caribbean - Travel World News
Transcription
caribbean - Travel World News
SECTION TWO • APRIL 2006 BARBADOS mangobay Kicks Its “All Inclusive Experience” Up A Notch DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts – Doing It Your Way CARIBBEAN Sometimes the smallest is simply the greatest Discover Sivory Punta Cana, a Luxury Boutique Hotel where exclusivity is felt right down to the smallest detail. Set in exuberant natural surroundings, its 55 luxurious suites will pamper your senses with the highest level of personalized service. Its exclusive beach, excellent haute cuisine, select wine cellar with more than 8000 wines, and the caresses of its expansive Wellness & Spa, make Sivory Punta Cana a paradise reserved for your emotions. Te l . + 1 8 0 9 6 8 7 3 1 1 8 · Fa x : + 1 8 0 9 6 8 2 9 3 6 3 · s a l e s @ s i v o r y p u n t a c a n a . c o m w w w . s i v o r y p u n t a c a n a . c o m www.slh.com Reser v ed for y ou r p le a s ure C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l Barbados: The New Penthouse Suites and Deluxe Rooms At mangobay The re-opened resort kicks its “All-Inclusive Experience” up a notch. By Mona Birch T he new mangobay (formerly the Mango Bay Hotel and Beach Club) in Barbados, which first came on the scene in 1994, reopened in February after a nine-month hiatus for expansion and refurbishment. The renovations added two new categories of accommodations to the property’s inventory--Deluxe Rooms and Penthouse Suites. The US$10 million renovation not only elevates the property to “fourand-a- half star” status, according to Peter Odle, owner and managing director of mangobay (as well as CHA President-elect), it also allows the hotel to better cater to its American market: “Historically, we have run at 83-84% occupancy, with our primary market coming from Great Britain. As a result, we had very little maneuvering room to increase our share of the American market. Now, with the addition of these deluxe rooms and suites, we should be able to overcome that hurdle and attract a larger share of the U.S. market.” The physical expansion has been a vertical one, adding a top (fourth) floor and elevator to the property’s main building, and bringing to 76 the total number of rooms for this intimate all-inclusive beachfront resort. The new Deluxe Rooms are spacious (450 square feet) and elegantly outfitted with the Old World touch Peter Odle, owner and managing director of mangobay. of poster beds, armoires and writing desks, as well as the New World luxuries of extra large baths with raindance shower heads. The Penthouse Suites, each 1200 square feet in size, are glass-enclosed on two sides to afford magnificent ocean views. The suites include a spacious bedroom that opens out directly into the elegantly furnished living room and the tropical patio with its private plunge pool. Appointments include two 42-inch plasma screen TVs (one in the living room and one in the bedroom); a wet bar service area, a deep soaking tub, as well as a separate glass enclosed shower featuring a raindance showerhead. These rooms are in addition to the resort’s Superior and Standard rooms, all of which were refitted, repainted and re-draped. In addition to room refurbishment, the hotel lobby has been transformed, with Italian marble floors spreading out to include a new guest lounge with big screen TV, computer/internet stations, new office space, and a convenient changing room for guests with late-departing flights. The restaurant, too, has been completely refurbished and retiled; it has also been partially enclosed, providing the option of both indoor and outdoor dining. Outside, the pool has been tiled in blue glass mosaic, and a boardwalk has been added parallel to the beachfront, for additional relaxation space, as well as overflow seating for dining. The entrance to the property has also been given a dramatic touch: an oval shaped fountain of inlaid mosaic tiles; at nighttime it is lit up by gas torches, giving the entrance a dramatic flair and a signature image. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Toll Free US & Canada 800.532.8536 or 800.804.950.2862 All Other Locations: 604.519.8630 [email protected] APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 3 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l BARBADOS FROM PAGE 3 These renovations assure mangobay’s position as the flagship property for the Mango Bay Properties, which include the 23room self-catering hotel Sunset Beach; the 23-room Island Inn, a National Treasure property; and the Sunset Crest apartments. The upscale addition also gives the resort to competitive edge in attracting clients seeking out the desirable west coast of this easternmost Caribbean island. Barbados, geographically, slips beyond the geography of the Caribbean, with its less developed north and east coasts catching the tumultuous brunt of the Atlantic surf, while the south coast attracts the windsurfing enthusiasts. Only the west coast of the island offers the long lengths of white sand beaches and calm seas commonly associated with Caribbean. mangobay is located in historic Holetown, a happening little area about 25 minutes north (by car) from Bridgetown, the island’s capital, and just a 40-minute drive (approx. $30 cab fare) from the Grantley Adams International airport. Holetown was the first European settlement on Barbados (its original name was Jamestown, founded in 1627.) Within walking distance of the hotel guests will find an impressive district of restaurants and shops. “You can find much of the same attractive shopping in Holetown as you find in the more crowded Bridgetown, “ says Josea Brown, Revenue and Reservations Manager for the resort, “and we are located just a five minute walk away from the restaurant district, featuring many different types of ethnic cuisine,” including Indian, Asian, and of course Bajan menus. Guests at mangobay don’t need to seek out venues for their meals, though; the resort is all-inclusive, featuring breakfast, lunch, and din4 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 The free-form pool at mangobay is tiled in blue mosaic, and landscaped for lush privacy. ner, as well as afternoon tea (in salute to the island’s British traditions) in its rates. While the resort likes to maintain a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for it guests, it keeps an emphasis on service: Most meals are sit-down full-service affairs. The menu is a combination of Caribbean and international dishes, and wine and cocktail beverages are included. Tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day. mangobay is a beach lover’s hotel, and its main activity consists in soaking up the Bajan sun, and dunking in the ocean or pool. More restless sorts can work off their tension with kayaks, sunfish sailing, and snorkeling—all part of the all-inclusive price. In addition, introductory SCUBA lessons are offered twice weekly at the pool by a local dive shop called Reefers and Wreckers; and three times a week guests are given the