CTO Sizzles in St. Kitts

State of the Industry

Selling the Caribbean

Melanie Reffes

St. Kitts 

With the theme, “Developing a Winning Tourism Strategy”, State of the Industry 2012 was organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)   in collaboration with the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.  Focusing on the region’s tourism business, the conference was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in October and attracted the industry’s creative thinkers for three days of stimulating discussions and spirited debates.  “We in this cluster of small populations are bold enough to come together as One Caribbean, enlist some of this industry’s sharpest minds, elect leaders, thrash out ideas and mold them into actions that allow us to win in this environment, “said Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO.

St. Kitts Marriott Resort  ( credit: Marriott ) 

Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO  ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony, outgoing CTO Chairman, Senator Ricky Skerritt noted “with the increase in airfares to the Caribbean, consumers who are paying more to get to our region expect more from our destination when they arrive.  This heightened demand by travel consumers for value dictates that we must provide them with the best possible return on expenditure.   “

Taking aim at crucial issues that drive the Caribbean`s tourism industry, conference sessions included the changing face of world travel, emerging markets  ,  intra-regional transportation and  airlift from the feeder markets in North America. “We must assemble all the creativity, discipline and collective resources we have, and use them wisely for the good of this region, ´“added Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO,  “ it is a commitment to the vision that together as one region, we will be the most desirable, year-round warm weather destination by 2017.” 

The Front Page

The USVI is now chair of the CTO with Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty’s election as chairperson for the next two years. "We must continue to plan strategically and act collectively across the public and private sectors to ensure the continued dynamism and strengthened resilience of our Caribbean tourism product,” she said. She added that 'without participation of the CTO member governments and members of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), prospects for sustainability are not looking good, we have to keep our region competitive or face dire consequences, including loss of market share and diminishing returns."

Outgoing CTO chairman Senator Ricky Skerritt and newly-elected Chairman  USVI  Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly  Nicholson-Doty  ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Flying to the region for more than thirty years, American Airlines is a major player in the Caribbean although these days fraught with economic challenges which include the cancellation of flights from San Juan effective March 2013. “The imminent pull-out of American Eagle from the region should not be viewed as a weakening of the commitment of American Airlines to the Caribbean, “said Art Torno, vice president, Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. “We are in discussions at present with several other carriers to fill the void that will be left by Eagle’s departure from the Caribbean.”  The ‘other carriers ‘were not named.

Island Buzz

Jamaican student O’Brian Lewis was the jubilant winner at the Tourism Youth Congress. A student of Oberlin High School in Kingston, the aspiring tourism minister recommended a museum in Jamaica be built to honour the country’s sporting heroes. “Imagine entering a black green building, where, at the entrance, you are greeted by cool reggae music,  to the right, you see Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce,  to your left, you find cricketers Courtney Walsh or Chris Gayle, “ he smiled.

O'Brian Lewis accepting his award from Jacqueline Johnson  ( credit:  B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Junior Ministers ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO)

As of November 1, travelers to Antigua will no longer  pay a departure tax as they leave the island.  Increased airport taxes will be rolled into the price of an airline ticket. According to Colin James, CEO , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the additional taxes will be put toward construction of the new airport expected to open in 2014, “V.C. Bird Airport is thirty years old and has long outgrown its ability to handle large numbers of passengers , " he said, " the new airport will feature additional ticket counters, jet bridges and a first-class lounge.”  Also new, 200-room beachfront Nonsuch Bay is already attracting water sports fans that come for kite boarding and kite surfing. An upscale collection of seaside cottages, villas and apartments, the resort also has a Sailing Academy.  

Antigua Beach ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

In Grenada,  Dr. George Vincent, tourism minister,  noted ‘we are trying to put tourism back on stream during these difficult times’ adding that Sandals may be opening a resort in December where LaSource is now. Due to financial difficulties, 100-room LaSource Grenada has issued a stop-sell on all bookings and will close on October 15. The property on Pink Gin Beach was managed by Elite Island Resorts.  “We are very excited about a possible sale to Sandals, “he said, “it will be our flagship brand and the largest resort on the island.”  The first Nutmeg Festival will take place November 1 with culinary exhibits and tastings. 
 On November 2 – 3, Grenada Rum & Beer Festival is an island-wide treat for foodies. 
American Airlines will add a 4^th flight from Miami on November 16 and  Delta will start direct nonstop from New York’s JFK in December.

