A rebirth is on the horizon for Grand Bahama Island. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) made the long-awaited announcement that an offer has been accepted for the purchase of Grand Lucayan, a beachfront resort located in the bustling city of Freeport.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has appointed Kevin Pile as Communications Consultant, effective May 9.

Johnson Johnrose, the former Communications Specialist who was at the CTO since Feb 2002, has moved on.

John Bell, the first Executive Director of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), which he was instrumental in launching.

Taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida this week, the coveted honour was bestowed upon Bell for his significant contributions to the hospitality industry.

The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister, Jamaica has become the first Caribbean tourism leader to be inducted into the prestigious Global Travel Hall of Fame.

He was presented with the honour by The Travel Corporation, CEO, Brett Tollman at The Chesterfield Hotel in London.

As the tourism sector rebounds strongly from the near shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling on the region’s “bread and butter” industry to ramp up efforts to be adequately staffed to meet the impending surge of arrivals and continued growth.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs have announced on that President Ram Nath Kovind will pay a state visit to Jamaica and St Vincent and Grenadines, from May 15-21. In a statement, the ministry said that this will be the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to these countries.

Kovind will be in Jamaica from May 15-18, during which he will hold “delegation-level talks” with his Jamaican counterpart, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.