Lucky in Love - Wyndham Nassau Resort

Soaring past the past five million mark, arrivals to the Bahamas hit a high note in 2010 with this year looking just as rosy.  Whether it’s Nassau and Paradise Island, Abaco Islands, Exuma Islands or Harbour Island, a holiday is, indeed, better in the Bahamas. A quick forty-five minute flight from Miami or three hours from New York City, the Bahamas are the perennial favourite of vacationers who covet an evening under the stars or an active day on the water. US pre-clearance at the airport makes the return trip a breeze with no further inspection upon landing back in the United States.   From Blackbeard and white beaches to glorious sunsets and spirited casinos, there is something for everyone on more than 700 islands and 2,000 cays.

                                            Abaco Beach  (credit: Bahamas Tourism )

Sitting pretty in the heart of Cable Beach, Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino is one-stop shopping for an amorous getaway.  With the tallest tower on Cable Beach, the 559 rooms including thirty six penthouse suites marry island ambience with modern amenities. Wall-to-wall sliding glass doors welcome the ocean breeze while private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are ideal for a sunrise breakfast or an après dinner nightcap. “Weddings are an important niche market for us “says Joe Eustice, general manager, “our team of planners organize everything from the music, food and photos to a bonfire on the beach.”

                                          GM Joe Eustice takes five at the Wyndham Nassau Resort
                                             (Credit: M. Reffes)

Nine restaurants and lounges, a pool with humongous rock formations, seawater swimming lagoon, snorkelling, parasailing and kayaking tempt during the day while the Crystal Palace Casino with four hundred slot machines, forty table games and the area’s only sports book is inviting when the sun sets. “Lovebirds like to tempt Lady Luck with a pull at a slot machine or a good hand at a table, “smiles Arnold Cargill, casino shift manager as he teaches the fine art of blackjack to tourists from Miami.

Wyndham Nassau has a pool to suit every water baby !

(credit: Wyndham Resorts)

                                          Penthouse suites ooze luxury at the Wyndham Nassau

                                                (credit: M. Reffes)

Chew Love                  

Hovering over the kitchen like he’s cooking for royalty, executive Chef Stephen Quigg has more than a quarter century of experience under his white apron.  Fresh from a stint at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica, this gastronomic whirling dervish creates unique menus that blend Asian, Italian, French, Caribbean and American flavors. A graduate of Toronto’s George Brown College; Chef Stephen honed his culinary skills in Bermuda at The Reefs Resort and Wyndham Bermuda Resort.



Chef Stephen Quigg is a culinary whiz in the kitchen
(Credit: M. Reffes)



Not for the faint of appetite, Black Angus Grille with its signature selection of steaks, prime rib and delectable sides are worth the splurge.  A treasure trove for the taste buds, blackened conch is big enough to share and too good to miss. Caesar salad made fresh at the table is not to be missed and for special occasions, ask for Chef Tiffany to whip up one of her sinfully sweet chocolate soufflés. “For the garlic in the salad, a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream is the perfect remedy, “ advises Chef Tiffany who recommends “honeymooners book a private dinner table right on the beach . “

Fresh fruit galore at the Wyndham Nassau

(credit: M. Reffes )



Blackened conch at the Black Angus Grille
(Credit: M. Reffes)



For breakfast, the SeaSide buffet is flip-flop friendly and chock-a-block with American specialities and Bahamian dishes like Souse and Johnny cakes. For a light snack, Eat, Live Refresh is ideal for lighter appetites and the best coffee this side of Manhattan.

Conch in every shape and size is delectable at the sea view Tiki Hut and with a menu guaranteed to please; lunch is a fine affair with a burger to a grouper salad. For a fruity daiquiri, Da Daq Shaq is the must-try on the beach. Ask bartender Keith Farrington to shake (or stir) an extra potent daiquiri par excellence. At ‘’22 Above ‘’ ,aptly named for its locale high above the casino, a watermelon martini is heavenly while for those wanting to put a spring in their groovy gait, a local band entertains weekend nights at 9:30.

                                              Bartender Keith Farrington mixes one mean martini !