option to enjoy a two-hour catamaran cruise that features a chance to snorkel with hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. A one-day trip to Bridgetown (9:30-2PM) is included in the package price, as is a glass-bottom boat trip, for those who like to see what’s in the ocean with- out actually getting wet. Volleyball games and Aqua Aerobics are organized weekly, and complimentary water skiing is available every day. mangobay’s location in Holetown puts it in proximity of two of the best golf courses on the island: The Royal Westmoreland; and Sandy Lane, which will host the World Golf Championship World Cup in December. Additionally, tennis courts are within walking distance. In general, Barbados attracts a European as well as American clientele; British travelers in particular feel a fond connection to this island. mangobay’s market is primarily couples, and families with children are welcome. Children under four stay free of charge. Babysitting is available on request. mangobay can be booked through most major wholesalers, including Travel Impressions and GOG0, among others. Approximate package rates from Miami are $3,165$4,075, one week all-inclusive for two, depending on room category, and season. mangobay, 800-537-8483, reservations @mangobaybarbados.com C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l Dominican Republic: Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts – Doing It Your Way Villas, Apartments, Bungalows – Families, Couples, Singles – Pools Galore By D. O. Christian Rieger IV L ifestyle Hacienda Resorts is a cluster of four resorts on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, the lush side of the country. The complex is on 250 acres sloping toward the Atlantic Ocean. “The name Lifestyle is exactly that,” says Herbert Schoderboeck, CEO and partner, “it is to let people know that here they can choose their life style.” The resorts are Lifestyle Vitalis Garden Club, Tropical Beach Resort & Spa, Crown Residence Suites, and the newest of the group, Crown Villas. Mr. Schoderboeck says, “We recently invested more than $5.7 million in improvements for our clientele and to make the resorts more appealing to new clientele.” Not Mega Why don’t they just have one big resort with many choices of room-styles and price instead of four separate ones? Mr. Schoderboeck answers, “What we have here is four different hotels for different clientele. It was not our intention to build a mega resort, with factory-like services, but medium-sized hotels with personalized services. Our hotels share the beach, pools and sport areas, amphitheater and disco, but not the restaurants and bars.” The units of the Vitalis Garden Club are casitas, meaning little house in Spanish. It is a three star category and is for adults only with a maximum occupancy of two per casita. It is a romantic get-away, get-in-touch with yourselves sort of a place. Mr. Schoderboeck describes it as a resort, “where we combine the practice of yoga, tai chi and special treatments A well-appointed guest room at the 4-star Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa. such as energy alignment and chacra cleansing, with regular hotel activities and entertainment.” It is the kind of resort where if the guests do not burn the midnight oil, they can return home relaxed and healthier. The Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa is a four star beach resort. It caters to families, couples and singles. Its new spa facility opens this May. It will offer massage therapies for anti stress, deep muscular massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and so forth. Body treatments include, but are not limited to, body wraps, dead sea mud body wrap, European seaweed and honey. It has CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 5 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM PAGE 5 a beauty salon, facials and in May will have hydrotherapies. This resort has two swimming pools with waterfalls and a children's section, and one quiet pool. There is also a complimentary, supervised Kid's Club with daily activities for children 4 to 12 years. This operates from 09:00AM to 5:00PM.. The program consists of arts and crafts, mini-disco, they have a playground and some organized activities, including the favorite of children: Treasure Hunt (looking for Pirate Cofresi's treasure). Baby-sitters are also at a per hour charge. It has 229 rooms, most with ocean views, and 53 junior suites. Mr. Schoderboeck describes The Lifestyle Crown Residence Suites as a “different concept. The units are one and two-bedroom apartments with a living room, dining area, kitchenette, and a large terrace. They are perfect for people looking for a peaceful retreat and for long stays. The majority of our clients stay here for two to three weeks.” This has 59 one-bedroom and 33 twobedroom units in twelve three-story buildings with garden, mountain or pool view. “Alternatively”, he says, “The Lifestyle Crown Villas resort is the luxury part of the group. It is a collection of 90 different villas, ten of which are ocean-front. They are very large, with ample living space, terraces, dining room, kitchen, and mostly three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. They all have a private pool and manicured gardens. It is designed for those looking for privacy in a luxury ambiance. A private maid cooks and serves breakfast every morning for villa guests.” The resort will also provide villa guests with chefs and help for in-villa, private parties. Shared Amenities All the resorts share certain amenities: A great beach for the sun seekers and water-sports lovers which has snorkeling, boogie boards, and a Padi 5 star diving school. Sports facilities include night-lit tennis courts with pro, jogging, bicycles and a gym. Off-resort facilities include the nine-hole Los Mangos golf course which is five minutes from the resorts and offer complimentary one green fee or clinic, and shuttle to our guests. The other is Hacienda Rancho horse ranch which has 40-50 horses. It is also set up for Polo and offers lessons in this sport of kings. Other off-resort activities include downtown Puerto Plata and its multiple attractions: cable car, amber museum, rum factory, St Felipe fortress and its historic English Victorian houses. Ocean World, one of the major attractions in the Caribbean, with its famed swimming with the dolphins, is immediately next door, not more than a five minute walk. Day and night entertainment includes shows in the 2,000 seat amphitheater. There is also a disco on the grounds. There are two buffet restaurants on the grounds, one, the Casablanca Buffet Restaurant, is open-air at the beachside. Additionally, there are four specialty restaurants: Asian fusion, Italian Pizza & Pasta, Tex-Mex, Caribbean Seafood & Grill, plus a VIP Gourmet that is exclusive for Villa guests. There are seven bars to get piña coladas and planter’s punches at; three of them are swimup bars in three of the five pools. There is a shopping arcade next of the beach that has boutiques, gift shops and a mini-market for grocery shopping for those whole will be cooking-in for a well-deserved, romantic dinner. The starting rack rates from April 17th through June 30 are: for the three bedroom villas of Lifestyle Crown Villas, $2,300 per week (four to six people); for the Lifestyle Crown Residence Suites of one bedroom suites, $110 per night p.p.d.o.; for the Vitalis Garden Club, $100 per night p.p.d.o; for the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa, $120 per night p.p.d.o. Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts , [email protected], www.hacienda-resorts.com W H O L E S A L E R S S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N S T K I TT S & N E V I S ALKEN TOURS AMERICAN AIRLINES VACATIONS APPLE VACATIONS CLASSIC CUSTOM VACATIONS GWV GOGO WORLD WIDE ISLAND RESORT TOURS MARK TRAVEL CORP. TNT VACATIONS TRAVEL IMPRESSIONS US AIRWAYS VACATIONS 800-221-6686 800-321-2121 800-727-3400 800-221-3949 800-CALLGWV 888-520-4646 800-251-1755 800-225-7678 800-284-0044 800-455-0123 718-856-7711 800-321-2121 610-359-6500 408-287-4550 781-449-5460 201-934-2996 212-476-9451 414-228-7472 617-262-9200 631-845-8000 407-857-8533 Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: 718-282-1152 800-901-9151 610-359-6524 408-292-9138 781-449-3473 201-760-0331 212-476-9452 414-934-1589 617-638-3445 631-845-8095 407-857-9764 For Additional Information, Call: 800/582-6208 • 212/535-1234 or Fax 212/734-6511 • email [email protected] • www.stkitts-tourism.com 6 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l IBEROSTAR COZUMEL RE-OPENS The Iberostar Cozumel hotel,closed since August following Hurricanes Emily and Wilma has re-opened. Guests streamed into the new lobby of the 306 room hotel on the west coast of the island of Cozumel and were delighted to see all the improvements and renovations that have made Iberostar Cozumel better than ever. The hotel complex has a completely new look. The guestrooms, housed in one and two-story bungalow-style buildings have been totally refurbished. The thatched roofs over all the guestrooms now have been reinforced with a double level of protection against the elements. Each room has a private shower, air conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safety deposit box and mini-bar. All rooms have a terrace or patio with hammocks. Iberostar Cozumel provides scuba diving through Dressel Divers, a CDC/PADI Gold Palm Resort Dive Center. Here guests can enroll in diving courses that range from basic to instructor levels. The center also offers nitrox courses, local dives and night dives for certified divers, cenote diving, equipment rental, snorkel tours and courses. Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, www.iberostar.com LUCY RUIZ-BAEKELAND APPOINTED NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT PARAISO DE LA BONITA Lucy Ruiz-Baekeland has been appointed General Manager of the only AAA Five-Diamond luxury resort in the Riviera Maya, Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso.With almost 20 years of hospitality experience, including serving as Resident Manager at Paraiso in 2000, Ruiz-Baekeland will be responsible for the overall management of the boutique 90-room resort. Carlos Gosselin, the resort owner, welcomes RuizBaekeland’s appointment and says,“Ms.RuizBaekeland possesses many valuable skill LUCY RUIZ-BAEKLAND sets. We are thrilled that she has re-joined our family at Paraiso.” Ruiz-Baekeland has experience as a general resort director since 2004 where she held this position at The Avalon Resorts. In this role, RuizBaekeland supervised five hotels: two in Cancun, one in Isla Mujeres, one in Acapulco and one in Panama City. Additionally, she established parameters to obtain the resorts’ AAA Four-Diamond rating, oversaw corporate departments such as purchasing, systems, reservations and sales, and actively participated in the new image design for the hotels division. Before holding this position, Ruiz-Baekeland served as General Manager to Hotel Presidente InterContinental-Puerto Vallarta where she managed the transition from an all-inclusive to a 120-room European plan hotel and implemented a new concept called Acqua Esencia.Prior to the InterContinental-Puerto Vallarta, she served as a research analyst for the InterContinental Hotel Group in London. As resident manager for Paraiso, Ruiz-Baekeland aided in the grand opening of the resort, implemented the resort’s service standards and participated in the hiring and training of the staff. Ruiz-Baekeland says, “It is a pleasure to be back at Paraiso. It is an honor to be General Manager of a property I helped open four years ago.” Ruiz-Baekeland began her hospitality career in 1989 at the Hotel Fiesta Americana Condesa. Since then she has specialized in high-end hotels where the highest levels of service and quality standards are required. Paraiso de la Bonita Resort and Thalasso, www.paraisodelabonita. com CANCUN’S BEACH RECOVERY PROJECT COMPLETES THIS MONTH The popular hot-spot of Cancun,ranked the No.3 top international destination in Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s 2006 Travel Trends Survey, has come back reinvigorated and with beaches more alluring than ever. The beach recovery effort, which focused on restoring nine miles of beach that experienced varying degrees of erosion as a result of the hurricane Wilma, began on January 16 and is moving at a rapid-fire pace. More than 40 meters of sand (approximately 132 feet) have already been pumped back into Cancun’s shoreline. In addition, practically all of Cancun’s popular attractions, restaurants, bars and shopping centers are currently open for business. Almost all major resorts will be up and running by spring, with more than 60 percent of 27,822 hotel rooms available by the end of March. The $20.33 million beach recovery project is expected to be completed by April 30, 2006. The process, which does not interfere with beachgoers, involves a barge approximately 600 feet from the shore pumping sand onto the beaches through a pipe. Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.cancun.info APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 7 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD ANNOUNCES 19 PERCENT INCREASE IN VISITORS The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) has announced a robust 2005 tourist season with an increase of visitor arrivals (tourists, business travelers, excursionists/day trippers from St. Maarten) for the 12-month period of January through December 2005 showing a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2004. There were a total of 143,186 visitor arrivals for 2005, an increase of 22,398 persons over 2004. Tourist arrivals (stay over visitors) increased by 15 percent during the same period with the island welcoming 62,084 tourists surpassing targeted arrivals of 58,874. The U.S.remained the island’s largest market by far with 41,733 tourist arrivals in 2005 versus 35,751 for 2004, representing an increase of 16.7 percent. The island proved once again to be a preferred destination for tourists over the December 2005 holiday season with 7,099 selecting Anguilla as their vacation destination resulting in a 17 percent increase over December 2004. The U.S. represented 70 percent of those visitors with 4,960 tourist arrivals, an increase of 18 percent over the same period in 2004. Amelia Vanterpool Kubisch, Director of Tourism, attributed the record numbers and high profile of the island to several factors including an improved Airport Facility; increased marketing budget and a new brand marketing campaign around the concept of “the Anguilla Experience…Feeling is Believing.” Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4ANGUILLA, www.anguilla-vacation. com dives, dolphin beach encounter, three daily meals, three daily boat dives with tanks, and more for $1,350 (tax included). Hotel accommodations are in key superior room with air conditioning. Anthony’s Key Resort owner, Don Julio Galindo, founded the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences in 1989.The facility is unique because the residing dolphins are integrated inside natural,flow-through sea water enclosures, allowing mothers, calves, juveniles, males and females to interact as they would in their natural habitat. In addition, some of the dolphins are open-ocean trained and leave the facility to interact with divers and swimmers. Anthony’s Key Resort is located on Roatan. Roughly 96 percent of all species found anywhere in the Caribbean can be found off Roatan,which is part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world. Up to six dive boats leave Anthony’s Key Resort four times a day on reef, wall,wreck and night dives.For non-divers,there are dolphin encounters and educational demonstrations, snorkel trips, horseback riding, and kayaking. There are also canopy tours and fishing. Visitors can also arrange to visit Maya Ruin sites or hike in a cloud forest in Honduras’s National Park. Anthony’s Key Resort has been family owned and operated for 30 years.The PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Instructor Development Center has the best diving fleet in the Caribbean, including 10 custom-built dive boats as well an on-site medical facility, including a hyperbaric chamber.The all-inclusive resort offers the least expensive diver training and certification in the Caribbean. Anthony’s Key Resort, 800-227-3483, www.anthonyskey.com DIVE WITH DOLPHINS AND SHARKS AT ANTHONY’S KEY RESORT ST. LUCIA JAZZ CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY MAY 5-14, 2006 The Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences (RIMS) and Anthony’s Key Resort are offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive among dolphins and sharks.The safe, new program mirrors the Institute’s mission to preserve Honduras’ natural resources through experiential education and research. The 7-night, all-inclusive package is being offered August 26November 18, 2006 and includes: shark diving, dolphin diving, two night The St. Lucia Tourist Board announces a diverse line-up in celebration of the 15th anniversary of St. Lucia Jazz, scheduled May 5-14, 2006. Considered one of the Caribbean's premier jazz festivals, St. Lucia Jazz attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year who enjoy over a dozen musical acts in a variety of unique locations and venues throughout St.Lucia. This year's roster includes stand-out performers from international star Seal to the new dancehall queen Rhianna and R&B sensation Ciara, as well as legendary performers Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Al Green. The 10-day celebration begins with the official opening of St. Lucia Jazz on May 5 followed by an array of performances happening each day throughout the island. The festival will be capped off with a fourday line-up that will take place May 11 - May 14 on the main stage at the Pigeon Island National Landmark. Nancy Wilson and Freddy Cole will open the main stage performances on May 11. Ciara and the local St. Lucian act Sisterhood will headline the May 12 performance. Grammy-award winning Babyface, Kenny Garrett, and Rihanna are the scheduled performers on May 13. Seal and Al Green, who will be joined by percussionist Poncho Sanchez, are the final night's headliners who will close the festival on May 14. St. Lucia Jazz packages are available from Air Jamaica Vacations and Alken Tours. St. Lucia Jazz Web, www.stluciajazz.org; St. Lucia Tourist Board, 8884-ST-LUCIA, www.stlucia.org; Air Jamaica Vacations, 800-LOVEBIRD, www.airjamaica.com; Alken Tours, 800-327-9974, www. alkentours.com 8 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l GROUPS WELCOME AT OCEAN HOTELS Ocean Hotels offers conference centers, facilities and a professional staff ready to turn all events into a complete success. Group services are available for corporate incentives, meetings, classes and all types of banquets. They can adapt to a group's particular needs, personalizing all of the services the hotel offers. They offer special group advantages including a group representative at the airport, private check-in and pre-check-in guaranteed, wet towels upon arrival, welcome cocktail, personalized greeting banner, exclusive 24 hours service for the group, experienced coordinator assigned for the group, advanced thematic restaurants reservations, special reserved area for groups in the buffet restaurant, special banner for the event, coordination of special activities for group members, special rates the whole year, a personal assistant, one double room at no charge with every 25 paid rooms, and complimentary room upgrade for group leaders. In addition, they offer coffee breaks, audiovisual equipment, thematic dinners, gala dinners, and entertainment.There are also internet connection and facilities, internet connections in the conference room, desktops and laptops available for rent,Wi-Fi Internet connection,VPN Service (Virtual Private Network), video conference, and photocopy machine and printers.All of the Ocean Blue and Ocean Sand Golf & Beach Resorts suites offer private Jacuzzis.They are located 35 minutes from Punta Cana's International Airport and near to the White Sands Golf Course.These two resorts share facilities and activities with all inclusive services 24 hours. Hodelpa/Ocean Hotels & Resorts, 888-403-2603, info@ocean hotels.net, www.hodelpa. com, www.oceanhotels.net DOMINICAN REPUBLIC LAUNCHES NEW TOURISM WEBSITE The Dominican Republic (DR) announces the release of its new interactive website, www.godominicanrepublic.com. Developed to assist the rapidly growing number of visitors to the country while educating about developments within the country's tourism infrastructure, the website will be the source for up-to-date information about the DR. "With the DR's recent growth in tourism it was essential to develop a website that will grow with us and our visitors' need for information," said Luis Simo, Vice Minister of Tourism. "The