VINCENT VANDERPOOL-WALLACE TO STEP DOWN AS CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION SECRETARY GENERAL AND CARIBBEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CO-CEO

VINCENT VANDERPOOL-WALLACE TO STEP DOWN AS CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION SECRETARY GENERAL AND CARIBBEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CO-CEO

July 3, 2008

Returning to Bahamas as Minister of Tourism and Aviation; Arley Sobers Named Interim Secretary General/CEO

BARBADOS, July 3, 2008 – Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace will step down on July 7 from his positions as secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and co-CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) to become Minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Bahamas.

According to Senator the Hon. Allen Chastanet, chairman of the CTO and co-chairman of CTDC, Mr. Arley Sobers, the CTO’s director of research and information management, will be the interim secretary general/chief executive officer. The CTO’s executive committee will immediately begin the search for a new secretary general.

Senator Chastanet hailed Vanderpool-Wallace for the significant contributions he made during his tenure with both organizations.

“Vincent is, quite simply, one of the strongest, most visionary leaders in the Caribbean,” said Chastanet. “He has been one of the most outspoken advocates for a unified Caribbean, as evidenced by his push for the creation of CTDC itself.  He has been instrumental in advancing the Caribbean as a brand and increasing awareness of our region. It is no secret that he is one of the most highly regarded assets we’ve had in promoting this region and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role.”

Chastanet added, “The Bahamian government and people know very well what a tremendous leader he is and I have no doubt that they are going to see enormous benefit from his work as their Minister of Tourism and Aviation.”

Vanderpool-Wallace assumed the position of CTO secretary general in 2005 after serving for 12 years as the Bahamas director general of tourism. He helped lead the formation of the CTDC in January 2007 and create the first marketing and business development unit owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the CTO.

According to Alec Sanguinetti, CHA Director General and co-CEO of the CTDC, Vanderpool-Wallace brought a true spirit of unity and cohesion to the organization. 

“It has been my great pleasure to witness first-hand the vision, energy and enthusiasm that Vincent brought to the table as we and others worked closely together to create the CTDC,” said Sanguinetti.  “Vincent believes strongly, as do I, that if the Caribbean is to thrive, then the public and private sectors must work together as one to increase our voice.”

About The Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with the headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and Toronto, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency and comprises membership of over 30 governments and a myriad of private sector entities.

The CTO’s mission is to provide to and through its members, the services and information needed for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.

The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing human resource development, research and statistics, information technology and sustainable tourism development.  The CTO disseminates information on behalf of its member governments to consumers and the travel trade. 

About The Caribbean Tourism Development Company

The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) is a marketing and business development unit, owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Its mission is to own, promote, protect, advance and enhance the Caribbean brand.

The CTDC combines the resources of the Caribbean region’s destinations, accommodations and service providers to create a viable, cohesive business unit that is able to identify commercial opportunities and allow the members of CHA and CTO to benefit collectively from those opportunities in ways that individually they could not. In all its endeavors the company will engage only in activities that honor the Caribbean brand and benefit the members of CHA and CTO. The CTDC may be contacted through the offices of the CTO and CHA. For more information on the Caribbean, go to www.caribbeantravel.com.

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U.S. Virgin Islands announces return of US Airways flights

U.S. Virgin Islands announces return of US Airways flights

November 6, 2008

By: Joe Pike TravelAgentCentral

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced last week the return of nonstop flight service to St. Thomas via US Airways from two of the destination’s key mainland markets — Philadelphia and Charlotte. This represents an overall increase in air service to St. Thomas this winter season compared to the same period last year. The flights will launch December 18.

In June, planned flight reductions represented a 31 percent decrease in air capacity for the territory. St. Thomas will now see a 3 percent year-over-year increase in air capacity. Efforts to restore service to St. Croix have been similarly successful, with all but 9 percent of proposed reductions restored.

Visit http://www.usvitourism.vi/.

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USVI uses mokojumbie in rebranding initiative

USVI uses mokojumbie in rebranding initiative

December 17, 2008

By Gay Nagle Myers, Travel Weekly

The U.S. Virgin Islands unveiled a new logo that is the first step in a rollout of the destination's new branding and marketing materials.

The traditional stilt dancer, known as a Mocko Jumbie, was selected by the Department of Tourism as the icon that best represents the elements of the USVI experience.

The Mocko Jumbie, which originated in West Africa and is believed to be a guardian of the people, is a popular character at cultural events, parades and festivities in the USVI.