                                                   (Credit: M. Reffes)

“We’re giving the resort a new look with upgrades to be complete by October, “adds Joe Eustice, general manager, “ our check-in desk will be moved to the casino entrance of the resort and the rooms will get refreshed with modern bathrooms and amenities.” Originally built by Carnival Cruise lines in the 1980’s, the hotel oozes history at every turn. “We have some of the original staff working here, “added Joe Eustice, general manager, “and repeat business is big with families returning generation after generation. “

                                            Dinner at the Black Angus Grille is a must-ry at the Wyndham Nassau

                                               (credit: Wyndham Resorts)

The Big Blue

For a day on the open water, Stuart Cove’s is the go-to-spot for snorkelling tours, diving and waters skiing.  Experienced guides take guests on sunny excursions departing from the movie-famous dock that was built for the film Flipper which was filmed there in 1996. “Exploring the ocean is my passion, “instructor Ida Stjernstrom tells an eager boatload of tourists, “once you see the tropical fish and the sharks, you’ll be hooked just like I am. “

Sailing to the picturesque cays with stops to dive overboard, a day on the boat is what morphs a great vacation into a grand vacation. “: My favorite reef is Little Elvis, “explains Ullin Saunders, instructor, “an amazing array of parrot fish, blue tangs  and  even fire coral are waiting for us to join them.” Sailing past swanky Lyford Cay where Sean Connery has a home, instructor Ida says she has seen romance bloom on the boats. “We’ve had couples who marry underwater; they wear a mask with a microphone so they can say their vows or they sit fifty feet down on the ocean floor on a wreck called the Ray of Hope.”  Stuart Cove’s has an office at the Wyndham Nassau to make booking weddings a breeze. www.stuartcove.com.



Ullin Saunders loves his job teaching diving at Stuart Cove's. ( credit: M. Reffes)



Lyford Cay (credit: M. Reffes)

Underwater Weddings
(credit: Stuart Cove`s Dive Bahamas)

 

The Great Outdoors

An inexpensive jitney bus ($1.25 per person) can be flagged down right outside the resorts front door.  A fifteen minute ride to downtown Nassau is a great way to see the non-resort side of the island.  Although not in their new location yet, the Straw Market, close to the cruise pier,  invites with Bahama Mamas selling everything from t-shirts and shot glasses to handcrafted jewellery from conch shells and those iconic straw baskets.  Parallel to the market, Bay Street is stroll-worthy with many shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and the popular Pirate Ships of Nassau Museum that has a unique gift shop for the pirate fans in the crowd.  For history buffs, Christ Church Cathedral dates back to 1841, Fort Charlotte guards the entrance to the Harbour, Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 and Government House is the official residence of the Governor General.  Other sights worth a look-see include The National Art Gallery and the Caves on the western side of the island .

Straw Market in downtown Nassau
(credit: M. Reffes)



The Cruise Pier does a brisk business every day.
(credit: M. Reffes)



Saying I do

Bridal butlers make sure the bride and groom see each other only on the special day; a frosty cooler of local Kalik beer awaits the guys in the party while brides calm their nerves sipping daiquiris at Da Daq Shaq and lounging poolside. A four night package includes an ocean view room , breakfast pour deux, a bottle of bubbly, $100.00 food and drink credit, photo album  and resort fee and taxes.



Take the Wedding Plunge
(Credit: Wyndham Resorts)



For underwater weddings, Stuart Coves can arrange a ceremony presided over by the Island Preacha - www.islandpreacha.com – who is also a PADI-certified diver. With Caribbean reef sharks and a cornucopia of colourful fish as witnesses, couples can exchange vows in a magical underwater fantasyland.   Ceremonies include photos taken underwater with a high resolution camera.

The Nitty Gritty

Couples planning to marry in The Bahamas must present passports and additional photo ID. The groom must know his father’s full name and the couple must be residents of The Bahamas for 24 hours. The wedding planners at the Wyndham Nassau will take care of all the paperwork once the couple arrives.



