Category Archives: Caribbean

CARIBBEAN360 The head of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) called on the region to work together to ensure the Caribbean remains one of the worlds leading destinations.

Delivering the keynote at the Annual General Meeting of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association earlier this month, CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy noted that while Caribbean destinations are very different, they share many of the same challenges from the impact of climate change to the high cost of operations.

Troubetzkoy, who is the executive director of operations at St. Lucias Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain resorts, believes a collective resolve is needed, leveraging the strength of diversity and the commonalities of the regions countries and territories to fulfill tourisms true potential. She pointed to the some of the issues many regional destinations are facing, such as improving intra-regional travel, the high costs of airlift to the region as well as importing food, taxes and the growing activity of the sharing economy.

Troubetzkoy indicated she is encouraged by recent movements towards greater public-private sector collaboration to address the regions tourism competitiveness and development. She cited a recent presentation by CHTA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at the CARICOM Intersessional meeting where the leaders gave the green light to the organizations to draft a plan for submission to the CARICOM Summit in July for a sustained region-wide tourism development and marketing initiative.

Quoting from a recent CTO report on the industrys 2016 tourism performance, Troubetzkoy observed that while the Caribbean reported its seventh consecutive year of growth with an increase of visitor arrivals by 4.2 percent and a total of 29.3 million stay-over visitors to the region, that growth was unevenly distributed, with Cuba and the Dominican Republic being the primary beneficiaries.

Similarly, despite the increase in visitor arrivals, many regional hotel properties did not experience a successful 2016, as measured in terms of key performance indicators such as Occupancy, ADR (Average Daily Rate) and RevPar (Revenue per Available Room).

Underscoring the need for integrated regional approaches, Troubetzkoy reminded attendees that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects the Caribbean regions tourism share to decline from 2.1 percent to 1.7 percent by 2030.

The CHTA president issued a call to tourism professionals across the region to work together to make their destinations more competitive on the global market: We also must keep an eye on the many international tourism destinations out there that perform better than us destinations that have been able to offer 5- and 6-star products at a cost that probably would buy a 3- or 4-star holiday in the Caribbean.

She called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors at the destination and regional levels to tackle the difficult issues of increased airlift, air travel costs, taxation, improved inter-regional connectivity and figuring out together how to price products more competitively in the global marketplace: Our discussions may be uncomfortable and sometimes heated but they must take place because, in the end, we are in this together.

Pointing to the rapid growth of the alternative accommodations sector through online platforms like Airbnb, she asserted: Rather than fighting the trend we have much to gain by working with (them) to find ways of cooperating for the benefit of our visitors, our dedicated hoteliers and tourism professionals, as well as our hospitable citizens who are willing to share their homes with visitors from abroad, and from within our destinations.

Key issues related to the sharing economys participation in the hospitality industry include the need to ensure safety and security for guests, and to establish policies that require the homestay community to make a reasonable contribution to each destinations infrastructure maintenance and construction costs.

Noting that people are key to competitiveness, Troubetzkoy urged destinations to develop and fine-tune every aspect of our customer service experience, enhancing our product itself whether we are talking about availability of real, authentic Caribbean cultural and culinary offers, locally made products or renovated and enhanced hotel accommodations that have taken into account changing customer expectations.

None of this can be achieved, she declared, without well-trained and informed people in the sector: We have to ensure we are training people who will continually improve our product as they make fulfilling careers in tourism, and we need to also provide these stalwarts of our sector with continuing education and training. Because, lets face it our landscapes, adventures and beaches will draw travelers to our shores but it is our Caribbean people who will keep them coming back.

This article was posted in its entirety as received by stlucianewsonline.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of stlucianewsonline.com, its sponsors or advertisers.

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CHTA head calls on Caribbean to work together to remain competitive - St. Lucia News Online (press release)

Details March 29, 2017

Princess Cruises said that when the Caribbean Princess debuts from a two-week, multi-million-dollar renovation on April 6, the company will have completed its "largest food and beverage innovation to ever take place during a drydock and guests will delight in seven new onboard dining destinations."

