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 ) 

Tres Bon in St. Martin: A stay in the Grand Case Beach Club

Word of mouth is the tried and true marketing tool at the Grand Case Beach Club in French St. Martin.  Guests who return year after year recommend the beachfront property to their friends, they appreciate that the bartenders remember their favorite drink, they’re amazed that Fabian Bellossat at Creole Rock Water Sports kiosk not only remembers their first name but where they live and what they like to do on the water and they applaud the front desk staff when they book a dinner reservation at their favorite bistro on the adjacent Grand Case restaurant row. 

credit: M. Reffes

credit: M. Reffes

A little French and a little English, the hotel boasts a 45 percent repeat visitor rate with an international  clientele coming from all over the world including the USA, Canada, France, Sweden, Holland and the neighboring islands of Anguilla, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe and Martinique. US arrivals from the New York tri-state region represent the largest group; however, savvy travelers from California have also contributed to the record number of room nights booked at the property since the winter.

Finishing that novel on Petite Plage , the sweetest beach in St Martin
(credit: M. Reffes ) 

 “Due to increased flights from certain cities , “says Jean Francois Billot, financial manager, “we are now seeing increasing numbers of guests arriving from the Midwest states as far away as Montana due to easy connections through Charlotte and Chicago. ”  Proud as a peacock, the self-proclaimed hotel
 “bean counter “is thrilled and delighted with occupancy levels even in shoulder and low season. 

Balcony Dining ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

With occupancy rates at an impressive 92 percent so far this year, the adorable hotel by the sea is on a roll heading into high season. “We are also focussing on our social media presence with an improved Facebook page, “he added, “we recognize this is the wave of the future and we need to get on board. “ 

Jean Francois Billot taking five at GCBC (credit: M. Reffes ) 

Offering a variety of amenities, the Club has seventy-five units in five buildings with sixty-four rented when the owners are not on the island. Surrounded by fragrant and colorful flamboyant trees, room renovations will start in August in thirty of the units with an additional thirty to be refreshed next year. “We are also building a dock so that boats can take our guests  to the Dutch side, “ says Jean Francois Billot, financial manager, “this is a much more scenic and easier way to get back to the airport rather than taking a taxi. “  The dock is slated for completion next year. 

Working at the property for seventeen years, Jean Francois or “Bill “ as he is known around town recognizes the role travel agents play in the booking process . “Despite the ease of on-line booking, many of our guests who are of baby boomer age prefer the personal service of a travel agent, “ he observes, “  we invite agents to experience the property at fifty percent off rates year round including the first night gratis and to make the process easier for agents selling the resort , there is a special section on our website  for booking  room nights and calculating commissions .  “

                                          Magical Views from Room 209 in the Oleander Building 

                                                            ( credit: M. Reffes )

The Little Extras

Guests are treated to a bottle of red or white wine on arrival.       

    

Sunset Café offers a tropical menu of fish fresh from the sea, succulent salads and plenty of frosty Bright Beer from Belgium. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate with a menu available for those who prefer eggs benedict or French toast.

A gratis shot of homemade coconut rum after dinner

For a light dessert that also looks pretty, the pineapple Carpaccio marinated in ginger is a winner.

Room service is available with choices from the menu at the Sunset Café.

.Every unit has a Balcony or patio with kitchens or kitchenettes and barbecue grills can be rented.

Fabian at the Creole Rock Water Sports kiosk will organize a multitude of excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sails to the nearby isles of Tintemarre for a dip in the magic mud or a day in Anguilla or Saba. He’ll also fluff up the cushion on your sun lounger as you are taking a dip in the sea.

Fabian at the Creole Rock Water Sports (credit: M. Reffes ) 

Sunset Cafe ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Flamboyants in bloom ( credit: GCBC) 

Take a Bow

·         TripAdvisor awarded GCBC the Certificate of Excellence following favorable comments by returning guests.

·         The property received Apple Vacations "Golden Apple” in recognition of "highly favorable" ratings by travelers.     

For the fourth consecutive year,  GCBC earned a spot on Expedia's "Insiders' Select List"

·         Orbitz recognized the resort with its "Best In Stay" award. 

                                       

 Watching the Weather

 In the unlikely event of a hurricane, a plan is in place for guests whose vacation is either canceled or cut short due to the wrath of Mother Nature. If an official evacuation is ordered, guests will not have to pay for any unused nights and will receive a complimentary future stay for the same number of nights.

This means if a guest is booked for seven nights and must evacuate after four, there will be no penalty for the three unused nights and a voucher will be given for a seven night future stay.   If an official hurricane warning is issued for the island of St. Martin, the resort will waive the cancellation penalty and, at the guest's option, either refund the full deposit or change the reservation to a future date. 