The Bahamian sunset is postcard-perfect
(credit: Wyndham Resorts)



Stay in Touch  

www.wyndhamnassauresort.com

1-800-WYNDHAM

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The Caribbean Takes a Bite out of the Big Apple

Wowing the big city with Caribbean charm, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) took a bite out of the Big Apple during Caribbean Week in New York City.“This year’s celebration is sure to be our biggest and most exciting Caribbean Week ever, “said Sylma Brown-Bramble, director of marketing, CTO, “the local community will get to experience why the Caribbean is the number one warm-weather destination and offers so much more than just sun and sand.”

Sylma Brown-Bramble, director marketing, CTO 


Organized by the CTO, the annual event was supported by American Express, Association of Travel Marketing Executives, Empire State Building, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica, St. Kitts, Travelocity and the Wall Street Journal and was attended by tourism ministers, public relations professionals, travel agents, tour operators and the public. www.caribbeanweekny.com.

From the Empire State Building lit up in the traditional Caribbean colors of blue, green and yellow to cultural fairs, a bustling media marketplace and industry seminars, Caribbean Week was Manhattan’s hottest ticket for one week in June.

Barbados makes a splash at Media Marketplace 

photo credit: M. Reffes

Barbados at Media Marketplace 
CropOver with the CropOver Girls.
Credit: M. Reffes

Tourism marketers seeking to discover new ways to reach an increasingly savvy traveler listened to North America’s top travel researcher Henry Harteveldt, vice president, Forrester Research who shared industry insights during the much-anticipated Marketing Conference. “We live in a Wal-Mart world where travelers routinely check for the lowest prices, “he told the rapt audience, “we must be technology-focused because we still live in an era of uncertain economic and this neo-frugal chic mindset will continue throughout 2011.” The conference aptly titled Catching the Wave: Trends, Social Media, Mobile and Multicultural Marketing Outlook of Today’s World in Marketing” also featured Susan Black, vice present for global e-commerce at American Express Vacations and Jazz Poulin, founder of www.luxuryretreats.com.

Other popular events included an Investors breakfast, Rhythms of the Caribbean Ball at the Plaza hotel, Cultural Fair that took over Grand Central Station with a cornucopia of food, entertainment and a wedding organized by the Global Bridal Group. “Our participation in today’s wedding ceremony reinforces our marketing strategy to highlight St. Kitts as a premier romance, wedding and honeymoon destination,” said Rosecita Jeffers, CEO, tourism authority, “We hope the newlyweds enjoy a wonderful honeymoon in St. Kitts, exploring all of the charms of Ottley’s Plantation Inn and our unique island destination.”

Duree Ross, Elegant Hotel Group, Barbados
photo credit: M. Reffes

FUZE booth at Grand Central Station 
photo credit : M. Reffes                                                                    Marie Walker, director tourism 
                                                                                                                   N.A., Anguilla

Inside Track

The CTO and the National Tour Association (NTA) inked a partnership that will deliver more North American tourists to the Caribbean. "This match creates an important commercial opportunity for CTO members," said Ricky Skerritt, chairman, CTO, “NTA is an international association focused on travel to, from and within North America, which fits in with the product offerings of our thirty-three CTO member countries." NTA President Lisa Simon welcomed the agreement between the two groups “NTA tour operators are familiar with the fantastic Caribbean destinations, and the CTO recognizes the huge potential this represents for their members. This collaboration simply makes it easier for both NTA and the CTO to bring new business opportunities to our members.”

Ricky Skerritt, Chairman, CTO
Hugh Riley, secretary general CTO

credit: M. Reffes

Sir Royston Hopkin, owner of the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada was named the CTO’s Lifetime Achievement Awardee for 2011. With a fifty year record of service in the hospitality sector, he was also the youngest person ever appointed to the Grenada Tourist Board, president of the Grenada Hotel Association for fourteen terms and the creative force behind a scholarship fund for disadvantaged children.
                                                                                       Hugh Riley, secretary-general, CTO