"Fresh, regionally-inspired and family friendly offerings were the inspiration behind our largest food and beverage makeover ever," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "With updated dcor and designs that offer a welcoming atmosphere, the seven new dining options aboard Caribbean Princess are sure to please any palate and delight the senses."

The new dining options aboard Caribbean Princess include:

World Fresh Marketplace Replacing Horizon Court (deck 14).

Planks BBQ serving up family-style "Planks" of loaded ribs, beef, sausages and chicken.

Steamers Seafood offers east coast-style Steamers with regional flair including Black & Blue Mussels, Scallops & Sausage, Classic Clams, Shrimp and Sausage and Broiled Scallops, Shrimp and Crab-stuffed Flounder.

Top-Deck Dining Venues Four Princess top-deck outdoor dining offerings will be revitalized, renamed and enhanced, including:

The Salty Dog Grill (formerly Trident Grill) guests can indulge in "The Ernesto" burger.

Slice (formerly Pizzeria) featuring west coast and east coast offerings.

Coffee & Cones (formerly Scoops) offering treats of gourmet ice-cream sandwiches, complimentary ice cream cones and now brewing specialty coffee on the top deck, serving New Grounds Crafted Coffee.

The Mix (formerly Blackbeard's Bar) the poolside bar will be updated and redesigned with vibrant colors (full designs will be completed by fall 2017).

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Caribbean Princess to Get Seven New Dining Options - Cruise Industry News

Join the Caribbean Carnaval every Wednesday night at Universals Sapphire Falls Resort for food, drinks, and island music.

If you are looking for a taste of the islands during your visit to Universal Orlando Resort, the Sapphire Falls hotel is now hosting weekly Caribbean Carnaval events with food and music for the whole family.

Every Wednesday evening at Caribbean Carnaval, guests at Sapphire Falls can take a musical journey through the Caribbean during an interactive dinner show, featuring authentic food, songs and dances inspired by the islands of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. Attendees can do the limbo, jump into the conga line, and take part in the festivities while enjoying a buffet meal and beverages.

The Caribbean Carnaval meal selection includes: Organic Greens, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Carrots Corn Bread Croutons, Grilled Pineapple Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette Pinto Bean and Shrimp Salad, Chorizo, Peppers, Cilantro Oven Roasted Vegetables with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette, Green Banana and Yucca Escabeche Mojo Roasted Suckling Pig Coconut-Pineapple Brioche Carving Roll Ropa Vieja, Shredded Beef, Tomato & Sweet Plantains Grilled Snapper, Coconut Rice, Corn-Black Bean Salpicon Jerk Chicken, Mango-Papaya Relish, Jerk Sauce Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables Johnny Cakes Caribbean Rum Cake Guava Flan Mexican Chocolate Fudge Cake Coconut & Caramel Rice Pudding

Alcoholic Planters Punch, Beer, and Wine are provided, along with Non-alcoholic Beverages including: Soft Drinks, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Organic Herbal Teas and Iced Tea

Kids food choices include: Tossed Salad with Romaine, Carrots, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Croutons, Ranch and Balsamic Diced Fruit Salad Chicken Tenders Cheese Pizza Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches Macaroni and Cheese

Additional options are available for diners with dietary restrictions; make your needs known when reserving tickets.

Caribbean Carnaval is currently held every Wednesday night, with seating and dinner starting at 6 p.m. and the show from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The event costs $69 plus tax (including gratuity) for adults, and $35 plus tax for kids ages 3-9; children under 3 are free. Priority seating, which guarantees you seating in the first two rows closest to the stage, costs $76 plus tax for adults, and $40 plus tax for kids. The ticket price includes free self parking or $5 discounted valet; you do not need to be staying at the hotel or have a Universal theme park ticket to attend.