"It was time to adapt to the changing marketplace and develop a new logo and branding that represents the destination and symbolizes the unscripted vacation experience that comes with having three very distinct islands from which to choose," said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of tourism.

"The Mocko Jumbie character symbolizes the vibrancy of our people and our culture, while the stars represent the individual spirits of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas."

USVI tourism's brand repositioning will culminate in January with the launch of a new website.

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Villa Beach Cottages announces high season special offer

Villa Beach Cottages announces high season special offer

October 22, 2008
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Oct 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Villa Beach Cottages, one of St. Lucia's best-kept-secret resorts, is pleased to announce a high season special for 7-night bookings now through March 1, 2009. Nestled among the coconut trees of Choc Bay, just a few short yards from the Caribbean Sea, Villa Beach Cottages has recently undergone extensive renovations and improvements and provides guests with comfortable, casual luxury in an idyllic location. Offering panoramic views of the ocean, the lush green mountains of the northern coastline and an offshore island, this unique property is situated in a paradise-like setting, and is known for its warm, friendly service and picturesque, peaceful location.

The Villa Beach Cottages high season special offer is valid for bookings of a minimum of 7 nights and includes: 

- Accommodations in one of the property's brand new deluxe one- or two-bedroom villa suites;
- Complimentary meet and greet airport transfers;
- Flowers and welcome drinks upon arrival;
- A romantic sunset cruise for two;
- Free use of the resort's ocean kayaks;
- A complimentary day's rental of a car or jeep for exploring the island. 

Prices for the high season special are US $2295 (for two persons in a deluxe one-bedroom villa) and US $2595 (for four persons in a deluxe two-bedroom villa.) The offer is valid for bookings of at least 7 nights from now through March 1, 2009. 

The beautiful and luxurious self-contained villa suites feature intricately-carved four-poster beds, living and dining rooms with indigenous designer furniture, fully-equipped kitchens with marble countertops, including full-sized appliances, and large balconies with teak furniture and steamers overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The deluxe one-bedroom suites also include bathrooms with his and hers pedestal sinks and in-room Jacuzzi tubs with an ocean view. All of the villas feature state-of the-art room amenities such as LCD flat-screen TVs, DVD and CD players, and high-speed Internet access. 

Located on the northern edge of St. Lucia, just 4 miles from Castries, the island's capital, and 3 miles from the airport, Villa Beach Cottages are a world away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Providing a selection of 20 villa suites in a captivatingly beautiful setting, the property reflects rich St. Lucian architectural heritage with its high cathedral ceilings, intricate gingerbread fretwork, jalousie shutters, medallions and finials throughout.
Original handcrafted wooden furniture and oil paintings adorn each unit. In addition to the extensive renovations and additions made to the villas, many enhancements and additions were made to the on-site facilities. A new restaurant, Coconuts, offers Creole and International cuisine, while the new mini-mart Koko's offers convenient on-site shopping. An additional swimming pool has also been added, for a total of two, featuring a natural stone waterfall, heated Jacuzzi and attached sundeck made of white stone and tropical hardwoods. Attached is large gazebo perfect for larger weddings. A new Guest Services Cottage provides an Internet cafe, coin-operated laundry and free book and DVD library. 

Aside from the improvements to the property, Villa Beach Cottages is also offering guests new service options (some of which are an additional fee) including meet and greet service with airport transfers, water sports (kayaking), pre-arrival stocking of units with grocery starter packs, a tour desk for organizing and booking personal and group tours and activities, daily maid service, babysitting services, and in-room or beachside massage services. Coconut Car Rental, an on-property jeep and car rental desk, offers the best rates on-island, while the new Dining Around service provides guidance for dining choices and booking of the best tables at the island's finest restaurants.
Just minutes away are a world of recreational opportunities. St. Lucia is well-known for its white sand beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, and relaxing atmosphere, and myriad opportunities to explore the island are available, whether guests seek relaxation or adventure. Choices include but are not limited to golf, tennis, horseback riding, rainforest hiking, scuba diving, shopping, turtle, whale and dolphin watching, and deep sea fishing. Just a short walk from the resort is a multiplex cinema, small shopping mall, bank, post office, dry cleaners and fitness and medical centers. 

Villa Beach Cottages is a unique resort located on Choco Bay on St. Lucia's northern end featuring 20 villa suites offering comfortable, casual luxury with warm, friendly, impeccable service. Recently renovated and expanded, Villa Beach Cottages provides a spectacular location surrounded by ocean, mountains and the lush natural landscape of the island. For more information on the high season special offer at Villa Beach Cottages, or for additional details on the resort, visit www.villabeachcottages.com or call (758) 450-2884.

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TO CREATE REGION'S FIRST "GREEN ISLAND" SAYS PREMIER MISICK

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TO CREATE REGION'S FIRST "GREEN ISLAND" SAYS PREMIER MISICK

February 10, 2008

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Feb 10, 2008 – The Turks and Caicos Islands is to give the Caribbean region its first “green island” in the near future as part of the government’s sustainable tourism programme, Premier, Dr. Michael Misick has said.

The 2.5 mile island of Salt Cay, once the centre of the Bermudan salt industry and the mainstay of the Turks and Caicos economy from the late 1600’s until the early 1960’s, has been chosen to be transformed into the “green island,” Premier Misick said at a news conference here.

“Any new development will be consistent with that philosophy (of sustainable development),” the Premier told journalists.

The news conference was being held to launch a public awareness campaign for the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC-10) to be held here from April 28- May 1.

The conference, organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board and the Caribbean Hotel Association, has as its theme, Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining the Caribbean Coastal Product

"It is hoped that by doing this conference, we are seen as leading the way in sustainable tourism development, but also it would help to educate some of the various people in the tourism industry and the people of the TCI of the need to preserve the environment, the need to have a clean surroundings," Premier Misick said.

The conference, which will be held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa (by Sandals), a Green Globe Certified hotel, is designed to provide attendees with information on the development and implementation of tourism practices in a responsible manner.

The CTO secretary general, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, who also addressed the news conference, said that greater awareness of sustainable tourism among travellers means more people want to go to destinations that practice it.

“This is not only good business sense but it is profitable for the tourism product,” he said.

A number of prominent speakers, among them the noted Canadian naturalist, Dr. David Suzuki, will make presentations at the conference. It will also feature a dynamic programme, including study tours of the host country, Turks & Caicos Islands. One such comprehensive tour will include a visit to the world’s only conch farm. For more information or to register for the conference, visit, www.OneCaribbean.org.

Sponsors for STC-19 include the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Turks & Caicos islands Tourist Board, Cayman Islands, Islands Magazine and the Caribbean Hotel Association.

About Turks & Caicos

The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are renowned for their award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts.  Additional activities include tennis, golf and horseback riding.  The islands feature a variety of spa and body treatment services and are home to the world’s only conch farm.  There are three daily 90-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, daily flights from New York and weekly flights from Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth and Toronto.  For more information on travel, visit the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com or call (800) 241-0824.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with the headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and Toronto, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency and comprises membership of over 30 governments and a myriad of private sector entities.

The CTO’s mission is to provide to and through its members, the services and information needed for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.

The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing, human resource development, research and statistics, information technology and sustainable tourism development.  The CTO disseminates information on behalf of its member governments to consumers and the travel trade.

The CTO’s New York office is located at 80 Broad St., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10004, USA: Tel: (212) 635-9530; Fax: (212) 635-9511; E-mail: ctony@caribtourism.com; CTO’s London office is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP, England. Tel: 011 44 208 948 0057; Fax: 011 44 208 948 0067; E-mail: ctolondon@caribtourism.com; CTO Canada is located at 2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2601, Toronto, Ont. M4W 3E2, Canada. Tel: (416) 935 0767; Fax: (416) 935-0939; E-mail: ctotoronto@caribtourism.com. CTO Headquarters is located at One Financial Place, Collymore Rock, St, Michael, Barbados; Tel: (246) 427-5242; Fax: (246) 429-3065; E-mail: ctobarbados@caribtourism.com. For more information, please visit www.caribbeantravel.com or www.onecaribbean.org.

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JAMAICA VOTED AMONG TOP TEN HOLIDAY DREAM ESCAPES FOR 2008 BY TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS

JAMAICA VOTED AMONG TOP TEN HOLIDAY DREAM ESCAPES FOR 2008 BY TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS

January 3, 2009

NEW YORK, NY – December 30, 2008 – Jamaica has been voted among the Top Ten Holiday Dream Escapes, according to TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community in its December holiday travel survey.   Jamaica ranks #7, ahead of Rome (#8) and the Bahamas (#9) with Tahiti completing the Top Ten.  Of the more than 1,800 travelers surveyed, Hawaii was voted the #1 Holiday Dream Escape. 