Dr. George Vincent, minister tourism, Grenada and our  Caribbean editor , Melanie Reffes
  ( credit: Cathy Preece ) 

In Turks and Caicos, an application has been made for a Hilton Convention Center although it has been met with ‘mixed reaction’ by islanders.  “The size and scope of the complex is of concern to locals despite it would be the first convention center on the island, “said Brian Been, senior product development office, tourism board, Turks and Caicos.

Tarmac Ready

American Airlines will add two non-stop flights from Miami to St. Kitts beginning on November 16 just ahead of the peak winter travel season.  The flights will depart on Fridays and Sundays, for connections from the North American  feeder markets. The southbound  will depart Miami (MIA) at 4:45 p.m. and arrive into St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) at 8:35 p.m.   The northbound  will depart St. Kitts at 8:40 a.m. arriving in Miami at 11:05 a.m. on  Saturday and Monday.  “These flights will meet the growth in demand that we anticipate in 2013 and are ideally timed for moving honeymoon and romance travelers as well as meeting and incentive groups, presenting us with more opportunity to build upon these key niche North American market, “ said Senator Ricky Skerritt, minister tourism.

Caribbean coast along the southeastern peninsula ( credit|: SKB Tourism ) 

Royal St. Kitts Golf Course ( credit: SKB Tourism) 

Beginning October 29, Winair will fly daily between St. Kitts and Nevis. Under a new arrangement, Winair is code-sharing connecting flights with US Airways and has interline agreements with Delta and British Airways. 

Timothy Hill with the Atlantic Ocean on the left and the Caribbean Sea on the right
(credit: M. Reffes ) 

From Canada, West Jet begins high season flights to Antigua on October 28 with twice weekly service from Toronto continuing through April. “These WestJet flights will add  7,000 additional seats from Canada for  the upcoming season which is a 15% growth in seats, “ said Colin James, CEO , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, “Arrivals from Canada are up 26 percent for the first quarter of this year  compared to the same time period the year before . “

St. Kitts: Host with the Most

For travel through December 18, "Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis" is an added-value bonanza offering major bang for the vacation buck. Hotel packages include seven nights for the price of four or five nights for the price of three,  breakfast daily ,discounts at shops, restaurants and attractions and a "Kids 'R' VIPS" add-on.  Packages are sold via American Airlines AA Vacations, Delta Vacations and US Airways Vacations.   www.stkittstourism.kn/

Targeting the family market, 393 -room St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino invites with the ‘Super Escape! Inclusive’   package which includes a round of golf, massage in the Spa and coupons for casino play. The only American chain on the island, the resort is one-stop-vacation shopping with eight restaurants , nine bars including the popular Cigar & Rum Bar, three pools, Emerald Mist spa, Pirates of St. Kitts Kids Club program and the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean.  Fronting North Frigate Bay Beach, the resort is a seashell away from the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club course making it the perennial choice for corporate travelers, couples, singles sand families.  www.stkittsmarriott.com

St. Kitts Marriott ( credit: Marriott resorts ) 

St. Kitts Marriott ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Fresh from the kitchen at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, Executive Chef William Stringfellow brings a wealth of expertise to his new post at the resort.  With more than two decades of experience, the UK-born culinary whiz has worked in Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Middle East, Europe and Canada.  “The great thing about my profession is that one never stops learning, seeing, tasting or trying new products,” noted Chef Stringfellow, “ I am looking forward to discovering all the beauty and flavors the island of St. Kitts has to offer.”  www.stkittsmarriott.com

Slated to open in the first quarter of 2013, Kittitian Hill is hailed as the island’s first upscale hotel with uber-fancy cottages and villas and a championship golf course. Managed by Sedona Resorts in Arizona , costing $400 million ( USD) and yet to be named, 84 hilltop cottages are stunning with gigantic television drop-down screens, outdoor bathtubs and spectacular terraces for sublime viewing of the island.  Construction is also underway for a Terrace Complex which will include a restaurant, bar,  unique golf course that will be dotted with fruit trees and vegetable gardens, pool , state-of-the-art fitness centre, gourmet dining including a staff cafeteria also open to guests and electric cars for those staying in the hotel. 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