For more information or to order tickets, call (407) 503-3463 or visit this website, and watch these videos for a look around Universals Sapphire Falls Resort:

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Universal's Sapphire Falls hotel hosting weekly Caribbean Carnaval - Attractions Magazine

"A true Caribbean" is the compliment I received for sailing a Martinican yole during a practice. Yole racing is more beloved on Martinique than mardi gras. The boat has no keel so it has to keep moving or it will capsize. It's steered with an oar, and balanced with five crew on either side ride on wooden poles, providing balance and ballast.(Photo: Patricia Borns)

Ive been a cornhusker, race track groom, artist and high tech executive speechwriter.

But eventually, we become our parents. My ancestors came toFlorida in the 1920s and developed real estate. But my mother was a journalist with a social conscience, and I became one, too.

Burnt out from a Fortune 500 high tech gig, I signed up for journalism in 2011 the way some people enlist in the military: wanting to serve my community, help the smallest voices be heard, protect the vulnerable and keep corruption and abuses of power at bay.

Its why, on my real estate beat, I write about attainable housing as well as luxury high rises; dig into public records to see why some real estate projects move at warp speed; and study the land use mumbo jumbo to understand what their proposals mean to the rest of us.

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Journalism, we often hear from you, can be maddening in the way it frames the conversation. At times, I feel that, too.

In our haste or inexperience, we may take a too-simplistic look at an important issue. Because we work under tight deadlines with limited copy space, we must be selective as well as balanced. Although were usually both, its easy to feel your point of view was short-changed if you have a dog in the fight.

But, knowing what I do about the talents and motives of my colleagues, the recent outpouring of vitriol towardour profession baffles me.

Myth:Journalists have an agenda

Reality: Journalists are among the few people who venture into neighborhoods where youve never been and might be afraid to go, and knock on the door -- not to ask for money or votes, but to ask what you think.

Myth: Journalists only tell one side of the story.

Reality: Ever hear a corporate VP tout the competitions merits, or a politician include the oppositions talking points? Journalists are among the few who are required to tell a story from two or more points of view, or your editor will send you back to the well.

Myth: Journalists report alternative facts.

Reality: How do you know wearent spinning alternative facts? Those of us doing the real thing take pains to get the facts right because if we dont, we can be fired or sued.

Myth: Journalists are biased.

Reality: Journalists cant donate to political campaigns or even politically supported causes. Editors comb our sentences for turns of phrase that hint at opinion. The only point of view allowed is the sources.

Myth: Journalists are bought and paid for.

Reality: Media ethics don't allow us to accept gifts or even a cup of coffee from PR reps or government officials. Once when I was short a dollar for a public record, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson offered one. I paid it back.

Myth: Journalists can't be trusted.

Reality:Heres how an anonymous source tested the trust question, and how an entire newsroom protects that person to this day:

A tip came to me in 2013 about some shady dealings of a corrupt Miami-Dade mayor. The source met me at night in a rented townhouse, and showed documents proving the claims. The only way I would be allowed to copy them was to promise a story would follow. But only top management can make such a guarantee. Iwas an intern at the time.

The managing editor sent me back out with the head of the investigations team to verify the story. From then on, the source and I communicated through a pseudonym. The promise was made and kept. Four years later, the stories have run, the mayor has been arrested, and the source remains anonymous; and always will.

Maybe one reason for the wave of anti-press feeling is that journalism isnt about us; its about you. Rarely do we reportin the first person. Almost every sentence we write must be attributable to someone or somethingelse.Its easy to attack people who give others a voice, but dont wield one themselves.

The other reason, of course, is what we write.

No politician wants to read the voices of an outraged community in print. No PR rep wants opposing data to interfere with a carefully crafted press release.

For asking hard questions and reporting what others may not want to hear, journalists receive insults and threats on a fairly routine basis. Lee County shut down staff communications with The News-Press because of stories like our reports on CommissionerLarry Kikers lobby logs. I'm surprised the courage of reporters to persevere through the mess isn't more recognized and valued.

Journalism may not be alI I imagined when I started down the road in 2011. We can always do better, and more.

But since entering the field, Im grateful every dayfor all the people whove trusted their stories to me. That were paid to tell them amazes me.We might not be able to afford a luxury box at the Super Bowl, but we havea front row seat to the brilliance and pathos of our world.

