THE WINTER
SEASON in the Caribbean recorded a healthy pace of travel
with several destinations reporting arrivals increases that ranged
from 3.8% in Barbados in January to a 110% jump in the Cayman
Islands. In 2005, the Caymans were deep in recovery mode from
Hurricane Ivan, which hit the destination in September 2004, so the
figures did not reflect the usual visitor count. Although all the
numbers arent in, and were working with limited data at this time,
the general perception is that the region had a fairly reasonable
winter, said Arley Sobers, director of management research for the
Caribbean Tourism Organization.
ANGUILLA,
ARUBA, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico
also registered increases in January. Arubas existing hotel product
averaged occupancies above 80% through early April. Revenues and
occupancies are strong, according to Myrna Jansen, managing
director of the Aruba Tourism Authority. Were experiencing
incredible growth in the tourism sector, with more than $274
million pouring into hotels, restaurants, the airport, cruise
terminals and more through 2007. Jamaica had a 12% jump in stopover
arrivals through February; preliminary figures for March show us to
be up at least 10%, according to Paul Pennicook, director of
tourism.
LODGEPODGE
" Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas offers a fifth
and seventh night free on its Mothers Day packages, valid on new
bookings through April 30 for travel May 1 to 31. Guests on the
European Plan package get the fifth night free when four are
booked; the seventh night is free when six are booked on the
resorts all-inclusive plan. Bonuses on the all-inclusive program
include two free passes for an all-day sail to St. John aboard the
resorts Heavenly Daze with lunch and drinks (valued at $100 per
person), and two tickets for a sunset cruise (valued at $45 per
person). Book through Bolongo at (800) 291-6428 or e-mail [email protected].
" The spring sale at the all-inclusive Almond Beach
Village in Barbados starts at $488 per person, double, for three
nights. The rate must be booked by April 30; travel is valid from
April 17 through June 30. For details, visit www.almondresorts.com.
PENCIL IT
IN
" Cayman Carnival Batabano, May 11 to 14, Grand Cayman.
This years theme is All Nations, One Celebration. For details,
visit www.caymancarnival.com.
" Gospelfest 2006, May 20 to 28, Barbados. Alken Tours
offers several packages with accommodations for three or seven
nights, taxes, service charges, and transfers. Air and event
tickets are not included in the hotel package prices, which start
at $241 per person, double, for three nights at Amaryllis Beach
Resort. For details, visit www.alkentours.com.
Caribbean
Editor:
Gay Nagle
Myers
Phone: (201) 902-1591
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].