Category - important

IMEX America back for business

With both the trade show’s hotel room blocks and exhibitor manual going live this week, the IMEX team intends to make the “Road to Mandalay” as smooth as possible for the global business events industry. - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Crystal Cruises Launches Close-to-Home Bahamas Escapes from Nassau and Bimini

The Bahamas is ready to welcome cruise visitors back to the islands in a partnership with Crystal Cruises to help restore and re-activate the tourism industry and protect jobs and businesses. Crystal Serenity will return to sailing with reduced capacity, providing guests a passenger space ratio that is twice that of contemporary cruise lines and allowing for the best social distancing aboard any cruise ship. - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Pack your Sandals and head for Sandals – in the Caribbean

As travelers make plans to head out into the sunshine, the Caribbean immediately comes to mind. With warm tropical breezes and clear ocean waters, islands like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, and more offer just what the body, mind, and spirit have been yearning for. And to make the going even easier, Sandals Resorts […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival will go on

In keeping with national COVID-19 protocols, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, will be hosting the highly-anticipated Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival in a virtual format on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett in endorsing the festival, noted that “the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival presents an […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Seychelles welcomes Moscow flights to Mahe

Seychelles has welcomed the recent announcement of Aeroflot’s launch of flights from Moscow to Mahe, after the western Indian Ocean country reported the re-opening of its borders on March 25, 2021. This route was previously served from 1993 to October 2003 and linked the island destination to Russia’s capital city. Now, as from April 2, […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Jamaica Gastronomy Forum Series to Boost Tourism Rebound

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has outlined that the latest initiative by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, to host a virtual Jamaica gastronomy forum series, will aid in preparing the culinary industry for the rebound of the tourism sector, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Bartlett […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Finding Silver Linings in a COVID-Affected Tourism World

It’s difficult to draw many positives out of the COVID-19 situation, particularly for tourism businesses who have been impacted negatively by the virus and the travel restrictions which have come into place to stem its spread. But the team at Kiroro Resort, in Hokkaido, Japan, are looking for silver linings. “Without trivializing the seriousness of […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Seychelles opens up to the world

  The Indian Ocean island destination Seychelles has announced that it will be welcoming visitors from across the globe, irrespective of their vaccination status, as from March 25, 2021. Visitors from South Africa will still not be permitted to enter Seychelles for the time being until further review. The announcement was made by the Minister […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Uniglobe marks 40-year anniversary with optimism and future focus

Uniglobe, a leading travel management company for the global SME market, today kicks off its 40th anniversary with a series of #Uniglobe40Strong events to recognize four decades of business success and reinforce the company’s vital role in a reimagined travel future. The first event is a company-wide webinar to be broadcast to 3,800 Uniglobe agency […] - eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

Sandals Royal Barbados: Impressive expansion in time for summer

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) continues its development in the Caribbean as Sandals Royal Barbados breaks ground on an exciting new expansion, just in time for the summer season. Set to premiere July 1, 2021, the South Seas Village at Sandals Royal Barbados will be home to 66 new suites, bringing the total room count to 338, which include the brand’s signature Rondoval™ suites, Skypool and Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up suites and Millionaire Butler suite concepts; two new wellness...

Seychelles Tourism Board’s Annual GCC Roadshow Goes Virtual

As the whole world shifts into the digital age, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) follows, continuing its mission to establish and foster stronger relationships with the travel trade partner by conducting its annual GCC Roadshow virtually, while ensuring the safety of its participants.  Trade partners across the GCC and several local partners from Seychelles signed up to join the online event making up to almost a hundred participants for a productive day of meetings.  On the agenda...

Malta: A Mediterranean Destination Filled with Authenticity and Curated Exclusive Experiences

Malta, an archipelago located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has been acclaimed for its luxurious accommodations, warm climate, and 7,000 years of history. A visit to Malta is to immerse oneself in centuries of history while enjoying the very best of modern life and curated experiences to meet each traveler’s personal desires.  Luxury and Private Accommodations Malta has been acclaimed for its luxurious accommodations, including luxury hotels, historic boutique hotels, Palazzos, private...

Jamaica Tourism Minister calls for fair and united approach needed in global distribution of vaccines

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has called for a fair and united approach to the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, amid growing criticism worldwide, that advanced countries are hoarding supplies of vaccines, while poor countries are not being given access to the life-saving medication. This he feels further threatens the economic recovery of tourism dependent states and the global economy overall. Continue reading Jamaica Tourism Minister calls for fair and united...

Sandals Emerald Bay reopens its doors

Sandals Emerald Bay, Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort in Great Exuma, The Bahamas, has officially reopened its doors today, welcoming guests back with its warm Bahamian hospitality and enhanced health and safety measures in place to guarantee travelers’ peace of mind through the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. Sandals Emerald Bay, with its unique blend of sophistication and seclusion, marks the 11th Sandals Resort currently open for guests to indulge in within a picturesque environment that...

Seychelles welcomes STORY and L’Escale onto its shores

The Seychelles Islands luxury segment expands as the tropical island destination welcomes STORY (Seychelles) and L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa two exclusive properties on Mahé.   Launched in January 2021, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa lies off the North East coast of Mahe on the site of the previously Wharf Hotel close to Eden Island, inviting visitors to an elite stopover for lavish accommodation, yachting, culinary and wellness experiences. Continue reading Seychelles welcomes STORY and...

Sandals Resorts makes it easy to rekindle romance

Just because Valentine’s Day is over, doesn’t mean couples can’t celebrate love 365 days a year! Sandals Resorts is inspiring couples to reignite play and passion every single day by introducing a new Rekindle Romance add-on package, now available to book for stays of three nights or more. If you are ready for a romantic escape, this package combines the very best in amenities, luxury and adventure into one ultimate romantic vacation experience. Continue reading Sandals Resorts makes it easy to...

Hong Kong Tourism Board to Boost City’s Recovery

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today its first global fan-engagement program, “Hong Kong Super Fans,” to accelerate its promotional efforts as part of the post-COVID-19 tourism-recovery plan it has been developing over the past year. At a time of unprecedented restrictions on international travel, and as the world races to roll out vaccines in the hope of resuming normality, the HKTB is harnessing the power of community to remind people why they love Hong Kong and to drum up...

Jetblue CEO Issues Apology to Jamaican Government and People of Jamaica

Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, issued a personal apology to the Jamaican Government and the people of Jamaica earlier today, following the recent controversial actions of one of the company’s employees. Mr. Hayes conveyed his sentiments during a phone call with Jamaica Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, who has welcomed the apology. Continue reading Jetblue CEO Issues Apology to Jamaican Government and People of Jamaica at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Jamaica Tourism Minister: Take Greater Advantage of Growing Rum Tourism Niche Market

Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett is calling on private sector interests to take greater advantage of the growing rum tourism niche market in order to generate higher growth rates in both visitor arrivals and earnings for Jamaica, in the post-COVID-19 era. “Rum tourism is on the rise as a growing number of travelers make distilleries and rum festivals central to their holiday itineraries, and Jamaica has an excellent rum product – premium brands and historic distilleries. Continue...

Jamaica Tourism Minister Chairs OAS Tourism Recovery Working Group Meeting

Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett yesterday chaired the third meeting of a high-level Organization of American States (OAS) Working Group that is currently developing a tourism recovery action plan, for the recovery of the cruise and airline industries, which have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Recovery should be focused on tapping into existing resiliency practices, including long-term national development plans, and devising innovative strategies to improve...

Sandals Beaches and Resorts: Book and travel with confidence

Sandals Beaches and Resorts is thrilled to continue making travel as safe and stress-free as possible for guests with the extension of its Cancellation Protection Benefit and Travel Protection Plan – Insurance Is On Us through February 28, 2021, while also providing complimentary COVID-19 testing to all registered guests on-resort prior to their departure. Continue reading Sandals Beaches and Resorts: Book and travel with confidence at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Seychelles stars in German TV Show “The Dream Ship”

Sailing large, the German series “Dream Ship” hit the Indian Ocean destination, as the Seychelles Islands was featured on the popular German TV Show, “Das Traumschiff” as it is known in its native country, earlier this month.  Debuted in 1981, the German television series became one of the most-watched TV shows in the country, following the MS Amadea as it sails on its journey to explore renowned tourist destinations across the globe. Continue reading Seychelles stars in German TV Show “The...

From The Bahamas with Love: Virtual romance expo

The Bahamas, one of the world’s leading destinations for weddings and honeymoons, is gearing up to host two virtual events – From The Bahamas With Love – to showcase the vast offerings for romantic escapes throughout the destination. The expo will bring together industry leaders, partners, hotels, venues and services for a truly unique and educational experience for trade and consumer participants. Continue reading From The Bahamas with Love: Virtual romance expo at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel...

$20 COVID-19 testing for Hawaii-bound travelers launched at San Jose Airport

This new testing opportunity represents an investment in our shared commitment to health and safety and is a welcome addition to our airport’s slate of globally-recognized health and safety measures Continue reading $20 COVID-19 testing for Hawaii-bound travelers launched at San Jose Airport at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Marriott goes big in the Caribbean and Mexico: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister loves it

Jamaica Tourism Minister Bartlett is pleased with Marriott and Sunwing Travel Groups and their trendsetting marketing deal which he believes will help in his nation’s travel and tourism industry recovery. Continue reading Marriott goes big in the Caribbean and Mexico: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister loves it at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

“The Nevisian Kiss” on the Island of Love

To solidify Nevis’ position as the definitive “Island of Love,” the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has introduced a specialty cocktail with aphrodisiac properties for Valentine’s Day. Inspired by Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, the NEVISAN KISS was conceived by the award-winning Nevisian mixologist, Mr. Continue reading “The Nevisian Kiss” on the Island of Love at eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online.

Steps being taken to reset Jamaica Tourism sector

Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has revealed that steps are currently being taken to ‘reset’ the tourism sector to ensure that it benefits even more Jamaicans and fuels greater economic growth, whenever the sector rebounds from the impact of COVID-19. Mr. Bartlett adds that the Ministry of Tourism has embarked upon a series of consultations with key stakeholders, aimed at maximizing the opportunity to reorganize the local tourism industry. Continue reading Steps being taken to reset...

Hon. Edmund Bartlett meets with Executive Director of Integrity Commission

The Executive Director of the Integrity Commission, Greg Christie (see left in the photo), recently paid a courtesy call on Jamaica Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett in his capacity as Chairman of the newly-reconstituted Parliament Integrity Commission Oversight Committee. Their wide-ranging discussion touched on various issues including corruption prevention and the machinery required to facilitate public education regarding the laws governing public and private behavior on ethical matters...

Tourism Minister Meets With New Jamaica Heads of Mission

Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, (seen second right in the photo) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith (seen left) paused for a photograph with (from second left), High Commissioner-designate to India, Jason Hall;  Ambassador-designate to Belgium, Symone Betton-Nayo; and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Sharon Saunders.  The occasion was a courtesy call on the Minister at his New Kingston office where they had a brief meeting followed by the...

What’s new in the islands of The Bahamas in February

The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for a warm winter getaway in February as hotels and activities continue to reopen across the islands and resorts offer romantic Valentine’s Day escapes. With new extended-stay accommodations on Harbour Island and a number of hotels providing on-site COVID testing, The Bahamas continues to adapt to safety regulations to provide visitors with a stress-free Bahamian vacation. Continue reading What’s new in the islands of The Bahamas in February at...