A byline is a great privilege that I try to earn every day. You can suggest stories, offer a tip or tell me how Im doing at (540) 280-7490 or pborns@news-press.com.

On a personal note,I love the outdoors and sailing, and was never more honored than when a Martinican said during an island circumnavigation, Patricia, youre a true Caribbean!

No, I'm not among the racers crossing the finish line here in La Trinite, Martinique. But I sailed one of these boats called yoles during a practice, earning the compliment, "Patricia, you're a true Caribbean!" The yole has no keel, so it has to keep moving or it will capsize. It's steered with an oar, and balanced with five crew on either side riding on wooden poles, providing balance and ballast.(Photo: Patricia Borns)

To maintain the reputation, I dopro bono work a couple of weeks a year in the islands. Hope you enjoy the photo galleryfrom my recent trip to Haiti, shooting video for a healthcare clinic.

Follow this reporter on Twitter @PatriciaBorns.

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Behind the byline: 'A true Caribbean' - The News-Press

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / March 26, 2017 / Sun-drenched and palm-fringed, the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten is one of the most beautiful in the eastern Caribbean. It also has a dual personality: the north of the island is a little outpost of France, and the south side oozes the warmth of the Dutch. The border between them is basically non-existent, and visitors are free to enjoy everything from water sports and cultural festivals to shopping, and every opportunity to create priceless memories.

https://www.instagram.com/diamondresorts/

St. Maarten has a rich and interesting history, which can be seen today in its unique cultural heritage. Visit St. Maarten Museum and some of the many historical sites to learn more about the island's history and its impact on modern life. However, do not forget to take some time to relax while you enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the island's many, many beaches.

The beautiful Royal Palm Beach Resort by Diamond Resorts International. promises affordable luxury and fun-filled days with a variety of water sports on the secluded beach, tennis and golf, and the exuberance of Caribbean nightlife. Stay beachfront with a wide-eyed view of the Caribbean. The Royal Palm Beach Resort hugs the coast and affords superb views of the brilliant blue sea, passing boats and spectacular sunsets. Once visitors discover the wonder of St. Maarten, they will want to Stay Vacationed.

About Diamond Resorts International

Diamond Resorts International, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Diamond Resorts - Vacations for Life - Stay Vacationed: http://www.diamondresortsnews.com

Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/diamondresorts

Diamond Resorts International - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondResortsInternational/

Diamond Resorts International Why Vacations for Life - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBW2aWUO5s

For more information: http://www.diamondresorts.com

Contact Information:

Angela Triano Tel: 551-574-8332 trianoangela@yahoo.com

SOURCE: Diamond Resorts International

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Diamond Resorts International - Offers the Perfect Caribbean Escape in St. Maarten - Yahoo Finance

Variety

Javier Bardem Vows to 'Eliminate' Jack Sparrow in New 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' Trailer Variety The 60-second look, which dropped on Saturday, gives a little more insight as to why the villainous Salazar holds such a grudge against Sparrow. Pirates had infected the seas for generation, so I vowed to eliminate them all, he says. Jack Sparrow ... 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales': New Trailer Teases Javier Bardem's Vengeful VillainCollider.com 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Trailer: Are All Pirates This Stupid?/FILM Javier Bardem walks on water in the new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' trailerMashable Bloody Disgusting -E! Online all 49 news articles »

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Javier Bardem Vows to 'Eliminate' Jack Sparrow in New 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' Trailer - Variety

Miami Herald

Biltmore conference to address challenge for Caribbean nations: finding stable growth Miami Herald The small states of the Caribbean often face unique challenges hurricanes and other natural disasters that hit with some regularity, high debt levels, less diverse economies than their larger counterparts, and susceptibility to turbulence in the ...

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Biltmore conference to address challenge for Caribbean nations: finding stable growth - Miami Herald

Forbes

Caribbean Fitness Spa Resort Offers Training With Olympians, NFL Stars And Much More Forbes St. Lucia's BodyHoliday is one of the best known active and wellness focused destination resorts, but it is also a normal all-inclusive beach getaway. This means that unlike other more cleanse oriented, immersion spas, you can get your workout plus ...