Tourism to Puerto Rico is on an uptick courtesy of a new marketing initiative that is making quite a splash with travelers. The recently-launched ‘My Puerto Rico Experience.com ‘offers easy access to a plethora of packages, deals and discounts. Through October 30, hotels participating include Hotel El Convento, La Concha, Isla Verde Beach Resort and Doubletree by Hilton San Juan. “By the end of this year, “said Gabriel Emanuelli, director, sales and marketing, North America, “the island will have 13,200 rooms with new properties coming on stream including the Fairmont which will open with 500 rooms by the end of 2013 and a 200-room Ritz-Carlton slated to open next year.” New flights from the Midwest including from Milwaukee and Minneapolis are on the drawing board with charters from Canada a top priority for this year. “We’re in discussions with WestJet for flights from Montreal and Toronto,” added Narciso Moreno, Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

St. Lucia is also on a roll with 2011arrivals for April showing a 12.4% increase over April 2010 and developments including hotel openings, visitor attractions and additional flights from American Eagle. ” We are looking forward to showcasing our continued commitment to further enhance the destination by providing straightforward trip planning tools, increased airlift accessibility, as well as highlighting the destination’s unique new opportunities from visiting a chocolate factory to night snorkeling under the Pitons.” said Louis Lewis, director of tourism, SLTB. A new feature to the website - www.saintlucianow.com – allows visitors to create their own itinerary and print it out in preparation for their trip to the island. The Tourist Board also opened its first call center to enhance communication with the traveling public as well as a new “Live Chat” feature.

The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) appointed Campbell Rudder as the vice president of marketing for the US. ‘’I am pleased to be a member of the BTA team and look forward to enhancing the overall vision and performance of the tourism sector through tactical and focused strategies.” The BTA has recorded growth with a 5.5 per cent increase in US arrivals at the end of March or 2043 visitors over 2010.

Make A Date

September 14 – 18: St. Martin will make history when it hosts the inaugural State of the Industry” conference organized by the CTO. www.onecaribbean.org.

November 17-20: Eden of the Caribbean in the St. Lucian town of Soufriere with wellness workshops by world experts in yoga and feng shui.www.stlucianow.ca.

November 18-21: Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival is a four-day epicurean bonanza for tourists and locals alike with celebrity chefs like Mark McEwan, Tom Brodi of Canada, Bruno Loubet from the United Kingdom and Brazilian chef Vitor Gomes. “Building off the success of last year’s festival, the festival has proven itself as one of the major world culinary festivals bringing the finest international culinary talent to our beautiful island to celebrate the very best in food, wine and rum,” said David Rice, CEO,BTA. www.foodwinerum.com.

Anguilla Shines at Media Marketplace

                                                          Trinidad at Media Marketplace 
                                                             represented by CAM

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Make A DATE in the Dominican Republic

Organized by The Hotel and Tourism Association (ASONAHORES) and staged at the Hard Rock Hotel, the 12th annual Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) was held in Punta Cana in April. Sponsored by the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, the show affords product providers like hotels, travel agencies, airlines and excursions as well as banks and tour operators from the major feeder countries including US, Canada, Europe, South America and the Caribbean opportunities to meet and greet during three days of scheduled meetings. Hailed as the most attended DATE to date, this year’s event attracted 345 suppliers and 176 buyers.

The opening night fete at the just-opened Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana (formerly NH Royal Beach) and the next door Now Larimar Punta Cana (formerly NH Real Arena ) showcased the twin resorts and introduced the ‘Now” brand to the Caribbean. From sushi to sweets, a fabulous feast welcomed guests and delegates. “We have a strong, vested interest in expanding within the DR as we keep to our promise to provide our guests with the ultimate luxurious vacation experience in attractive destinations,” said Alex Zozaya, president and CEO. Nightly rates dip as low as $139.00 at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and $99.00 at the Now resort. “Our seven hotels in the DR are romantically-inspired, “smiles Christian Maiel, director of sales, “couples can marry on private islands or even in the spa.” The brand is slated to open a Zoetry Gems Cap Cana, Secrets Gems, Now Emerald and Now Pearl by 2013. Visit www.amresorts.com.

The Numbers

Welcoming more than four million visitors in 2010, the tropical destination set a new record with a 3.3 percent increase over 2009 with the US market recording 27 percent of overall visitors or 198,000 people. The U.S. is the largest market with over one million visitors choosing the second largest Caribbean island nation as a vacation destination for six consecutive years. Overall, there was an increase of 83,022 visitors (54 percent) from North America compared to the previous year.