A 200-room  and 50 condominium Park Hyatt will  open in  Christophe Harbour for the  2014-2015 season marking the second US brand , after the St. Kitts Marriott, to set up shop on the island. When complete, the property will offer a fitness center, two restaurants and meeting space.   On the southeast tip of the peninsula, Christophe Harbour will also house a mega- yacht marina, Tom Fazio championship golf course, boutiques and restaurants. "Four villas and four bungalows are already open, "said Bill Lee, COO, Christophe Harbour, " we have heard a lot of polite moaning and groaning about the economy over the past five years , however, we are looking forward to a brighter 2013." 

Christophe Harbour Pavilion ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Looking Ahead

April 15 – 18, 2013:  Sustainable Tourism Conference ( STC 14) will be held in Trinidad & Tobago.     
                   www. CaribbeanSTC.com

October 13, 2013 (week of ) State of the Industry 2013 - Martinique
 “ Showing our support and commitment to the region and to the CTO, “  said Karine Roy-Camille , commissioner tourism authority, Martinique, “ we are pleased to host the 2013 State of the Industry conference of on our beautiful island. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Isle of Flowers next year and giving you a taste of our special brand of French-Creole warmth and hospitality. “

Martinique sunset ( credit: Luc Olivier ) 

For more information - www.onecaribbean.org for more information. 

           Snapshots from 2013 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY  

Melanie hard at work atop Timothy Hill with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
(credit: T. Grey  ) 

Students from the Charlestown Primary School in Nevis en route home from St .Kitts on the ferry
(credit: M. Reffes ) 

Guide Thenford Grey - www.thenfordgrey.com ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Dancer at the Opening Ceremony ( credit: G. Myers )

Singer at the Opening Ceremony ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO )

Jamaica Rocks at JAPEX 2012

Melanie Reffes
Ocho Rios
October 2012

Organized by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) with support from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Product Exchange, known as JAPEX, was a smashing success at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios. 

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort ( credit: Sunset Resorts ) 

More than one hundred tour operators from both traditional and emerging markets including Brazil, Argentina and Chile attended along with two hundred travel agents from Canada and the United States and 116 buyers including one of the largest delegations of overseas buyers in years.

(credit: G. Myers) 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

(Credit: M. Reffes ) 

“ It is of importance to the travel trade that Brand Jamaica remains strong, “said Dr. Wykeham McNeill , minister tourism and entertainment, “   I can assure you it goes from strength to strength with the most recent shot of adrenalin  delivered at the London Olympics, where some may have said Jamaica won the Olympics.”

Dr. Wykeham McNeill, minister of tourism and entertainment ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Now in its 22^nd year, Jamaica’s signature marketing event is the ideal forum for tourism suppliers to meet, greet, network and negotiate with wholesalers and operators from across the globe.  “JAPEX play a critical role in keeping Brand Jamaica in the forefront and in securing the country’s top position in the travel market,” said John Lynch, director, tourism, JTB,  "in our competitive landscape, the opportunity to focus the attention of the travel trade exclusively on Jamaica is invaluable. “

More than one hundred million US dollars was generated from last year’s show with organizers this year anticipating bigger success.  “JAPEX offers the opportunity to reaffirm existing partnerships and establish new ones;” noted Evelyn Smith, president, JHTA, “as our country celebrates fifty years of Independence, this event takes on added significance and is not to be missed by any entity involved in Jamaica's tourism.”

Looking forward, the winter landscape may be as sunny for business as it is for tourism. “Jamaica's tourism infrastructure continues to support and encourage investment and promote development, “said Dr. Wykeham McNeill , minister tourism, “with the summer season now behind us and the winter tourist season fast approaching I am pleased to report that the sector continues to grow despite the harsh economic conditions."

