By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the buzziest destinations in the Caribbean right now, according to the latest data from the twin-island country’s tourism authority.

Antigua and Barbuda tourism has seen a 10 percent increase in stayover visitor arrivals through September, according to provisional figures released by the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

That represents a total of 187,701 visitors for the year up to July, buoyed by a very strong summer that saw double-digit year-over-year increases in June and July as well.

Galley Bay in Antigua.

 “This healthy 10 percent uptake in the summer is significant,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez in a statement. “It means that on top of the phenomenal growth we received from January to July 2018 of 171,147 visitors in comparison to the 159,764 in 2017, that the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s marketing strategy as well as other key factors, have really allowed us to steadily build arrivals, year on year.”

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James said the surge pointed to a broader trend: that Antigua and Barbuda was becoming a full-fledged year-round destination.

The sleek, modern South Point hotel is among the best places to stay in Antigua right now.

The numbers come as Antigua has launched a major campaign called “What Cool Looks Like.”

“We are changing the narrative,” he said. “Antigua and Barbuda is open year round. Our partners are communicating to us, that the campaign has made a huge difference and we are seeing it not only in increased arrivals, but in the increased ABST revenue coming into the country during the summer months.” 

Historic Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“As we continue the campaign, the teams are working flat out on their various plans, and at this current run rate we are looking forward to a record year again in air arrivals,” James said.

Indeed, Antigua and Barbuda has become one of the Caribbean’s hottest getaways in recent years, led by a wave of new airlift and a pervasive focus on tourism development that includes an impressive pipeline of new hotel projects.

The beach at the Inn at English Harbour.

The latter features soon-to-debut resorts from brands like Waldorf-Astoria and Rosewood, among others.

For more, visit Antigua and Barbuda.

— CJ

The post Travelers Are Flocking to Antigua and Barbuda Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional Caribbean carrier interCaribbean Airways is launching a pair of new routes between the USVI and Tortola.

interCaribbean is launching new daily flights between Tortola and St Thomas and St Croix, the company said this week.

That will include two daily flights between St Thomas and Tortola and one daily flight between St Croix and Tortola.

The move is a big boost for the BVI, connecting the vast air networks to St Croix and St Thomas with Tortola in a new way.

“interCaribbean gives even more options to Tortola, BVI and the wider Caribbean than any airline.  These new routes brings to 8 nonstop destinations, and with some additional cities to be announced very shortly we could not be more pleased with the growth of the market, that comes as many of the resorts closed from the Hurricanes also are reopening this winter,” said Trevor Sadler, CEO for interCaribbean.  

For more info, visit interCaribbean.

— CJ

The post Two New Ways to Get to Tortola, BVI appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) — Food, fun, live entertainment, and more. It’s the opening weekend of the Big E, and despite chances of rain, cloudy skies, and somewhat cooler temperatures, nothing stood in the way of locals from attending.
22News …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Marc Saint, who sent in this stunning shot of Rockley Beach in Barbados.

Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean?

Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW in the subject line, including your first and last name and the location of the photo.

It could be the next Caribbean Photo of the Week!

— CJ

The post Caribbean Photo of the Week: Rockley Beach, Barbados appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Plainly, Aruba is one of the beach capitals of the Caribbean. Few destinations in the region can match the quality — and number — of world-class beaches on this Dutch Caribbean island.

Indeed, Aruba’s brilliant white sand, calm waters and wide coastlines make for truly spectacular beaches — and with so many beautiful stretches of sand, an Aruba vacation is a beach-hopper’s delight.

But while their beauty is universal, Aruba’s beach product is rather diverse, from beaches that are great for windsurfing to reef-filled strands perfect for shore snorkeling.

It’s not easy to choose a favorite Aruba beach, but these five are our top picks right now.

Boca Grandi Beach in Aruba.

Boca Grandi Forget what you know about Aruba’s beaches. Because this is the frontier, the untouched gem, the raw, striking beach that will be the highlight of your trip. Set on Aruba’s wild eastern coast, this beach, popular with kitesurfers for its high winds, is among the most spectacular in the whole Caribbean. Its relatively remote location means you’ll often have it all to yourself – and that includes the wonderful Tortuga Beach Bar.

The post The 5 Best Aruba Beaches to Visit Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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