Punta Cana reigns supreme as the most popular destination receiving 57 percent of arrivals with Santo Domingo the second most visited with 22 percent followed by Puerto Plata on the north coast.


Getting There

Apple Vacations announced new flights from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Punta Cana from June 2 to August 11 for 3, 4, 7, 10 and 14 night durations. Flights depart Sunday and Thursday mornings. Visit www.applevacations.com/

American Eagle began daily nonstop service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and La Romana International Airport (LRM) on April 5. Flights depart Miami at 1:05 p.m. and arrive in La Romana at 3:20 p.m. Return flights leave La Romana at 3:55 p.m. and arrive in Miami at 6:35 p.m. La Romana is the official airport for the Casa de Campo resort. Visit www.aa.com.


Hotel Buzz

Delta Vacations reported the brand has experienced substantial growth over the past two years following increased access to air seats and enhancements to product offerings. Passenger counts to the DR are 12 times greater than in the same time period in 2009, while the number of hotel room-nights sold has increased 15 times during the same time period. The percentage of passengers on each Delta Air Lines flight who have booked their trip through Delta Vacations has doubled and on some routes, such as Minneapolis – St. Paul to Punta Cana, 60% of flyers are Delta Vacations customers.

“Word is definitely spreading among travelers that Delta Vacations offers the best vacation packages to the Dominican Republic, for the very best value,” said Elizabeth Moriarty, VP, product development, MLT Vacations. “We have experienced tremendous growth throughout the Caribbean, with the D.R. leading the way. In the last year, we have expanded our business in the Caribbean by 32%, with an increase in room nights in the D.R. of 82% to date.” Three new destination-wedding hotels were added to the LIFESTYLE Collection including Hard Rock Hotel, Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, and Ocean Blue and Sand. A honeymoon program at ten resorts in the D.R. will be offered this month at ten hotels. . Delta Vacations currently sells air and hotel packages to four resorts in La Romana, thirty-six properties in Punta Cana and four hotels in Santo Domingo. Visit www.deltavacations.com or call 1-800-800-1504

Following a brand upgrade, the Hard Rock, formerly the Moon Palace, is the first all-inclusive in the chain of hotels. With 1,780 rooms, the mega-resort boasts the largest casino in the country, 48-suite spa, 18-hole golf course, fifteen pools and eleven restaurants and bars. Luxury amenities include gratis long distance calls and Wi-Fi while iconic music memorabilia from Elton John’s hand-painted piano to Sammy Hagar’s 1926 hot rod is eye-candy for music fans. “This first all-inclusive property marks a major milestone for our brand that started with just a single cafe in 1971,” said Michael Shindler, vice-president, “As we celebrate Hard Rock’s 40th anniversary in 2011, we look forward to our growth, while staying true to our music vibe and rock ‘n’ roll roots.” For music groupies, the 3-bedroom Rockstar Suite is the ultimate indulgence with a baby grand piano and pool table. Visit www.hardrock.com.

With a nod to the new film “ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” ,Casa de Campo is selling “Pirate’s Life” packages that include cave explorations, treasure hunts on the beach and pirate souvenirs. Additional draws include a restaurant by Le Cirque, equestrian centre and polo club. Visit www.casadecampo.com.do.

The Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana opened the swanky U Spa with couples' massage cabins and terraces with daybeds and at the nearby 236-room Bavaro Casino Hotel; resort-wide upgrades are slated for completion by December. Visit http://barcelo.com.

Eye to the Future

Once a sleepy fishing village, Samana is the next hot spot with untouched beaches, coral reefs, jungle-draped mountainsides and five thousand hotel rooms expected by 2015. Viva Residence Las Terrenas opened with 76 units while the adjoining Viva Bahia Estela offers 42 seaside suites each with two large bedrooms. Oozing luxury at every turn, the beachfront twin properties offer gourmet dining, water sports and amenities for newlyweds and honeymooners. Visit www.hotelsviva.com.