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch believes this underscores the popularity of Jamaica as a great vacation option. “We are excited that the travelers of TripAdvisor have selected Jamaica.   The honor is especially important as it is based on real travelers’ experiences. We hope that more people will visit our wonderful destination to experience first-hand the amazing offerings because as we say Jamaica…Once You Go, You Know.”

“Even though the majority of travelers visit family for the holidays, we all like to imagine where we could go to escape the stress and pressure of the season, whether it be a warm, tropical locale or a historically rich European city,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “In the case of Jamaica, travelers clearly realize what an exceptional place it is to escape to over the holidays. “

Despite the global economic downturn, Jamaica remains a popular destination with over 70,000 visitors passing through the tourism capital’s airport during the first three weeks of December.  Overall arrivals at the island’s two international airports were up by 7.3 percent over the previous year.

Tourism officials are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the island’s tourist industry which continues on a path towards diversifying its product in an effort to meet the needs of more visitors.   This strategy has led to significant investment being made in the island’s airports, hotels and attractions sectors.  The island’s room stock has also increased at a rapid rate over the last three years.

In the face of declining overseas travel, it is reassuring to know that the Jamaica brand still manages to capture the imagination of travelers worldwide.

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WHY DOES YOUR LIFE NEED THE CARIBBEAN? SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO!

WHY DOES YOUR LIFE NEED THE CARIBBEAN? SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO!

March 31, 2008

The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC), the marketing and business development unit owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has launched its official Web site,  www.CaribbeanTravel.com, a colorful and content-rich site designed as the first central portal for all things related to Caribbean travel.

As part of the launch, the CTDC will introduce an interactive consumer Web video contest: “Why My Life Needs the Caribbean.” Beginning April 7, this special promotion will give consumers the chance to win a prize trip to some of the Caribbean’s top resorts. To enter, consumers must submit videos on CaribbeanTravel.com that describe, in the most creative and compelling way, why their life needs a visit to the world’s most popular region of sun and fun. Visitors who register on the site will also have the opportunity to win their own Caribbean dream trip by ranking the best videos.

In addition, the CTDC will periodically conduct a guerrilla outreach campaign direct to consumers utilizing a roving "Caribbean Instant Reward Team" who, armed with video cameras, will approach individuals consumed in their everyday work life and ask, “Why does your life need the Caribbean?” Individuals responding may be instantly rewarded with a free trip to the Caribbean or other prizes. Video footage of these consumers and their reactions may also be posted on CaribbeanTravel.com.

Promotional prizes include trips to such resorts as: Aruba’s Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, The Aruban Resort & Casino at Eagle Beach, and Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino; Bonaire’s Blachi Koko Apartments, Blue Divers, Caribbean Club Bonaire, Captain Don’s Habitat, Golden Reef Inn, La Pura Vista, and Port Bonaire; British Virgin Islands’ Scrub Island; Puerto Rico’s San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino; Tortola’s Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas; and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Our goal with CaribbeanTravel.com is to create a one-stop shop for travelers and travel agents with all necessary information, images and vacation offers at their fingertips,” said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, co-CEO of the CTDC.  “In today’s Web-oriented world, it’s all about the rich content and our site provides visitors with a complete virtual experience that will both whet their appetites and provide all the tools they need to plan and book their trip.”

The website was designed to offer travelers the most current destination information including weather reports, upcoming festivals and events, news from the Caribbean, travel deals and promotions. Travelers can also utilize the site to book a Caribbean trip with Travelocity, the website’s official travel booking engine, or to be connected to a Caribbean specialist travel agent to plan or book their vacation.

Other distinctive features of the site include: a “Hot Deals” section with special travel values; maps of the region; and detailed descriptions of places to stay, things to do and special events throughout the year.
“Our goal since day one of the creation of the CTDC has been to create buzz and business for the Caribbean,” said Alec Sanguinetti, co-CEO of the CTDC.  “We are achieving both of these goals on this new site. Never before have travelers had the opportunity to find so much dedicated information in one place as they now have available on CaribbeanTravel.com.”

For more information or to book a Caribbean vacation, visit: www.CaribbeanTravel.com

THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) is a marketing and business development unit, owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Its mission is to own, promote, protect, advance and enhance the Caribbean brand.  The CTDC combines the resources of the Caribbean region’s destinations, accommodations and service providers to create a viable, cohesive, business unit that is able to identify commercial opportunities and allow the members of CHA and CTO to benefit collectively from those opportunities in ways that individually they could not.  In all its endeavors the company will engage only in activities that honor the Caribbean brand and benefit the members of CHA and CTO.

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