Boston Bay ( credit: JTB) 

View from the Hope Estate ( Credit: M. Reffes ) 

Island Buzz

Stopover arrivals between January and August showed an increase of 2.4 per cent over the same period last year while cruise arrivals for the same period showed an increase of 33.9 per cent. “Clearly, there is a healthy demand for the destination and I am pleased to say that Jamaica has in place adequate airlift to enable us to achieve our performance targets, thereby placing the destination in a very comfortable position to achieve further growth this year, “added Dr. Wykeham McNeill, minister tourism.

Brand new at Chukka, couples are invited to say ‘I Do ‘at any of their tour locales. “We are putting a big push on weddings, “ said Danny Melville, director marketing , “ we’ve launched a Horseback Ride at Sunset with Champagne tour which is popular with couples,  we’ve organized gown and tux weddings on horseback and have had grooms propose while up in one of our zip line canopy tours. “  www.chukkacaribbean.com/

Danny Melville, director of marketing, CHUKKA ( credit: M. Reffes )  

CHUKKA Horseback Riding Tour ( credit: CHUKKA ) 

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Up Up & Away

An additional 7,200 air-seats for the winter season include new nonstop daily service from New York JFK to Montego Bay on Delta, starting December 15 and JetBlue will fly twice daily between Fort Lauderdale and Kingston. Also, US Airways will add a fourth flight for the winter season from Charlotte, providing daily service. Brand new and beginning in December, service from Prague, Czech Republic to Montego Bay will continue through April 2013.

Heads on Beds

A total of 2,000 new rooms will be added to the island inventory including a 130-room

 ‘Courtyard by Marriott in Kingston, 70 new rooms at Bahia Principe, 850 new rooms built by the Fiesta Group of hotels and in Mahoe Bay in MoBay, RIU will add  a RIU Palace with 232 rooms bringing their total to five properties on the island .

RIU Montego Bay (credit: M. Reffes ) 

 A division of Toronto-based Sunwing Travel Group, Blue Diamond Hotels purchased the former Breezes Trelawny. Slated to reopen later this year as the Memories White Sands Beach Resort & Spa, the 349-room property was formerly owned by SuperClubs. Additions will include a brand new themed water park adjacent to the hotel.  

Another former SuperClubs resort also changed hands with Aimbridge Hospitality, having done so well with the adults-only Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, doubling their presence with the re-branding of the all-inclusive Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort, previously the Breezes Runaway Bay Beach Resort. The all-inclusive 266-room resort is tucked away on the north coast and offers balconies in each room and Wi-Fi access.  “We have a negotiated rate with the taxi association for $10 round trip per person for transportation between resorts,” said Michele Olivier, regional vice president of sales and marketing, “this way our guests have the opportunity to experience the different restaurants, beach, atmosphere and nightlife that make the properties unique.

Jewel Dunn's River Butler Suite ( credit: Aimbridge ) 

For foodies with a yen for good sushi, Kenko is open at The Holiday Inn SunSpree in Montego Bay. Upstairs in the resort’s main building, the Japanese eatery offers an innovative menu of teppanyaki and sushi along with tempting desserts like cheesecake infused with lemongrass and baked green tea extract egg custard. www.caribbeanhi.com

Holiday Inn SunSpree ( credit: SunSpree resorts ) 

The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios is wooing couples with the “Celebration of Love 2012” valid for travel through December 14. The uber-romantic package includes accommodations in a chi-chi verandah suite, chilled champagne upon arrival, breakfast for two, candlelight dinner on the beach, Couples Sunset Massage at the KiYara Ocean Spa and two VIP passes to Club Mobay at the airport. www.jamaicainn.com

KiYara Spa ( credit: Jamaica INN ) 

The only dolphin attraction in Jamaica and the islands most visited marine attraction, Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef is an interactive meet, meet and swim with Bottle Nose dolphins, sharks and sting rays. And for grown-ups in the mood for romance, Dolphin Cove in Negril entices with weddings where the gentle mammals hold the rings in their mouths while awestruck couples exchange vows. Tourists who book a Dolphin Encounter or Swim program by December 15 will pay rates starting at USD$67. 00. www.dolphincovejamaica.com.