website's new design makes navigation simple while providing more content about the country than has ever been available in one place." Among the features of the new site is a section entitled "planning your trip," offering useful advice and information on everything from airlines to activities, a "things to do" section detailing the DR's range of activities and a media room with access to the DR's full press kit and a convenient media request-for-information form. Dominican Republic Tourism Board, www.godominicanrepublic. com APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 9 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TAKES THE LEAD AS DESIGNER GOLF COURSE PARADISE Ask the avid golfer what makes the Dominican Republic (DR), with its 21 courses the premier destination for the sport and they will likely say it's the designers. By the end of 2006, DR's golf trail will include: Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Nick Faldo, Jim Fazio, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Nick Price and Robert Trent Jones. The DR's designer golf legacy began with the construction of two Dye courses - La Cana at Punta Cana Resort & Club (PCRC) by P.B.Dye on the east coast and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo by Pete Dye in La Romana. "La Cana starts with a small par 4 and,little by little, the course gets more challenging - both physically and psychologically - with a dramatic par 5 finish by the sea" said PCRC Golf Director Olivier Brizon. In December 2005, Teeth of the Dog reopened. "It's basically a whole new course and while it always had bite, the Dog has even sharper teeth now," said Gilles Gagnon, golf director at Casa de Campo. Golf courses have been popping up on each of the DR's coasts over the past three decades including Guavaberry by Gary Player in southern Juan Dolio, Dye Fore by Pete Dye (the latest course at Casa de Campo) in La Romana, and Playa Grande and Playa Dorada both by Robert Trent Jones in the north. "Guavaberry is just 30 minutes from Santo Domingo's airport making it easily accessible," said Glen Powe, golf director at Guavaberry Resort. "And with five sets of tees for each hole it is challenging for golfers of all skill levels.” 2006 is expected to be the most exciting year yet for the DR's designer golf course scene. Punta Blanca by Nick Price is located near the new Majestic Colonial Beach Resort.Also in the line-up this year is a course at the anticipated Roco Ki Resort by Nick Faldo; Punta Espada by Jack Nicklaus at the new Cap Cana complex; and Corales Golf Course by Tom Fazio at PCRC. The Ocean Signature Course by Arnold Palmer will be located at the pending Atlantica complex near Luperon. "We are counting the days until Jack Nicklaus' first Dominican golf course will be open for golf lovers from around the world," said Sam Logan, golf director at Cap Cana."Punta Espada will be exceptional with eight holes directly on the ocean and ocean views from every hole." According to Logan, Punta Espada's unique story began before the greens and fairways were planned. Cap Cana gave Nicklaus his pick of land before all other real estate and plans were initiated. "By doing this, the golf master used the most visual, interesting and breathtaking parcels for his course," added Logan. "Each hole deserves recognition as an exotic beauty of the Caribbean,especially number 17. It will not only be enjoyable to play but also a postcard to send home." Dominican Republic Tourism Board, 888374-6361, www.godominicanrepublic.com TURKS & CAICOS NAMED “FINEST ISLAND IN CARIBBEAN” Close on the heels of the recent announcement that the Turks and Caicos Islands will host The World Travel Awards, the Tourist Board has announced that the Turks and Caicos Islands; the Chief Minister, Hon. Dr. Michael Misick; Grace Bay Club; and American Airlines have received the highly coveted International Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS). Recognizing commitment to excellence in luxury and service, the award evaluates nominees based on exceptional service, superb facilities, ambiance, gastronomy, cleanliness and, above all, hospitality. In a ceremony on February 17, 2006, at the Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands received the International Star Diamond Award as “The Finest Island in the Caribbean.” The Chief Minister accepted the award on behalf of the islands for his leadership and vision in developing the Turks and Caicos as a popular tourist destination. The Academy’s International Star Diamond Award is the only global award program recognizing the excellence of an exclusive network of professionals within the luxury sector of the hospitality industry. The Academy has expanded the International Star Diamond Award’s selection criteria beyond five star hotels and restaurants to include resorts, airlines, cruise ships and luxury products. Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board, 800241-0824, www.turksandcaicostourism.com FAMILY VACATIONS WITH PETER HUGHES DIVING In 2006, Peter Hughes Diving is taking the family vacation to a new level. This summer onboard Sun Dancer II in Belize and Wind Dancer in Tobago,Peter Hughes Diving is teaming up with Kids Sea Camp to offer three all inclusive family vacations. These family themed trips offer the ultimate in family vacations. Family members who are certified divers will explore the wonders these dive destinations have to offer. Non-diving children will join their parents on board and participate in Kids Sea Camp where they will make new friends, experience the seas, learn about new cultures, and join in a wide range of activities all while under adult crew supervision.Charter Rate includes: all the usual amenities and services, including morning beverage service, fresh towels after a dive, mid-week linen changes, and sit down dining at dinner. For Kids Seacamp participants each day will include: four hours of adventure in the mornings and four hours of exploration in the afternoons, and a Kids Sea Camp T-shirt, visor, water bottle and a special land excursion. Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., 800-9-DANCER, 800-932-6237, kidsseacamp@peterhughes. com, www.peterhughes.com 10 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l CURAÇAO ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL DIVE FESTIVAL CARRIACOU MAROON MUSIC FESTIVAL APRIL 28-30 Curaçao has announced the First Annual Curaçao Dive Festival, scheduled for May 20 27, 2006. Registration is free and visitors can enjoy a week full of guided dives, workshops, seminars and advanced dives, while nightfall brings happy hour gatherings with live entertainment, movies on the beach, BBQs and night dives. The festivities begin with opening ceremonies at Lion’s Dive & Beach Resort on Saturday evening,May 20. Local dive operators are offering special packages throughout the festival. Curaçao also offers many hotel and resort options. 