                Sights & Sounds of the GCBC (credits: M. Reffes /GCBC)

5 year old Yann Billot (Bill's son  ) enjoying dinner at nearby Calmos Cafe  

8 year old Maxime Billot also enjoys a night out ! 

Another Night in Paradise 

Get in Touch

www.grandcasebeachclub.com 

(800) 340-3016.

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Sassy in St. Maarten : A Stay at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort

Nearly a ten percent hike in international visitors so far this year is making the Tourist Board in St. Maarten a happy bunch. For the first quarter of 2012, visitor arrivals from outside the Caribbean to the French/Dutch island has hiked 9.5 percent compared to the first quarter of last year.  This record jump is the best showing in international arrivals in the past five years and is attributed to increased airlift to the island.  JetBlue which filled the void left by American Eagle flew 10,012 passengers in the first quarter which is a 77.0 per cent growth over last year while American Airlines reported 3,418 arrivals or a 9.2 per cent over 2011. 

Serenity on the Sea ( credit: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau )

Ranking the airlines based on volume of passengers to St. Maarten, the top five have remained consistent over the past five years. American Airlines leads the pack with JetBlue moving into the fourth slot and knocking LIAT now out of the top five. US Airways holds a strong second position with Winair and Air France following in third, and fifth position.

On the southwest coast of sunny St. Maarten, five minutes from the Princess Juliana International Airport, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is celebrating a USD 3 million facelift that has freshened up the largest resort on the island with additional renovations slated for completion in November.  Sitting pretty on Maho Beach and smack dab in the middle of Maho Village with its clubs, bars, shops , casino and restaurants , the resort is a one-stop-shopping vacay experience with its own tennis courts, pools ,  lively swim-up bar, mini-casino in the lobby , spa,  restaurants   and nightly entertainment to beat the band.

                                       Sonesta Maho Beach Resort                          

Credit : Sonesta Resorts

Credit: M. Reffes

Credit: M. Reffes

 Offering 537 rooms and suites on ten floors ( we recommend  the Moonlight Suite ) , the resort is now  a fully all-inclusive property which means nightly rates include all meals and drinks, cocktails shaken or stirred with top-shelf liqueurs ( none of that other stuff better known for  wicked morning headaches), no reservations needed  at the resorts three restaurants, no hidden surcharges if you indulge in a lobster dinner and no hidden fees for the nightly entertainment shows or movie screenings by the pool.

View from the Moonlight Suite ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

View from the Ocean Terrace  ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

With general manager Armando Pizzuti at the helm, the property is guided by one of the most savvy industry veterans in the hospitality business.  With three decades of experience under his belt including quality time spent with SANDALS and Secrets Resorts, “Mr. P”, as his adoring staff refer to him, knows how to morph a great vacation stay into a grand vacation stay. Recently appointed vice president of hotel operations, Mr. P. will oversee both the Sonesta Maho and its sister property Sonesta Great Bay in Philipsburg.  “I love living through a transformation of a resort from concept to completion, “he smiled showing guests the just-opened LogoShop in the lobby. 

Mr. P. taking five ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

“Armando has proven his skills and determination in leading a remarkable turnaround of every aspect of hotel operations during the past year in his role as general manager of Sonesta Maho,” said Saro Spadaro, CEO, Maho Group, “He now rises to this next challenge with the support of all of us at the Maho Group.” Additional enhancements will be done at Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort including room upgrades, revamped lobby, Spa with six treatment rooms and renovated restaurants including a new pizza eatery on the beach.  “We will be working all summer to re-brand the hotel adding extras like strawberries and champagne on the beach, “says Pizutti,   ‘we’ll be targeting the romance market including newlyweds, honeymooners , those in love , those wanting to be in love and everyone else trying to rekindle and reignite the spark.”  The re-branding and launch of the island’s newest luxury small hotel is slated for November. Although the property will be fully all-inclusive, an EP option will be available for corporate guests.

Great Bay view from the lobby ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Eat, Drink and Be Happy

At the spirited open-air Palms Grill, delectable burgers, salads, martinis poured by Bartender Ramon and views of the jets coming in for a landing at the nearby airport are divine while at the seaside Ocean Terrace Restaurant, fabulous buffets for breakfast; lunch and dinner are a gastronomic treat. 

credit: M. Reffes

 For al fresco dining in the comfort of an air conditioned eatery, The Point is the go-to spot for delectable pastas, fine wines and desserts so rich they come with their own pre-nup. New at the resort, Napoli Pizzeria is staffed by Mr. P’s brother Marco who bakes the best pepperoni pies this side of Naples.  “Try a slice, “he says to newlyweds from New Jersey passing by his pizza oven, “you’ll come back for another, I guarantee it.”