Close to the charming town of Las Terrenas with its Spanish restaurants, shops selling amber jewelry and spirited corner bars pouring plenty of frosty Presidente beer, Balcones del Atlantico is the latest hotel to join the Rock Resorts portfolio. With 350 units and an eatery fronting the sea, the resort is catering to savvy travelers who want more from a DR vacation than a stay at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. A spa is slated to open later this year. Visit www.balconesdelatlantico.rockresorts.com.

On a thin strip of land in the northeast part of the DR, the Samana Peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Bahia (Bay) of Samana on the other. Playa Las Ballenas is a fine beach for snorkeling, diving and exploring underwater caves. Nearby, Playa Bonita is carpeted in golden sand inviting those seeking an authentic Caribbean chill-out. Short flights to Samana’s El Portillo airport fly daily from Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Tour operators selling Samana include Liberty-Gogo, Travel Impressions and Vacation Store. Visit http://samana.destilino.com.

For more information, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.

For information regarding DATE, visit www.drdate.net.

The Green Economy : Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011

Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in collaboration with the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the 12th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC -12), was held in Bermuda in April. Two-hundred business, political and tourism leaders as well as tour operators and travel agents from the Caribbean, Canada and the US gathered at the Fairmont Southampton to discuss green tourism and examine key issues that affect tourism numbers in the region.

“This year’s conference encouraged the Caribbean to breathe new life into its commitment to strategically develop the tourism industry in a sustainable manner,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO, ‘our hope is that STC-12 will inspire the entire region to continue its efforts in responsible resource use and overall sustainable tourism practices.”

With the theme “Keeping the Right Balance: Rising Above the Numbers” ,the conference opened with Bermuda Premier Paula Cox outlining a tourism model for Bermuda based on cooperation between the tourism and the business sectors. "Tourism has always been seen by this government as the leveller and from a policy perspective it is important that tourism fortunes change and rise,” she said “we consider it imperative to look for new sources of business so that we have a sustainable economy that is both healthy and vibrant.”

CTO secretary general Hugh Riley added while the tourism sector faces a variety of threats, the region has contributed little to climate change. “We are low carbon emitters,” he told delegates, “no one in his or her right mind could seriously think that the Caribbean is a significant contributor to global warming, but we could suffer the consequences if climate change and rising sea levels create conditions that would devastate our economies."

Patrice Minors, minister of tourism added the elements that attract tourists to a destination often make them more vulnerable to the pressures of tourism. “We have all seen beaches packed with umbrellas and sun-burnt visitors lined up like sardines which is why sustainability is essential for the survival of the visitor’s experience. “

Travel industry veteran Judy Karwacki, owner of Small Planet Consulting discussed the importance of the visitor experience or the ‘experiential traveler’ in today’s marketplace. “A tourism product is what you buy, but a tourism experience is what you remember. When travelers connect to a destination, there is intent to recommend it to others.” Known for her work in responsible tourism, Jacqueline Kuehnel, owner JK Consulting discussed how to avoid the “green washing” trap or making false claims about the sustainability of a hotel or a product. “It is important to be honest when communicating your organization’s sustainability platform, “she noted, “if you exaggerate your claims, you risk eroding public trust, increasing regulatory risk and damaging your reputation.”

Jamie Sweeting, Royal Caribbean International's vice president of environmental stewardship walked delegates through the environmental priorities in place at the cruise company. “Our key initiatives include minimizing the use of water on board ships, recycling, waste reduction and reducing fuel burn.” Also championing sustainability in the region, Seleni Matus, Director of Tourism for Belize discussed efforts to create standards that are recognized globally. “With more than 900 million international tourists having traveled in 2010, there is an urgent need to consider sustainability and standardize its evaluation because consumers are confused.” Adding even the industry is facing challenges defining sustainability; she added “"There is an opportunity to define the change needed by defining guidelines and embedding them at a country and company level."

The 2011 Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism prizes were awarded to Harrison’s Cave in Barbados and Surama Village Eco-Lodge in Guyana. The popular Barbados attraction picked up top honors for its recent environmentally-responsible upgrades and Surama Village Eco-Lodge, operated by the local Makushi Amerindians, was awarded the distinction for their green management practices.