Dolphin Cove ( credit: M . Reffes ) 

In Montego Bay, .Half Moon, A RockResort’s “Summer Break” package encourages guests to extend their summer fun by booking a four-night stay in a seven-rom villa .Guests receive a $150 .00 resort credit per room as well as the fourth night free.  Valid through December 20 with  rates starting  at $269 per room, per night,  www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com

Bottoms Up

Sandals Resorts   is toasting a renewed partnership with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum which will be poured at all seventeen Sandals  and Beaches  throughout the Caribbean.  “Sandals and Appleton Rum are two of the most well-known and successful brands ever to emerge from the region, “said Adam Stewart, CEO , Sandals, “I’m delighted that we are able to join forces to offer the best of the Caribbean at our resorts.”  

The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is the island’s leading premium rum and sold in sixty countries around the world.  “It is very fitting that in our 50th year of independence, two of Jamaica’s most iconic brands are once again partnering to raise the bar and provide guests of Sandals and Beaches with an exceptional drinking experience,” said Paul Henriques, managing director, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, producers of Appleton.

Sandals Royal Plantation ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Make a Date

Presented by NIKE, Invitational Pro-Am Annie’s Revenge golf tournament will be played from November 14 to 18 at the Cinnamon Hill and White Witch courses in Montego Bay. “The tournament gets better every year, “said John McLean, director sales, NIKE Golf, “the feedback we hear is that more and more amateurs want to get involved which gives us an even better opportunity to showcase our brand to a growing audience of active and engaged golfers.” www.jamaicaproam.com

White Witch  Golf Course ( credit: JTB) 

 Reggae Marathon in Negril will attract one thousand runners at the start line on December 1^st.   

(credit: Karen Fuchs)  

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival rocks the house from January 24 – 26.

Canadian superstar Celine Dion performed at JJ & Blues 2011 (credit: SONY)

 Even if you can’t tell the difference between your kishkas and your chakras, the Caribbean Yoga conference promises to be a mellow start to the New Year. The weekend-long event at the Hilton Rose Hall, from January 31 to February 3, includes classes and workshops for grown-ups and kids alike. www.caribbeanyogaconference.com

Hilton Rose Hall ( credit: Hilton Resorts )  

It’s nirvana for mountain bikers at Jamaica’s annual Fat Tyre Festival held every February. The week-long bicycle bash invites cyclists to pedal around the island with stops in Ocho Rios, St. Mary and the Blue Mountains high above Kingston. Professional guides are on hand for advice and encouragement while the after-cycle parties are the talk of the island.  www.smorba.com

SNAPSHOTS from JAPEX 2012  (credit: M. Reffes ) 

A Click Away

www.japex.org 

www.visitjamaica.com 

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Eat, Drink & Be Happy : Selling Aruba

Serving up a delicious platter of hotels, resorts, golf courses, spas, casinos and delectable local cuisine, Aruba aims to please with stretches of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and the coveted US pre-clearance at departure.  With more flights from the US than most other Caribbean countries, Aruba is also below the hurricane belt with temperatures year round at the eighty degree mark.

Eagle Beach-  Photo credit : ATA 

Photo credit : ATA 

In island news, The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) appointed Neville Every as director for North America. Based in New Jersey, the veteran tourism industry professional will oversee the North American-based regional directors and sales teams and will work with tour operators, travel agents and airlines. “I’m honored to have been chosen to represent my home country of Aruba,” he said, “more importantly, I am excited to help bring the island’s already strong brand to the next level and to continue to drive visitors to the One Happy Island.”

Alto Vista Chapel ( credit: ATA) 

 A pair of island-wide incentives is aimed at keeping the tourism mojo high year round. The ‘One Cool Honeymoon’ program for newlyweds offers room discounts, romantic perks and free anniversary stays while the ‘One Cool Family’ program - valid through September 30 - offers gratis room nights and gifts on check-in at the dozens of properties participating in the program. 