12 participating hotels are offering a special airfare credit of for the dive festival of $100 to $200 off the final hotel bill for stays of five nights or longer. Carriacou invites visitors to help commemorate centuries of tradition and celebration at this year’s Carriacou Maroon Music Festival. This three-day celebration is scheduled for April 28-30. Visitors will journey to “Heritage Village” in Belair Park where for centuries islanders have come together to give thanks for plentiful harvest and future prosperous planting seasons. In the past, street activities known as maroons encouraged the unifying of people in a harmonious and fun atmosphere. At the Sixth Annual Carriacou Maroon Music Festival, visitors can share in the magic of connecting with the ways of the past, while celebrating through cultural music, dance, and theater. The events kick-off on Friday, April 28 with the ceremonial wetting of the grounds and sounding of the horns where visitors can witness ancient practices first hand. There is also a traditional Carriacou feast, featuring a menu of smoked foods such as pork, beef, mutton and chicken,along with local staples like rolled coo- Curaçao Dive Festival, www.curacaoevent.com; Curaçao, 800-3- CURAÇAO (800328-7222), www.curacao.com coo (corn), rolled rice and stewed pigeon peas. There are performances of traditional Carriacou dances including the “Big-Drum”and “Quadrille,” Maroon theatre and traditional folklore, as well as string band music. Saturday,April 29,is a day and night full of live performances from various top local and regional entertainers. In addition, interesting displays of cottage crafts and other various exhibits will be set up in specified areas. On April 30 there is a cultural exhibition. Games and live entertainment including string band music, theater performances and “Big Drum”dancing will be featured throughout the evening. Established in 2001, the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival is a unique event indigenous to Carriacou, which celebrates the island’s rich history and culture. The Grenada Board of Tourism is fully supportive of the Festival that serves to augment the image of Carriacou & Petite Martinique as a preferred tourist destination. Grenada Board of Tourism in Carriacou, [email protected] APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 11 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l GRENADA APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF TOURISM The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) has announced the appointment of Jocelyn SylvesterGairy as the new Director of Tourism based in St. JOCELYN SYLVESTER-GAIRY George’s, Grenada. Sylvester-Gairy replaces William Joseph who previously occupied this post. “I am confident that Mrs.Sylvester-Gairy will be a valuable asset to the Grenada Board of Tourism team as we continue to work towards elevating Grenada’s tourism sector to a standard that exceeds the expectations of our regional and international visitors,” said the Honorable Brenda Hood, Minister of Tourism. Sylvester-Gairy has vast experience in the travel and tourism industry, serving as CEO for Brooklyn-based travel agencies, Seaspice Vacations and Jantas Corp. d/b/a Astral Travel & Tours, for the last 19 years. She presently serves as the CEO for Astral Travel & Tours in St. George’s and the Chairman of the Grenada Cultural Foundation. Sylvester-Gairy was also the Chairman of the Grenada Board of Tourism since 2004. In the 80’s and 90’s, she worked as a travel and tourism course tutor in the adult education program at both Medgar Evers College and Brooklyn College in New York. Sylvester-Gairy was also a teacher with the New York City Board of Education in Brooklyn for 10 years. She holds a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in Political Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Long Island University in Brooklyn. Grenada Board of Tourism, www.grenada grenadines.com AIR JAMAICA VACATIONS NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Air Jamaica Vacations announced the appointment of Javier Morales as the company’s Director of Marketing and Product Development. “We’re very pleased to have Javier join the 12 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 OVER-WATER SPA OPENS AT KAMALAME CAY 96-acre private island just off Andros Island in the Bahamas Archipelago. The resort introduced its 2,000-square-foot Spa in early 2006. The two-story building is sited at the end of the new 200-foot Kamalame Pier. Because of this location, clients seem literally to float in any of the five treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Custom spa packages can include champagne lunches on the Spa's veranda where yoga sessions are held. The range of restorative programs includes massage, body and facial treatments. Biotropica, a spa product company located in the Bahamas, has provided all-natural body scrubs and oils for an authentic pampering island experience. Samples of spa treatments include: Bahamian Boreh which echoes a traditional Balinese treatment, with a deep heat experience that increases circulation, soothes muscle aches and exfoliates skin; Kamalame Coconut Body Glow for Sensitive Skin which mixes freshly shredded coconut with other natural ingredients to create a gentle and effective body scrub with an all-natural conditioning treatment; and Seaweed Botanical Wrap, a tropical treatment using a synergistic blend of pure minerals and sea extracts to nourish, soften and tone the skin. Kamalame Cay offers 19 accommodations for two to six people that range from marina rooms to cottage and villa suites. The Great House is a gathering place where guests enjoy evening cocktails and all meals. Nightly room rates (exclusive of taxes and airport transfer fees) through May 31, 2006 range from $740 to $3,620 based on type of accommodation, which includes four standard guestrooms and 15 one, two- and three-bedroom private cottages. Rates from June 1-November 30, 2006 range from $561-$2,559. Additionally, Kamalame Cove, a 7,500-square-foot, 4-bedroom is available for $4,800 per night year-round. Kamalame Cay rates include all food, house wines and spirits, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks, access to tennis and oceanfront freshwater swimming. The first over-water spa in the Bahamas opened recently at Kamalame Cay, a 19-room, Kamalame Cay, 242-368-6281, info@ kamalame.com, www.kamalame.com Air Jamaica Vacations family,” said Mike Norton,Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “He brings an incredible wealth of talent to complement our team.” A 17-year industry veteran, Morales began his career in the cruise industry as Area Sales Manager for Dolphin and Majesty Cruise Lines, followed by an appointment as Sales Manager for Travelodge Hotel Main Gate East in Kissimmee, Florida. There, he was instrumental in the day-to-day management of the 446-room property while he worked to expand the property’s wholesale and corporate accounts. In 1995,Morales served as Sales Manager for the Florida Marlins Baseball Club where he established a Tour & Travel