Holiday & Travel

Even as Caribbean tourism experiences a robust recovery and strong demand, a leading Caribbean economist and advisor wants action-oriented thinking and solutions to improve the competitiveness of the region’s bread-and-butter tourism industry.

Speaking on the sidelines of IATA Caribbean Aviation Day in the Cayman Islands this week, Trinidadian economist Marla Dukharan said that price competitiveness is a challenge.

The transfer of the chairmanship of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) from Barbados to the Cayman Islands during CTO’s business meetings on Grand Cayman this week registered something notable and positive: the future of the region is in excellent hands.

After a couple of years of lockdowns and the absence of in-person deliberations, it was incredibly heartwarming to witness two young leaders – Senator Lisa Cummins, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, and Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism and Transport – discuss the business of the region with passion and pride.

This year has marked the resumption of tourism in Brazil, and the movement of the country’s international air network is one of the main metrics that prove the recovery of the sector.

On the rise each month, Brazilian air connectivity with the world operates at more than 80 percent of the capacity observed in 2019. Argentina, the United States and Portugal were the countries with the most flights to Brazil in the first half, with 10,800 arrivals in all.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has a new chairman. 

Cayman Islands Minister for Tourism and Transport Kenneth Bryan was elected as the new chairman of the inter-governmental body this week at the organization’s Annual General Meeting in the Cayman Islands.

World’s Best Airline enhances its passenger experience at London Heathrow Terminal 4, and unveils a new Frequent Flyer Lounge, the first of its kind outside of its home, exclusively for Privilege Club members and oneworld alliance partners.

Situated in Terminal 4, located just a floor below the Premium Lounge, the Frequent Flyer lounge is open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, with access extending to Joint Business Partners like British Airways Executive Club members, and other oneworld Alliance loyalty members.

COVID-19 pandemic curbed our travel plans. But with restrictions gone, an accelerating climate crisis emphasises the need for new travel habits. Now, a research-based website assists in finding climate friendly travel options.

The choices we make have a wider impact on the environment around us, and this is becoming clear in the extreme weather events we experience.

Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, made this disclosure to the media during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Destination Debriefings in the Cayman Islands this week.

Thompson said one of the first assignments of new Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson will be to spearhead the launch of the campaign to the media in New York, which will be followed by similar events in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The former President of Virgin Galactic is set to present a keynote at World Travel Market London, 7-9 November 2022, exploring the astronomic potential for space tourism.

Will Whitehorn is to lead a session marked: 'Space: the final travel frontier?' on Tuesday 8th November on World Travel Market London's Future Stage.

Murray River Trails (MRT) is proud to launch its newest tour linking two contrasting sections of Australia’s most famous river. Safari to River’s End is an immersive 5 day/4 night experience, showcasing South Australia’s Riverland all the way to the Coorong and Murray Mouth.

From the redgum and red cliff lined meandering Murray River to the spectacular white sands and dunes of the Coorong and the Murray Mouth, guests will learn the stories of these regions, their wildlife, their history, and their cultures.

Holidays are one necessity that Britons are not  willing to forgo despite the current global economic crisis, as nearly half (42%) of Britons have had a holiday so far this year with  84% of these holidaymakers holidaying on British shores - and Birmingham has been one of the top holiday destination for millions of Britons. With the UK being one of the hottest holiday hot spots in the world this summer, 65% of Britons have taken their main holiday at home this year and 60% of these holidaymakers have taken three Staycation breaks so far in 2022.

With deep condolences to her family and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Commonwealth, we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

It was during her reign that many Caribbean countries were granted self-government and independence, and that will, understandably, be a significant part of her legacy for many in the region who choose to remember her with fondness. 

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay famously stepped foot on the summit of Everest on the 29th May 1953 receiving worldwide acclaim and a lifetime of mountaineering superstardom. To mark their historic achievement, Mountain Kingdoms has arranged a special Everest Base Camp Trek to arrive at Base Camp exactly 70 years later.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is anticipating a return to stellar tourism industry performance following pandemic-related closures and solid recovery efforts from the devastating 2017 hurricanes.

In addition to welcoming refreshed accommodations and attractions, tourism officials in the British overseas territory are gearing up for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Anegada Lobster Festival over the U.S. Thanksgiving holidays (November 25-27, 2022), and 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, one of the Caribbean’s premier annual racing events.  

Laos reopened its borders to international tourists on 9 May, dropping all testing and quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers. Since then, interest in the country has grown, with an increase in visitors of over 50% by the end of June leading to a surge in demand for organised tours and renewed hope for the coming high season.

Qatar Airways announces the availability of travel packages for fans travelling to attend the Lusail Super Cup. The all-inclusive packages include match tickets, flights, and accommodation, allowing passionate football fans to book their seats and cheer on their favourite team as the Saudi Professional League champion, Al Hilal SC, matches up against the Egyptian Premier League champion, Al Zamalek SC, on Friday, 9 September 2022 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

While Caribbean tourism stakeholders continue to glow in the aftermath of Wednesday’s World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2022 at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica, a small resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands is beaming with pride for copping two prized awards during the evening’s celebrations. The high-end, sustainability-focused Sailrock Resort on South Caicos was not only recognized for the third successive year as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort, but for the first time, the property captured Turks & Caicos’ Leading Resort honour.