Caribbean Destination Update, Part One

The Caribbean Tourism Organization is holding two days of virtual destination media briefings. Here's a look at the day one presentations.

Jamaica

Jamaica has been limiting visitors to a so-called resiliency corridor, which has 85% of the tourism product but only one per cent of the island's population. The government recently launched a task force to vaccinate tourism workers and their families, said Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board. New products include A Hard Rock Hotel in St. James with 1,700 rooms, 300 new rooms at the Wyndham New Kingston Hotel and 168 new rooms at the ROK Hotel in Kingston. Jamaica recently welcomed its one millionth visitor since reopening in June of 2020. White said the Jamaica Tourism Product Exchange (JAPEX) likely will be held November 8 to 10, with a mix of virtual (most of the world) and in-person (probably for Canadians and Americans) meetings. White said Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Transat and Swoop all will fly to Jamaica this winter, when tourism officials expect a solid rebound. Carnival Cruises are back in operation in Jamaica, and White said discussions are continuing with Royal Caribbean. "We hope to see the cruise lines back to full capacity maybe this time next year," he said.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten said it believes Sunwing will start operating to the destination this month, while Air Canada is expected to touch down with its first flight around December 18, with two flights a week. "Eighty per cent of our inventory is open," and cruise lines are reappearing, said May-ling Chun, Director of Tourism. She also noted that September is travel agent month, with special deals available. Chun said villas have been a big hit in St. Maarten of late.

Curacao

Curacao had a small spike in COVID-19 cases in late July but numbers are dropping, he said. As well, 70% of the population over the age is 16 is fully vaccinated. "It's very safe to come to Curacao," said Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curacao Tourist Board. Air Canada will have two flights a week from Toronto this winter, with the first one starting around October 1 and the second being added in mid-December. AC also will have two flights from Montreal to Curacao in December. WestJet will begin service to Curacao in October. The Sandals Royal Curacao will open next year on what used to be the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort. Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao Resort is now part of the Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio.

St. Eustatius

This island is COVID free, according to Charles Lindo, Director of Tourism of the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. A new five-star resort called the Goldenrock Dive and Nature Resort is set to open on Friday, September 17; the first five-star resort on the island, which is north of St. Kitts and is known for its super-friendly locals.

Belize

This Central American nation is home to the largest living barrier reef in the world, as well as amazing beaches and extensive Mayan ruins. They've also banned Styrofoam and single-use plastics. There are no Canadian flights right now but they're talking to airlines about resuming service. Carnival Cruise Lines visited in July, and NCL in August. New resorts include a Margaritaville property and a posh Four Seasons.

Barbados

Tourism is down, but they're getting increased airlift from Europe. Tourism Minister Lisa Cummins said very few COVID cases have come into the country, and that Barbados has increased lab capacity for people who need to be tested. Air Canada is now flying three days a week to Barbados, and WestJet will soon join them. "We look forward to a strong winter season," she said.

St. Martin

Sunwing will begin flying to St. Martin in September, while WestJet will join the fun in early November. Transat and Air Canada are expected to start service before Christmas. Most activities on the French side of the island are open, including parachuting and a place where you can make your own perfume. Most hotels are open.

Antigua and Barbuda

July and August both saw visitor levels that were higher than the same months in 2019, which is quite something, said Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Air Canada service is expected to resume in early October, while WestJet and Sunwing should be right behind in early November. The island has a health protocol said Sun, Sea, Safe, and James said 60% of tourism workers have been fully vaccinated. Antigua has a social distancing rule that suggests people stand nine and-a-half coconuts apart. They also have certified safe activities for visitors, including snorkelling and a catamaran trip that circumnavigates the island. Robert De Niro has opened a Nobu restaurant on Barbuda, which is a big draw.

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