program with domestic and international wholesalers and the popular Florida Marlins game day bus pick up system. The following year, Morales accepted an appointment with the Palm Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau as its International Market Manager for Latin America. For two years, he worked as the Director of Promotions and Latin American Sales for the Palm Beach Casino Line. It was in that capacity that Morales established the company’s Promotions Department and developed the National Accounts Sales and Latin America wholesale program. Morales then moved to Certified Vacations, Inc. where, as Product Manager for the Caribbean & Bermuda, he was responsible for negotiating and contracting wholesale rates for hotels and attractions in 20 Caribbean Islands, as well as coordinating brand marketing strategies. In 2003, Morales accepted a position with Marriott Offshore Resorts as Senior Account Executive, E-commerce, where he oversaw e-commerce wholesale programs for eight offshore Marriott properties.He joins Air Jamaica Vacations after serving most recently as Senior Account Executive for Travel Industry Sales at the Doral Resort and Country Club, a Marriott Resort, based in Miami, Florida. Air Jamaica Vacations, 800-622-3009 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l DIONNE WARWICK TO PERFORM AT 2006 ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Mr.Allister Williams,Executive Director of the St.Kitts Music Festival,has announced that sixtime Grammy Award Winning artist Dionne Warwick will be among the top acts performing at the 10th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival taking place from June 29 to July 2, 2006. Celebrating her 45th year in show business, Dionne Warwick has become an indelible part of the American music soundtrack of the last four and a half decades. The second-most charted female artist in Billboard history, Warwick has more than 60 hit songs since 1962. In 1968, she received her first of six Grammy Awards for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”. Her Grammy-winning chart-topping single, “That’s What Friends Are For,” was the first music industry collaboration to raise millions of dollars for AIDS research and AMFAR. “I’m looking forward to a wonderful time of great music and great talent,” said Warwick of the St. Kitts Music Festival. She added,“I commend St. Kitts for organizing this marvelous festival that celebrates all styles of music.” Additional musical acts will be added and announced in the coming weeks. Now in its 10th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such top acts as Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Wyclef Jean, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald “Boo”Hinkson and Busta Rhymes. the tune of over $34 million, is underway at Queen Beatrix International Airport. The airport's growth plan includes the installation of elevators to make the facility more accessible for disabled travelers, the addition of a new central security area, updated signage, free luggage carts and more. The improvements are well-timed as many carriers, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Song, United Airlines, and US Airways,have recently expanded service to the island. Aruba is also planning changes at the cruise ship terminal, which will be expanded.The Government of Aruba is investing approximately $16 million in the creation of the largest linear park in the Caribbean, stretching 10 miles from Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport to the end of the high-rise hotel corridor. Other areas of the island,such as Baby Beach, on the east end, and downtown Oranjestad, the island's capital, are undergoing development and upgrades. One of the most visible sectors of change is among the island's hotels and resorts, where over $150 million has been invested in major renovation and expansions spanning 2005 through 2007. Other areas of investment include: the launch of "The Aruba Promise," an island-wide tourism-training program; and spa openings at the Costa Linda Beach Resort Aruba (late 2005) and Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino (schedule for November 2006,$5.2 million).De Palm Tours is pumping $5 million into a new fleet of all-terrain vehicles and Land Rovers and a major renovation to its private island, De Palm Island. The addition of a water park on the island is scheduled for completion in summer 2006. New restaurants, such as Foot Prints Beach Grill (Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino), The Promenade II (Aruba's Sun Plaza Center), Sakura Sushi House (Aruba's Aventura Mall). will open. Aruba Tourism Authority, 800-TO-ARUBA, www.aruba.com St. Kitts Tourism Authority, 800-582-6208, [email protected], www.stkitt-tourism. com ARUBA INVESTS OVER $200 MILLION IN TOURISM The Aruba Tourism Authority, together with its private sector partners, is forging ahead in 2006 with major investments in its tourism product totaling over $200 million.Expansions and renovations encompass virtually every sector of the travel industry, from the airport and cruise terminal to hotels, spas and restaurants.Significant investment and expansion,to APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 13 C a r i b b e a n Tr a v e l LEARN TO DIVE AT DIVI FLAMINGO & DIVI TIARA BEACH RESORTS Divi Resorts offers learn to dive programs at the Divi Tiara Beach Resort in Cayman Brac and Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino in Bonaire. The resorts’ 7-night Full PADI Open Water Certification Beginner Dive Packages priced from $1,029 at Divi Tiara and $941 at Divi Flamingo.Package rates are ppdo. The packages include seven nights accommodation, full breakfast daily, round-trip airport transfers, full open water certification course including five theory and five skill sessions, four open water dives, all books, dive tables and all required scuba diving equipment, unlimited snorkeling from the shore (gear),welcome cocktail, beach towels and pool and beach, and all taxes and service charges on package features. At Divi Tiara the package also includes dinner daily. The open water course takes four days to complete. Package pricing is valid for travel through December 22,2006. Guests of Divi Tiara who plan to complete their classroom and pool work prior to arriving at the resort can take advantage of the resort’s Referral Certification Beginner Dive Package which includes seven nights accommodations, full breakfast and dinner daily, the Referral Certification Course with four open water dives completed over two days, round-trip airport transfers, welcome cocktail, use of beach towels at pool and beach, and tax and service charges on package features. Package prices begin at $904 ppdo. Divi Resorts, diviresorts.com 800-367-3484, www. JAPEX HEADS TO NEGRIL IN APRIL The 16th annual Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) will take place for the first time ever in EXECUTIVE OFFICE 50 Washington Street • South Norwalk, CT 06854-2710 Voice: 