By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama-based Copa Airlines is ramping up its flight service to Mexico, the company announced.

Copa will be launching new flights between Panama City and Puerto Vallarta beginning Dec. 16.

Puerto Vallarta, set in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit, will become the carrier’s fifth destination in Mexico.

Copa will operating the service with two weekly flights.

“Copa Airlines continues to reaffirm its confidence in Mexico and support the development of its commercial and tourism sectors by inaugurating a fifth local destination,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “We are pleased to announce this new route to Puerto Vallarta, an amazing destination that up until now did not have a direct connection with the rest of the Americas.”

The flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays on Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

It’s the latest expansion for Copa, which also recently announced plans to launch new service to Barbados this summer.

— CJ

The post Copa Is Expanding Its Flights to Mexico appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional Caribbean carrier LIAT is expanding its flight network in the region next month, the company announced.

LIAT will be launching new routes from Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport to both Antigua and Guyana.

The nonstop flights will launch July 1.

“With the different summer festivals happening across the region as well as more persons looking for Caribbean destinations to visit, now is the ideal time to book a LIAT flight,” said Egbert Riley, head of sales and marketing at LIAT.

The new flights also give travelers the option to experience more island hopping getaways.

— CJ

The post LIAT Launching New Flights in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

InterContinental Hotels Group is adding a new hotel brand in the region: Avid.

The company, along with Mexico-based Operadora MBA, announced the signing of the first Avid property in Mexico, set in the city of Fresnillo.

“The first signing in Mexico of IHG’s new high-quality midscale brand, demonstrates further momentum for avid hotels,” said Jorge Apaez, Chief Operating Officer, Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean at IHG. “New hotel signings continue to exceed expectations, and total more than 100 avid hotels across the U.S., Canada and now Mexico, almost one every other day since launch last year. This latest development demonstrates that owners believe in the strength of the avid hotels brand and the power of IHG.”

The new brand was developed to “meet the needs of everyday travelers who are looking for a high-quality, consistent experience from their hotel stay,” according to German Ongay, vice president for development in Mexico at IHG.

The first Avid in Mexico will include 95 rooms, slated to open in the middle of next year.

The post IHG to Debut Avid Brand in Mexico appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Worried about potential storms in the Caribbean this summer? The Cayman Islands has you covered.

The destination has announced a “Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee,” a promise made by on-island partners to cover any cancellations made prior to arrival should a hurricane hit the islands — and compensation if your vacation is cut short due to inclement weather.

The Worry Free Guarantee includes a full refund of accommodation fees at participating hotels, condos and villas island-wide, with a maximum one-night penalty at most for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to check-in as soon as a hurricane watch is issued by authorities.

Even better? Many resorts in the Cayman Islands offer a free replacement stay throughout the summer months, letting guests rebook their trips for the same duration as the originally booked stay.

“In the Cayman Islands, we strive to not only provide unforgettable and relaxing vacations, but most importantly through this generous programme, we offer our guests a seamless solution for when travel disruptions occur,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. “It’s Caymankind to give peace of mind, and with our Hurricane Guarantee, I am pleased we can provide travellers relief knowing they can plan a vacation to our beautiful islands despite seasonal considerations and inclement weather.”

— CJ

The post The Cayman Islands Will Give You a Worry-Free Hurricane Guarantee appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s no secret we’re big fans of Saint Lucia’s Ladera, a property we’ve called the Ultimate Caribbean Luxury Resort.

And now there are even more ways to enjoy the resort, with two major new packages on offer — meaning now’s the time to visit Saint Lucia’s best adults-only resort.

The first is the Love by Land and Sea Package, which includes four nights in either a Hilltop Dream or a Paradise Ridge Suite, along with round trip luxury airport transfers, sparkling wine to toast on arrival, a guided hike of the Gros Piton mountains, a diving excursion with a hosted picnic lunch, daily dinner at Dasheene and a romantic star gazing amenity complete with a blanket, cushions, wine candles and rose petals.

The next is the Just the Two of You, an elopement package that offers the perfect private Saint Lucia wedding, including • round trip luxury airport transfers, a private in-suite bridal ceremony inclusive of legal fees, officiant and two witnesses, a chilled bottle of champagne, wedding cake and a complimentary couples massage to unwind after the festivities.

Ladera has also launched new programming at the property, including Sunrise Meditation and Sunset Tradition programs that range from morning guided meditation classes to a sunset bell-ringing ceremony (that includes rum punch, of course).

“Given Ladera Resort’s proximity among the majestic Piton Mountains and unique open-walled concept in each guest room, we are thrilled to introduce these new enhancements to further help our guests immerse themselves in the nature of  Saint Lucia,” said Daly Mariatte, VP & General Manager of Sales and Marketing. “In our 30^th anniversary year, we look forward to continuing to unveil a range of programming that celebrates the resort’s dedication to the needs of today’s traveler.”

For more info, visit Ladera.

The post Another Reason to Visit Saint Lucia Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico