up-to-date E-Zine/E-Book, which will be the categorical source for all information regarding the Caribbean Honeymoon, Weddings and Romance Market.  This will be published across all Social Media Platforms to engage and inform those who seek a destination wedding, honeymoon or just a romantic adventure.  The campaign will be extended through the Fall of 2020 and will live on the Home Pages of MarryCaribbean.com and OneCaribbean.org.

This Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Weddings & Romance Guide, provides the perfect environment to drive the message home for the Romance/wedding and Honeymoon markets. This Guide carries pertinent information on the following destinations, including information on updated Marriage Laws, what to do and where to go on the respective islands of Antigua & Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica, St.Lucia and the three Islands of the United States Virgin Islands – St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.  All with a strong Romance/Wedding/Honeymoon market and where hospitality reigns supreme.

With approximately over 2.2 million marriages per year in the US with expenditure totaling almost US$5 billion, The Caribbean region is the most desirable romance resort destination, and with the wedding/honeymoon/romance market being the ideal generator of emotions, the time is right to position and sell the Caribbean region as a location where “Gossamer Dreams Floating on a Gentle Breeze” can be fully realized.

MarryCaribbean.com is considered the foremost authority on getting married/romance in the Caribbean and was recognized as “The World’s Best Wedding Website” in China.

Posted in: 2020 News, Allied News, Blog, Corporate News

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Five Allied Members Elected to Round Out CTO Board of Directors

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (10 October, 2018) – Five candidates of diverse backgrounds out of a record number 13 were elected to represent the allied membership on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) board of directors for the 2018-2020 term. The elections were held on 5 Oct. 2018 during the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held in the Bahamas.

The five representatives elected to CTO’s Board of Directors for the two-year term are Barry Brown of AFAR Media, Jule Guaglardi of Zelman Style, Jacqueline Johnson of Global Bridal Group, Barbara Magro of Questex Travel Group and John Lawrence Spears of The Concept Farm.

“This is the first time we have had more than eight people interested in holding an allied representative position on the CTO Board of Directors. This reflects an overwhelming interest in the industry and contributing to the development of our region,” said Sylma Brown, director of CTO USA. “Over the years, the allied members have used their talent and resources to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the growth of the Caribbean tourism industry. We look forward to the impact they will have over the next two years.

“Notable this year, is that without exception all 13 candidates vying for the five seats pledged their support to the work of the organisation. In the coming weeks, I will contact each person to determine how we can utilise their considerable talents on projects for the region,” added Brown.

Barry Brown, an allied member for 17 years, is an advertising and publishing professional who has been connected to the region for over 25 years. He also served and continues to serve on the board of the CTO Foundation and was on the Audrey Palmer Hawks Scholarship Foundation Board for many years. Brown has prioritized the education of the next generation of tourism leaders and worked with the CTO to develop the Caribbean Youth Congress. To inspire and reverse declining allied membership, promote advocacy and drive Caribbean tourism are Brown’s goals as part of the board of directors.

Having spent much of the past 25 years writing and photographing features for 12 different publications to showcase the Caribbean, Jule Guaglardi demonstrates her extensive knowledge of the Caribbean market by promoting the region through her editorial outlets. Currently, she operates a high-end design firm in Florida which employs a talented Caribbean design team, which makes up more than 50 percent of the staff. Guaglardi started to expand her work into the Caribbean by re-designing prestigious buildings as well as helping to facilitate Florida building codes in the Caribbean to hurricane standards in an effort to help ensure a more economically stable and sustainable tourism product across the region. Guaglardi plans to open a Caribbean office in order to work alongside local contractors and new rising Caribbean design students eager to learn necessary building standards along with the fundamentals of fine design.

Jacqueline Johnson is a pioneer in the publishing industry as the only minority to head up her own media company. As an expatriate, Johnson believes she owes it to the region to put her extensive networking resources to work to improve the quality of life for people in the Caribbean through tourism. During her more than 20 years as an allied member, Johnson served on the CTO Board and on the executive committee and has been Chairman of the CTO Foundation which provides scholarships to Caribbean students, and donates a substantial amount of her time to Caribbean Week and other CTO events. For her contributions and involvement in the Caribbean, CTO awarded Johnson the Outstanding Service Award. Johnson plans to create programmes and provide market research to contribute to the development of Caribbean tourism.

Barbara Magro has worked in advertising sales for premier food and travel magazines in the United States and Australia and is currently the Florida & Caribbean Director of Business Development with Questex Media Group for Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Agent print and digital products, Travel Agent University e-learning and loyalty platform along with Travel Industry Exchange and Ultra Summit leisure events. During the last two years on the CTO Board of Directors she has given a generous amount of money to promote CTO’s travel agent trade shows, worked with Tourism Cares and ran free banners ads on how to donate to hurricane relief funds during the hurricanes of 2017 along with other forward-thinking actions. Magro plans to continuously give the Caribbean the exposure it needs to the travel trade through the various opportunities that occur within her organisation.

With 17 years of tourism experience, John Lawrence Speers has developed strategic marketing plans, communication strategies and digital innovations across many creative platforms for tourism boards in the Caribbean and other destinations. Having a particular passion for sustainable tourism, Speers recently worked in the hinterlands of Guyana with the indigenous people, creating deeper connections to ensure local cultural traditions prevail and flourish. Speers plans on using his international marketing expertise to connect Caribbean communities both digitally and physically with travellers from North America and beyond.

Posted in: 2018 News, Allied News, Blog

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