Entertained by Bermudian Gombey dancers and treated to authentic island delicacies, delegates also had the opportunity to experience Bermuda with tours to the UNESCO World Heritage town of St. George with its cobblestone streets, pocket gardens and former military fortifications, Royal Naval Dockyard which once housed a British naval base and today bustles with shops and restaurants and the National Museum of Bermuda.

Planning for 2012, it was announced STC-13 will be held in Georgetown, Guyana. "Guyana’s tourism product has its genesis in sustainable tourism development, “said Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, deputy director, Guyana Tourism Authority,” from the inception, the government realized that we needed to place our focus on developing a tourism product that protected our environment. “

For more information, visit www.caribbeanstc.com.


The Bermuda Buzz

The Bermuda Department of Tourism launched www.GoToBermuda.com providing user-generated content for mobile and social media channels. “Like our island, the website is a user-friendly experience, using beautiful imagery and in-depth information to tell the Bermuda story,” said Patrice Minors, minister of tourism.

Air Tran began nonstop service on April 7 from Baltimore with additional nonstop flights from Atlanta starting on May 26. Service from both cities will continue through October 30th.

Sitting pretty at Bermuda’s highest point, Fairmont Southampton’s Willow Stream Spa is the largest wellness haven on the island with an indoor heated pool and creative treatments like a ‘Golf Facial” that hydrates sun-drenched skin. Visit www.fairmont.com.

Crowning a limestone cliff overlooking a pink sandy beach, the Reefs hotel welcomed culinary wizard Jason Koppinger as the new Executive Chef. Formerly with the Westin in Grand Cayman, Chef Jason is adding pizzazz to the menus at the hotels three restaurants. “I am especially influenced by the flavors of Asian cuisine, which I blend into locally-sourced foods and seasonal offerings.” Visit www.thereefs.com.

Visit www.GoToBermuda.com or call 1-800-BERMUDA.


Visit www.GoToBermuda.com or call 1-800-BERMUDA.


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From Soup to Nuts : Booking a holiday with MLT Vacations

With no shortage of resorts in the Caribbean from all-inclusive on the beach to rustic resorts for the more adventurous, agents can tailor vacations to suit various budgets and requests. However, confirming a holiday means not only booking a hotel but also booking flights, travel protection plans, airport transfers, spa treatments, golf time, tennis lessons and tour options.

With access to a large air inventory and package pricing as well as a wide selection of properties in the world’s most popular destinations, MLT Vacations is one-stop-shopping providing travel agents with industry-leading marketing tools , knowledgeable customer support , generous commissions and an impressive variety of vacation brands including Delta Vacations, Continental Airlines Vacations, United Vacations and Worry-Free Vacations as well as luxury packages and destination wedding and honeymoon packages. Through its unique airlines partnerships, MLT Vacations offers the lowest available airfares, discounted rates at thousands of hotels worldwide, a broad selection of sightseeing excursions and bonus miles for travelers through frequent flyer programs.

“One reason vacation packages are popular with travelers is because purchasing one simplifies the planning, buying and travel process significantly, “ said Ken Pomerantz , president and chief marketing officer, “ and as so many people have learned this winter with all the weather events, when you purchase a vacation package, all the elements of your vacation are handled by a single entity. If you flight is delayed or cancelled, you don’t have to worry about how the land portion of your vacation will be handled.”

In the vacation business for more than four decades, MLT Vacations is headquartered in Minneapolis with the reservation center in North Dakota. More than six hundred employees make up the team with 150 new hires in the past eighteen months. One call to a reservation agent and the entire holiday from soup to nuts is confirmed. No additional calls to the airlines, the spas, the restaurants and the golf courses. “MLT Vacations now offers vacation products to travel agents on a national scale, “added Ken Pomerantz, president and chief marketing officer, “if you are an agent in Bangor, Maine or San Diego, we have products that will be very attractive for your clients.”