Marco baking pies at the Napoli Pizzeria ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Fronting Maho Beach, one of just a few places in the world where jets can be viewed in their flight path just outside the end of the runway, the resort is a favorite of aviation aficionados and shutterbugs who snap photos of the jets making graceful landings on the tarmac. Name the number one 'Truly Unique Beach' in the world by TripAdvisor.com, Maho Beach is family-friendly and lively from sunrise to sunset. For even more excitement, the nearby Sunset Bar & Grill broadcasts the radio transmissions between the pilots and the airport's control tower.

credit: M. Reffes 

credit: M. Reffes

With plenty of comfy sun loungers on the beach or by the pool, a stop at the swim-up bar is a daily rite of passage.  With a smile as wide as the sea, Elizabeth Attidore Cheryl lords over the Pool Bar as if it were her own living room.  “I knew just one person when I arrived twenty years ago from Dominica, “she says pouring a frosty Heineken for a thirsty tourist, “I came for romance but fell in love with the island and dumped the guy after six days.  “The self-proclaimed Master of the Margarita, Cheryl, as she’s known, has little time for modesty. “I’m part-psychiatrist and part-bartender,” she quips, “I offer a shoulder to cry on and an icy margarita that packs a punch.”  

Cheryl at the Pool Bar ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Affectionately dubbed ‘Dr. Cheryl’, she mixes, blends and pours up to six hundred cocktails each day during high season and knows how to cure a hangover like nobody’s business, “My advice is to drink in the morning what you had the night before “, she explains flitting about the bar like a butterfly, “and if that doesn’t work, a shot of crème de menthe is the ultimate cure-all.”   Open from 11 am to 6 pm, Cheryl’s bar is one of the most popular spots at the resort. Get there early for a good seat and her signature BBC cocktail, a refreshing blend of Bailey’s, bananas and colada flavoring or a lighter Miami Vice with strawberry puree and whole lotta rum!

When the sun goes down, the casino in the lobby is the place to be. With video poker machines and slots, it’s all night fun for couples and singles alike. Across the street from the resort, Casino Royale is the largest casino on the island with poker tables, hundreds of slots and sports games on the big screen television sets. Complementary $20.00 match bet coupons from the resort are a good incentive for those who like to tempt Lady Luck.

Spinning the wheel ( credit: Casino Royale )

Stress No More

Serenity rules in the Maho Serenity Spa on the third floor of the resort.  A relaxing haven for rejuvenation, the spa takes pampering seriously with a medley of massages that will remind you why you booked a vacation in the first place.

Open every day 8 am to 8 pm, the spa tempts with creative massages, wraps, scrubs and buffs from a Green Coffee Cellulite treatment and couples massages with the sensual oils of chocolate and strawberries to the Detoxifying Treatment for Men that blends black pepper and frankincense oils for a relaxing rubdown from head to toe.

  

Have I Got a Deal for You

Both resorts are dishing up savings up to 50% off nightly room rates valid on new bookings made by August 31.  Guests booking two nights at either Sonesta St. Maarten property will receive 35% discount with rates starting at $139.00 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.  Those booking a minimum of three nights all-inclusive will receive 50% off with reduced rates starting at $120.00 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.  

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort ( credit: Sonesta Resorts ) 

“Many of our clients prefer the services offered by travel agents, “said Bernard Hunt, director of sales, “especially those with knowledge of the destination and of the property.  “ Referring to the baby boomer travel niche, Hunt observed that internet booking has not replaced bookings by agents “Travelers over fifty years old are returning to agent care after trying internet booking ,  “he said, “ The baby boomers are a big market for us.  They have money to travel and appreciate fine service in a fine hotel. “

Armando Pizzuti & Bernard Hunt ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Get in Touch

www.sonesta.com/mahobeach.

 www.sonesta.com/greatbay    

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Caribbean Week in New York

A spring rite of passage in the Big Apple, Caribbean Week got off to a rousing start in Manhattan in June.   Celebrating the sights, sounds, culture and vacation opportunities of the world’s favorite vacay destination,  Caribbean Week is the largest regional tourism event in New York and attracts a host of tourism officials, hoteliers, celebrity chefs, fashion designers and those who invest in the region. “ We are seeing healthy levels of arrivals to the region, “ said Hugh Riley, secretary general, Caribbean Tourism Organization ( CTO) , “ 23.8 million visited in 2011 which represents a 4.5 % increase over the year before. “ 

Tourism officials meet in Manhattan ( credit: B. Cancellare) 

Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and sponsored by Anguilla, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Global Bridal Weddings, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Wall Street Journal and World Travel Market, the weeklong event was headquartered at the Marriott Marquis where delegates listened to workshops, seminars and panel discussions, international media meandered through Marketplace and  public events were staged all over the city including at Grand Central station where the wildly popular Vacation Mart and Cultural Fair was a big hit with commuters passing through the iconic train station.  “This year there is so much that has taken on a new look and feel that Caribbean Week in New York will not resemble anything we have done before,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO. 

