… two pet dogs rescued from Puerto Rico, Bon Bon and Bella … the Celebrate Israel Parade.
Puerto Rico native Gerald Cruz, who … advocate for Puerto Rico and the nearly 1 million Puerto Ricans in New … , support and solidarity with Puerto Rico and also this Parade, …

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By Alexander Britell

Hyatt is set to debut a new Hyatt Regency-branded hotel in Puerto Rico.

The newest Hyatt in the Caribbean will be at the former Melia Coco Beach in Rio Grande on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast.

The transformed hotel is part of a wider, 10-year project that could mean $1.5 million in investment and 2,500 rooms on the site, according to Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello.

The property was acquired by a joint venture including Monarch Alternative Capital and Royal Palm Companies, along with Aimbridge Hospitality.

The rebranded property will first debut in July 2019 as the Hyatt-affiliated “The Resort at Coco Beach” before officially becoming the Hyatt Regency Coco Beach Resort following what Hyatt called an “extensive” renovation this fall.

“ Transactions like these that are taking place today validate that our commitment to tourism is a wise one and that there is a positive environment for investment,” Rossello said.

The Rio Grande-area property.

That renovation could total $100 million, the Governor said at the NYU Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York this week.

“We have been working during the past months so that this transaction, that enables the reopening of the hotel, is achieved in the short term and to direct the development of the long-term master plan, which will add to the hotel inventory some 2,500 rooms, with a projection of 1,500 new jobs,” said Carla Campos, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “This will result in a total investment of around $1.5 billion when the six hotels materialize.”

The property, which has 486 rooms and 93 branded residences, will be managed by Aimbridge.

It will be Hyatt’s only full-service property in Puerto Rico, complementing a portfolio of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels around the island.

“The expansive redevelopment of this premiere beachfront property is a testament to the confidence among owners and developers in the destination of Puerto Rico and the Hyatt brand,” said Camilo Bolaños, vice president of development and real estate for Latin America and Caribbean at Hyatt. “We are pleased to continue our strong brand growth in the region, proudly supporting Puerto Rico’s upward tourism sector, which we believe has an even brighter future ahead.”

The private Coco Beach development spans nearly 1,000 acres on a peninsula on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coastline, including 36 holes of golf (one course was this year’s site of the PGA’s Puerto Rico Open— hence the plans for a far larger resort complex.

The relaunched property will include 37,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a club lounge, suite upgrades to 93 units and five new dining concepts.

The post Hyatt Regency to Open in Puerto Rico, Part of New $1.5 Billion Project appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Following the industry-shaking ban of cruises and other travel to Cuba, major cruise lines are scrambling to adapt — and one Caribbean cruise destination is out in front.

The US Virgin Islands said it was working closely with the major lines as they race to rework their itineraries that had included stops in Cuba.

US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Designee Joseph Boschulte said the Ports of the Virgin Islands have reached out to cruise lines to offer the opportunity for passengers to visit the territory, particularly the less-trafficked port in St Croix.

“We have been in contact with the lines about making calls to both St. Croix and St. Thomas,” said Boschulte, who said he told executives that the Territory’s ports can accommodate diverted vessels on short notice.

“We have the capacity and are encouraging the lines to experience St. Croix especially – an emerging tourism destination steeped in rich culture and heritage and whose stakeholders are prepared to provide a welcoming experience for cruise ship passengers,” he said.

Boschulte said the USVI’s ports would continue to monitor the impact of the new Cuba travel policy on the regional industry.

— CJ

The post USVI Out in Front in Wake of Cuba Cruise Ban appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… to ferry her to Puerto Rico on a makeshift raft … the illegal migrant trip to Puerto Rico
Investigators said Polanco was … illegal migration trips to Puerto Rico after a pregnant woman … person looking to illegally reach Puerto Rico, a United States territory, …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Past winners and favorites of the NBC hit “The Voice” are coming to The Bahamas this summer.

The singers will be part of the new The Voice Summer Series at the Baha Mar resort in New Providence.

The concert series, which will run from July 4 to Aug. 3, will be a schedule of outdoor acoustic performances by the stars of the series.

“The Voice’ is an international phenomenon, with 68 versions of the show broadcast across 180 countries around the world. We’re thrilled to welcome the contestants to Baha Mar,” says Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Baha Mar. “Summer in The Bahamas is a special time of year, and we look forward to introducing original programming and inventive live entertainment for our guests to cherish as summer memories for years to come.”

The lineup will include Jordan Smith, Blaze Johnson, Mary Sarah and Chris Blue, among others.

The concerts will be complimentary for guests of the property.

— CJ

The post Stars of The Voice Are Coming to The Bahamas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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