Behind the names — Butch, Mr. Stewart, The Boss — is the Sandals® Resorts visionary who has transformed the all-inclusive resort experience and the Caribbean itself for good.
While last year's CHICOS focused on the Caribbean region following the immediate aftermath of the two devastating back-to-back hurricanes, this year's CHICOS theme, "A New Day in the Sun," discussed the positive attributes that stemmed from these tragedies of one year prior.
It has been one year since the most dynamic, active, and destructive hurricane period hit the Caribbean in decades. Despite the devastating effect to the region, the resiliency of the Caribbean hotel market has been demonstrated particularly well over the last year, spurred by a strong recovery effort and bolstered by an influx of new airlift to the region.
Have you ever fantasized what it would be like to be a Band member of the Buena Vista Social Club, take part in an episode of Lost, or go on a wild ride in Dr. Who's Tardis - because that's how a trip to Cuba would feel? As soon as one steps off the plane, the sights, sounds and smells of this place will whisk your senses away to a land that time forgot.
Our plane touched down on a beautiful little island in the Caribbean. Having never been to this country before, our excitement and anticipation swelled as we taxied toward the terminal. After a quick run through customs and short taxi ride we arrived at a sleepy little resort on one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
The past two years have seen the Caribbean tourism market finally shake off the last vestiges of recession symptoms. Travelers are spending, airlift is increasing and developers and their backers are investing.
'Ground Zero?' 'Pandemic?' 'Hundreds of thousands of cases of Zika virus in Puerto Rico this year?' 'Puerto Rico is not prepared!'. None of the s 'tatements above reflect the situation on the ground in Puerto Rico.
LIAT Airlines has been a vital factor in the commercial and tourism life blood of the Caribbean for decades. However, the company has now had three CEOs and two Acting CEOs in the last seven years, evidence of LIATs challenges.
I recently had the opportunity to briefly interview Mr. Paul Pennicook, the Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourism Board ("JTB"). Along with his team of officials, their initiatives have helped promote the Island's brand and focal point as a major tourist destination.
The Caribbean hospitality industry continues to strengthen as hotel operating fundamentals have exhibited continuous growth following the global economic downturn that began in the last decade. The Caribbean hotel market has shown steady improvements in average rate, occupancy and RevPAR since 2010.
