Across the Caribbean, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry has been more than apparent; in fact that impact was particularly evident during the April to mid-June period when there was literally no activity in some Caribbean destinations -- empty hotels and restaurants; deserted attractions; shut borders; laid-off workers; grounded airlines; and crippled cruise lines.
While the region saw some fluctuations in the levels of visitors for the remaining months of the 2020, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's newly released 2020 Performance Review makes it clear that...
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. has announced its newest all-inclusive resort with Hilton, adding The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to its managed resort portfolio and entering the growing soft branded all-inclusive market.
Playa first entered a strategic alliance with Hilton in 2018 and currently operates Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica, Hilton La Romana all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and Hilton Playa del Carmen in Mexico.
The adults-only Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen will be the second Playa-managed Hilton...
One year.
I have been thinking about the passage of time.
In those early days, it passed like a dripping tap … drip … drip … drip … we left our offices, closed our businesses, abandoned our daily routines and barricaded ourselves in our homes because we needed to stay away from each other.
As we scurried to our safe place, we searched frantically for toilet paper, paper towels, antiseptic wipes, masks, gloves and other supplies that we bought in bulk, believing by doing so we'd be protected from something that couldn’t be seen, but we all knew was out there.
At home,...
Travel has the power to transform us, to move us, to change our point of view and expand our understanding of other cultures and ways of life. Travel allows us to grow and gain a deeper sense of appreciation for life back home. Some of the best moments in travel are unscripted and raw.
While it’s true that people around the world miss travelling, for those in the industry, that void may feel even bigger after a year of being grounded. After all, connecting with locals, the excitement of exploration and experiencing the wonders of a destination were integral to being in this...
After nine months of being on furlough, Christian Roussin is back at Playa Hotels & Resorts.
Said Roussin: “I am very happy to be back. I missed our industry so much and it is a privilege for me to be back to restart our industry and the partnership with travel agent partners in Quebec, Atlantic and all across Canada.”
Work begins today (March 8), with Roussin working three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays). His territory is Quebec and Atlantic.
Rose Cosentino, VP Sales Canada, said: “Having Christian return from furlough is another positive indication that we...
Beaches Ocho Rios has officially reopened, welcoming guests back to the all-inclusive paradise that radiates with fun for multi-generational families and guests of all ages. With its warm turquoise waters, private white-sand beach, and expansive family suites, reconnecting with loved ones has never been more luxurious.
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, said: “Families have been through a lot over the past year. From navigating virtual school and work simultaneously to being away from loved ones, the Beaches team is here to give them the vacation they...
As more meeting and event professionals look to plan hybrid virtual/in-person meetings and events as the meeting industry adapts to new ways of connecting during the global pandemic, Marriott International is offering innovative solutions to help Connect with Confidence and streamline the current planning process.
With meeting and event professionals often require additional information about technology, health protocols, and logistics available to them, Marriott International will be making new resources for hybrid meetings and events -- including providers and pricing -- available...
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort By Best Hotels is reaching out to Canadian travel advisors who are members of the resort’s “Serenade Agents” program to let them know that they will receive a special 15% commission on client reservations made through April 30, 2021 at the resort.
Travel advisors must include their valid identification number at the time of booking.
And for travel advisors who want to become Serenade Agents and start earning the increased commission can register through the website by selecting “travel agents” on the page and completing the...
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) continues its development in the Caribbean as Sandals Royal Barbados breaks ground on an exciting new expansion, just in time for the summer season.
Set to premiere July 1, 2021, the South Seas Village at Sandals Royal Barbados will be home to 66 new suites, bringing the total room count to 338, which include the brand’s signature Rondoval suites, Skypool and Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up suites and Millionaire Butler suite concepts; two new wellness-inspired eateries, The Greenhouse Restaurant and Heart & Sol café, bringing the resort's...
RIU Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Jamaica. In 2001, the Spanish chain opened its first hotel in the country, the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril.
From that moment, RIU’s commitment to the country has not stopped growing, and today it has six hotels in three different destinations (three in Montego Bay, two in Negril and one in Ocho Rios).
In addition, the commitment is reflected in the renovation and refurbishment that the chain has undertaken in Jamaica.
When the Riu Palace Tropical Bay opened in 2001, RIU became the first Spanish...