Media Marketplace ( credit: M. Reffes)

Josette Darguste, director public relations, Ministry Tourism, Haiti   

Christopher Dobson, Business Development Manager, JTB (credit: M . Reffes) 

New this year, Rum & Rhythm Benefit was a fundraiser for the CTO Foundation and a meet and greet where tourism ministers and fans of the Caribbean came to mix, mingle and sample rums and spicy snacks while bidding on vacation packages during a live auction. 

Tying the Knot

The quintessential niche market, the romance market continues to bring big bucks to the region.  Honoring this time tested niche and sponsored by MarryCaribbean.com, a Caribbean Wedding was held in the Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station.

Grand Central Station Wedding ( credit: B. Cancellare ) 

John Gordon Andre Millard of Montreal and Tricialouise Gurley of Baltimore tied the knot after their winning essay described the Caribbean as their dream honeymoon destination picked up top honors.   “Their exuberance and graciousness were punctuated by screams of delight when they received the good news,” said Jacqueline Johnson, president, www.MarryCaribbean.com.  The lucky couple were awarded four nights at the St. Kitts Marriott with complimentary massages at the Emerald Mist Spa. “Destination weddings and honeymoons is a market that we have been targeting through our various sales efforts because it is one that we feel is a natural fit with our destination product attributes, “said Ricky Skerritt, minister tourism, St. Kitts. www.stkittstourism.kn/

John Gordon Andre Millard of Montreal and Tricialouise Gurley of Baltimore tied the knot
Photo credit: B. Cancellare

 

                             New Kid on the Block

With its troubled past, Haiti’s new tourism minister, Stephanie Villedrouin is enthusiastic about plans to attract tourists by the end of the year. “We have already hosted travel agents from the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique and launched our first four day and five night package which is part of our tourism master plan.”, “she said, “ My dream is to see my destination in the brochures and travel magazines and for people  to think of Haiti as a nice country with a beautiful population who are ready to receive them while we address and fix our problems. “

 Opening in November, Best Western Premier Petion-Ville will be the first branded US hotel chain to set up shop in Haiti. Owned by a local Haitian couple and managed by Miami-based Aimbridge Hospitality, the 106-room hotel  in Port-au-Prince will cater primarily to business travelers and aid workers although hopes are that tourists will eventually discover both the property and the country.  “The hotel is twenty minutes from the airport, will offer one bar and one restaurant, doormen with black tops and tails and visible guards at all the doors, “said Michele Olivier, regional VP sales and marketing, Aimbridge “and to make our guests feel as secure as possible, the hotel will also have a twelve day supply of fresh water, two generators and private transfer vehicles from the airport.”

Opening in November, Best Western Premier Petion-Ville will be the first branded US hotel chain to set up shop in Haiti (credit: Aimbridge ) 

 The seven-storey hotel will also have a gym and spa as well as meeting and event space. “For us, it is very important to have the franchise hotels in the country , “added Stephanie Villedrouin, tourism minister, Haiti, “we want to attract this type of investment but we have to reassure the tourists that when they arrive at the destination that they will get value for money .” www.aimbridgehospitality.com.

                         Sassy St. Maarten

Starting December 15, Delta Air Lines will fly direct nonstop to St. Maarten from New York’s JFK airport. “It is an exciting time for St. Maarten to begin this partnership with Delta as it welcomes more travelers from around the world with easy connections through JFK," said May-Ling Chun, director of tourism. Flights will depart JFK at 9:05 am every Saturday and will depart St. Maarten at 3:15 pm also on Saturday.

May-Ling Chun, interim director of tourism  (credit: Tourism Board) 

Gamers and spectators will be on island from July 13 – 15 when The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort hosts Video X Games ‘,  the Caribbean's top gaming event . The prestigious event brings together the best video game players who will compete for $8,000 in prize money. The popular resort near Phillipsburg is offering 70% discount on nightly room rates for those registered for the event. www.sonesta.com/greatbay, 

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort  (credit: M. Reffes) 

                    Bottom’s Up in Grenada

After two consecutive years in Barbados, Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival will be held in Grenada from November 2 – 3.  ‘We are very pleased to be partnering with the Grenada Board of Tourism, “said Dr. Glyn Williams, festival director, “their marketing expertise will help grow the international attendance at the festival which will benefit Grenada’s tourism industry and the festival exhibitors.”

The festival will be staged at The Grenada Cultural Centre in Grand Anse and will feature tastings, competitions and a raffle to benefit the Queen Elizabeth Home for children. www.rumandbeerfestival.com

                    Stay in Touch

www.onecaribbean.org.

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