203-853-4955 • Fax: 203-866-1153 www.travelworldnews.com Charles Gatt, Jr., Publisher [email protected] Peter C. Gatt, Associate Publisher [email protected] Jennifer M. Lane, Editor [email protected] Linda Rogers, Design Production Manager [email protected] For Online Subscription, Renewal or Change of Address: www.travelworldnews.com/subscribe COVER PHOTO CREDIT: mangobay; Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts 14 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • APRIL 2006 Negril, Jamaica from April 23 - 25, 2006. The event is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and will take place at the JAPEX Centre,Negril. JAPEX offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the Jamaica tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour operators from Europe and the Americas in a professionally organized business exchange. Created in 1990, JAPEX has become Jamaica’s premier travel trade event and is supported by many Jamaican organizations interested in the development of the island’s tourism product. Meetings are scheduled in advance through a computerized appointment-matching system, and additionally at the event in on-site scheduling sessions. The system creates two meeting types:the perfect-match appointment,bringing together a buyer and a supplier who have each specifically asked to meet the other; and the buyer-requested appointment, based solely on the buyer’s request for a meeting with a supplier of choice. “JAPEX is a dynamic arena for everyone involved in Jamaica’s tourism industry and offers an excellent opportunity to sell the Jamaica product and boost arrival figures,” stated Donnie Dawson,Deputy Director of Sales, U.S.A.,for the JTB. JAPEX, www.jhta.org\japex.htm SMART CELEBRATES ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY MAY 12-14 The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the St. Martin Tourist Board in conjunction with the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and the Association des Hoteliers de Saint Martin has announced the 5th anniversary of SMART, the St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow.The event is set to take place May 1214 2006, at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in St.Maarten. An annual event, SMART was designed to showcase the important region of the Northeastern Caribbean. Hotels, resorts and other tourism products from 14 destinations will be featured including Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths, St. Kitts, St. Maarten,St.Martin and Barbados. "We've been preparing for the best in the industry to ensure the great success of this annual Caribbean event," said St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Director Regina LaBega. "The synergy is there amongst our hotel partners and sponsors and we expect to build substantial momentum on behalf of the entire destination." "This event will provide tremendous opportunity each year to highlight our joined tourism products and build on industry relationships," said St. Martin's new Director of Tourism, Alex Richards SMART organizers are working with the Caribbean Hotel Association to pre-schedule all meetings for delegates in advance of the tradeshow, in order to maximize everyone's time. SMART management Office at the Caribbean Hotel Association in Puerto Rico, 787-725-9139, [email protected] St. Maarten/St. Martin, www.st-maarten. com; www.st-martin.org; Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, 800-223-0757, www.sonesta.com/stmaarten GRENADA WELCOMES KENNEDY TOURS Kennedy Tours is the newest addition to Grenada’s tour company roster. The company specializes in providing a historical angle to every tour they offer. Kennedy Tours offers fully air-conditioned bus tours of Grenada’s natural and historic attractions, plantations and spice estates. In addition, Kennedy Tours provides hiking tours to Grenada’s spectacular waterfalls like Concord Falls, Seven Sisters Falls and Honeymoon Falls in Grand Etang Lake and Forest Reserve. “The most unique feature of Kennedy Tours is our special attention to history,” said Jawahir, tour operator and owner. “Through our excursions, visitors will learn how Grenada’s colorful history has influenced the island’s modern day life.” The company also has future plans to introduce historical tours of Grenada’s coastline in a fiberglass boat with a seating capacity of 15 people. A Grenadian himself,Jawahir is experienced in the social, political, and cultural history of Grenada. In the past, he worked with the Grenada Board of Tourism and St. George’s University as a tour guide, along with many cruise lines visiting Grenada. Awarded for “Outstanding Service as a Tour Guide”by Princess Cruise Lines, Jawahir provides a personal touch to every tour. Kennedy Tours, kennedytours@ caribsurf.com, www.kennedytours.com CARIBBEAN resource directory Alta Bella Hotels [email protected] www.altabellahotels.com Anthony's Key Resort 800-227-3483 www.anthonyskey.com Hotetur Caribbean Division/ Blue Bay Resorts Fax: 305-534-7679 [email protected] www.catalog.hotetur.com www.hotetur.com Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts www.bahiaprincipe.com Lifestyle Hacienda Resorts [email protected] www.hacienda-resorts.com Coral Gardens Beach Resort 800-950-2862 [email protected] www.coralgardens.com Majestic Colonial Punta Cana 809-221-9898 Fax: 809-552-9995 www.majesticcolonial.com Costa Bonita Resort Villas 787-742-3000 www.costabonitaresort.com mangobay 800-537-8483 [email protected] Courtyard by Marriott 800-791-2553 [email protected] The Flamboyant Hotel and Villas 473-444-4247 [email protected] www.flamboyant.com Ghost Tour of Old San Juan 787-721-5709 Fax: 208-493-9425 [email protected] www.sanjuanghosts.com Holiday Inn San Juan 800-HOLIDAY www.holidayinnpr.com Hotel InterContinental San Juan 800-468-9076 www.intercontinental.com Mayaguez Resort and Casino 888-689-3030 [email protected] www.mayaguezresort.com Ocean Hotels 888-403-2603 www.oceanhotels.net Osprey Beach Hotel 649-946-2666 [email protected] www.ospreybeachhotel.com Paradise Cove Resort [email protected] www.paradise.net Peter Hughes Diving www.peterhughes.com Point Village Resort 877-764-6852 [email protected] www.pointvillage.com Punta Cana Resorts 888-442-2262 [email protected] www.puntacana.com Rincon Beach Resort 866-589-0009 www.rinconbeach.com Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Board [email protected] www.rivieramaya.com St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation Tel/Fax: 599-318-2433 [email protected] www.statiatourism.com St. Kitts & Nevis 800-582-6208 www.st.kitts-tourism.com Sivory Punta Cana sales @sivorypuntacana.com www.sivorypuntacana.com Sun Village Resort & Spa 888-446-4695 www.sunvillageresortsandspa.com True Blue Bay Hotel [email protected] www.truebluebay.com Turinter 888-240-8284 www.turinter.com For additional listings please visit the online resource directory: www.travelworldnews.com/agent APRIL 2006 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 15