The Blue Sky Holiday

Looking forward to a few days in the Mexican Caribbean and wanting to get the best bang for the vacation buck, I decided to test drive a luxury vacation package, rather than book the various pieces of a holiday individually. With one phone call to Continental Vacations, I reached a perky reservation agent named Michelle who not only was thoroughly informed about options in Riviera Maya but oozed efficiency and professionalism from the get-go. Explaining that she was located in North Dakota and has been with MLT’s luxury division for two years, she told me that she has the “best job in the world” because she makes frequent trips to the Caribbean and Mexico in order to know the product before she sells it. She answered all of my questions from budget to concerns about safety in Mexico. After discussing the pros and cons of several resorts including Maroma Resort, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Azul Beach Hotel and the El Dorado Royale, we settled on the all-inclusive Playacar Royal Hideaway, an Occidental property in Playa del Carmen.

Add-ons that fit the budget included private airport transfer which I highly recommend after traveling from the US. Check-in at the property was a breeze and the room was exactly as described. No surprises and no glitches. Nice touch! “If we carry the property, we will do all possible to book any room category for our customers, “notes Ken Pomerantz, president, “ We will try to get an immediate confirmation on all hotel requests, the majority of them being handled while the travel agent is still on the phone.”

Hugging the breathtaking beach on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Royal Hideaway Playacar marries stellar service with distinctive style. As the world's first adult-only all-inclusive to earn the AAA 5-Diamond Award, the uber-swank resort offers an oversized cascading infinity pool , relaxation pools , seaside solarium decks and a superb beach. Six gourmet eateries and unlimited 24-hour room service kept hunger at bay while windsurfing, sailing, tennis and aqua aerobics helped work off the added calories. Gratis Wi-Fi in all the rooms is an appreciated necessity these days.

Las Ventanas is a fine food eatery with specialties that were a treat to try from sautéed octopus and scallops in mole sauce to desserts well worth the splurge. Spices by the beach dishes up divine guacamole and burritos, the Deck grills juicy burgers while Palazzo served creative Italian dishes like goat cheese ravioli wrapped in melon. Tasty sushi is the specialty at Azia and for a nightcap; Bar Allegria is casual elegance with bartenders who excel in shaking and stirring fruity martinis. The Spa is sublime with a medley of massages for singles or couples. For resort information, visit www.royalhideaway.com.

The Whole Enchilada

As of January, MLT Vacations signed an agreement with United Airlines to take over the operation of its private label vacation packaging operation United Vacations which had been operated by The Mark Travel Corp. since 1994. United Vacations is the third major airline brand vacation packaging operation taken over by MLT Vacations in the last two years. The company also took over Continental Airlines Vacations in 2008 and Delta Vacations in 2009. Since taking over Continental Airlines Vacations, MLT has gone through a rapid expansion with 70 new destinations including Dubai and South Africa.

In addition to offering a ‘Travel Protection Plan’ or ‘Travel Protection Plan PLUS’, Pomerantz adds “MLT supports agents with a host of products, programs and policies.” For example, final payment is now due 31 days from departure in lieu of the previous 45 days, a vacation purchase now becomes non-refundable 3 days prior to departure instead of 10 days under the former policy and cancel fees have been reduced. “For travel agents, it's important to note that in addition to the lowest available airfares, “said Ken Pomerantz, president, “ we also offer access to more seat inventory and more fare classes, and we pay commission on every airfare, including business and first class, and on all land components, with no caps.”

The merger between United and Continental is in the works with final approval expected by the fall. “We look forward to working with Continental and United to optimize their package vacation revenue as they create the new United Airlines, “adds Ken Pomerantz.

Through WorldAgent Direct www.worldagentdirect.com - agents can book packages on Delta Vacations, Continental Airlines Vacations, United Vacations, and Worry-Free Vacations.

Agent tools include financial incentives and rewards, online training opportunities and e-marketing tools. MLT University, a three-day agent trade show, is held each fall and new business development managers are in place in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Washington DC.

As of March 30, Larry Chestler assumes CEO duties. In this new role, Chestler will be responsible for the overall strategy and performance of MLT Vacations. “Larry is an accomplished executive and his promotion is well deserved,” said Pomerantz. “I could not be happier for him personally and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we lead MLT Vacations in the years to come.”

For more information, click www.mltvacations.com
Or call 800-727-1111.


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