Brands on the Beach

Re-launched following a pricey refurbishment initiated under Holiday Inn’s $1 billion global brand renovation program, 382-room Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is still one of the best bargains on the beach.  “Aside from the value, friendly service, and our location, just about everything else is new and better than ever,” said Patricia Perrone, general manager. Upgrades include power showers, newly designed Seabreeze restaurant and updated equipment in the gym. www.holidayarubaresort.com

 

With rates available through the end of August, the ‘’100% Chance of Savings” at the Marriott and Renaissance properties invite with nightly rates starting at $189.00 at the Aruba Marriott and $156 .00 at Renaissance Aruba. “Traditionally, summer months are when kids are out of school and families take time off to spend quality time together, “said  Kevin Schwab, general manager, Aruba Marriott, “In Aruba, summer rates range 40 – 50% lower than in the winter, providing  great value.“ 


Offering generous incentives to travel agents, the resort is an easy sell to clients looking for a hassle-free getaway. “Increased or override commissions work well and drive incremental bookings to a particular resort. Providing travel agent rates or inviting groups of agents for a FAM are always a great way to showcase a resort and have the agent experience the service first hand, “he added. www.marriott.com/

View from Room 720 Aruba Marriott ( credit: M. Reffes )

At the Renaissance Aruba with the up-scale Renaissance Mall, six cinemas, L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House and the largest convention centre on the island, ‘Escape! Inclusive ‘ package starting at $438.00 per night, double occupancy is tempting for travel through December 21 and includes all meals, discounts on spa treatments and a casino match play coupon. www.RenaissanceAruba.com 

Renaissance Aruba (credit: Marriott Resorts )  

Renaissance Aruba Blue Bar ( credit: Renaissance Aruba) 

There’s more brand reliability at the Aruba Westin with its first ever inclusive-light option. “More and more consumers are watching their budgets and want to know up front what their vacation will cost,” said Michele Frank, director, sales & marketing.  “Our inclusive plans provide this clarity and add value to the leisure experience without sacrificing quality and service.” Fronting the snow white sands of Palm Beach, the 481-room resort offers eight restaurants and lounges, casino , spa and nearby golf.  The ‘Eat, Drink & Be Happy’ option  includes breakfast in the Bon Bini restaurant ,lunch in The Terrace  and nightly rates starting at $439.00  per room, double occupancy.  The ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ option includes dinner at Pago Pago, Baci, or Azull, $25.00 credit for dining at Blossoms and nightly rates that start at $599.00 per room, double occupancy.  www.westinaruba.com/

Slated to open in 2014, 310- room Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is being built on the ruins of the Bushiri Hotel which will be demolished by the end of the year. “We are pleased to welcome the popular brand to our happy island,” said Otmar Oduber, minister of tourism, “We anticipate this exciting development will create a boost in tourism and will bring new opportunities to this area of the island.” www.hardrockhotel.com/

Suite News

Bucuti & Tara Beach resorts received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2012. “We are thankful to our guests for taking the time to share their Bucuti experience with fellow travelers,” said, Ewald Biemans, owner.  “There is no better way of determining whether or not we are meeting the needs of our guests than hearing their direct feedback, and this award affirms that we are providing the level of service and accommodations that guests are seeking when planning a vacation to Aruba.” For travel through December 22, the six-day ‘Eco Vacation Experience’ includes hikes through the Arikok National Park, dinner prepared by local chefs, tours of the Aloe factory and car rental for a day. “Many guests come to Aruba seeking the beauty of the beaches, and what we have found is that they are pleasantly surprised by the number of historic sites and natural wonders the island is home to,” Biemans added. www.bucuti.com

Bucuti Beach Resort ( credit : Bucuti) 

At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach, summer packages for couples include breakfast for two, seaside dinner by candlelight, turndown service with white candles, bottle of bubbly and chocolate covered fruit. Priced at $1359.00 per couple, the five-night stay includes an ocean view one-bedroom suite.    .www.diviarubaphoenix.com

A Feast of Festivals

August 24 – 26: Professional and amateur golfers from the U.S., Venezuela, Brazil and Holland team up to showcase their skills in this 36-hole tournament at Tierra del Sol.

September 30: Saluting the full moon, Nikky Beach welcomes hundreds of fashionistas and trendsetting wannabees.  www.nikkybeacharuba.com

October 5-6:  The Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival showcases A-list performers and street theater.

December 27: One of the biggest traditional musical events of the year, the Dande Festival lights up the island with concerts that, according to local lore, bless the New Year with prosperity.

A Click and a Call

1-800-TO-ARUBA        www.aruba.com

Aruba sunset ( credit: M. Reffes )