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Caribbean Fitness Spa Resort Offers Training With Olympians, NFL Stars And Much More - Forbes

Tortola, BVI (March 26, 2017) Racing for the 46th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival 2017 gets underway on Tuesday (Mar. 28) with the Round Tortola Race, a 31-nautical mile race around the beautiful island of Tortola for the Nanny Cay Cup a challenge for the fastest mono and catamaran record around the island.

Another opportunity for crews to warm up before the weekends racing comes on Wednesday with the Scrub Island Invitational Race starting from Nanny Cay, hosts of the BVI Spring Regatta since 2002. Racing for the BVI Spring Regatta is on March 31-April 2.

New this year will be the C&C 30 fleet which includes Dont Panic, skippered by Julian Mann (San Francisco, CA); Flying Jenny, skippered by Sandra Askew (Cottonwood Heights, UT); Nemesis, skippered by Geoff Ewenson (Annapolis, MD); and Themis, skippered by Walt Thirion (Annapolis, MD).

Mann is sailing a new boat with a crew relatively new to the boat. Hes using the BVI Spring Regatta and this seasons Caribbean regattas as a chance to train for the US summer C&C 30 class events. Were focusing on the Caribbean regattas for skill building, explained Mann. At this point were pretty confident in our modes in mid to heavy air, but if we happen to have light breeze at the regatta, well use it as a good opportunity to do some more light air training in which were not as experienced.

Also new is the Gunboat fleet which will start with the CSA Multihull division and includes Arethusa, skippered by Phil Lotz (Fort Lauderdale, FL); Elvis, skippered by Jason Carroll (New York, NY); Extreme H20, skippered by Pat Benz (Santa Barbara, CA); Flow, skippered by Stephen Cucchiaro (Boston, MA); and Moementum, skippered by Fredrik Moe (Montego Bay, Jamaica).

Its our second season of doing Caribbean regattas and the BVI Spring Regatta attracted us as being a good event to take part in alongside other Caribbean events, Cucciaro said. Cucciaro, a former member of the US Olympic yacht racing team in the 470, became a national class champion in 1978 and won gold at the 1979 Pan American Games.

Boats and crews from 17+ countries make BVI Spring Regatta a colorful international event, including entries from neighboring Caribbean islands Antigua, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Maarten and St Thomas.

The smallest multihull of the event, the 23-foot Newick trimaran Piglet is a long-time Regatta favorite, having raced the event since 2001. 75-year old owner and outgoing St Croix yacht club commodore, Joe San Martin has been sailing trimarans in the Caribbean since 1987, ever since he was first introduced to multihulls by his wife.

With a truly international crew from New Zealand, the US, the USVI, Australia, and the UK, Peter Corr returns to this years event with the King 40, Blitz. Corr competed in as the Corrs Light Racing team in 2016, having competed each year since 2013 when they first raced on Corrs Alia 82, smashing the monohull record that year by nearly half an hour in the Round Tortola Race winning the Nanny Cay Cup.

Blitz boat captain David Sampson said, Were hoping to better our 2nd place in CSA-Racing 2 from last year. We have the same crew as in previous years and will be trying hard! This is just a great event.

Event details Entry list

Background: The weeklong BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival on March 27 to April 2 takes racers throughout the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Starting at Nanny Cay, the Sailing Festival is two days of warm up racing: The Nanny Cay Round Tortola Race, and the Scrub Island Invitational. Next up, the BVI Spring Regatta kicks off three solid days of some of the best racing the Caribbean has to offer.

Source: BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

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Caribbean circuit shifts to BVI >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

FlKeysNews.com

Keys train with Caribbean partners | Florida Keys News FlKeysNews.com Members of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative's Technical Assist Field Team gather at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West to discuss best practices. and more »

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Keys train with Caribbean partners | Florida Keys News - FlKeysNews.com