By the Caribbean Journal staff

American Airlines is expanding its service to the Bahamas this coming winter.

The world’s largest airline has announced the planned launch of new flights between Charlotte and Marsh Harbour airport in Abaco.

The beach at The Bluff House on Green Turtle Cay.

The new route, which will begin Dec. 22, will operate year-round on Saturdays, according to a statement from American Airlines.

It’s another boost for one of the hottest destinations in the region, a haven for boaters and island lovers drawn to beaches like the world-famous Treasure Cay and island-hopping to bucket-list spots like Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana Cay.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Canadian travel giant Sunwing is expanding again in the Caribbean Basin.

The carrier has announced plans to launch weekly nonstop flights between Vancouver and Liberia, Costa Rica beginning Dec. 23.

The flights, which will operate on Sundays, will run from Dec. 23 through March 31, 2019.

Sunwing will be the only carrier offering nonstop Vancouver-Liberia flights.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sunwing’s new service to Liberia, Costa Rica, which marks YVR’s first non-stop, direct flight to this popular Latin American destination,” said Anne Murray, YVR’s Vice President of Airline Business Development and Public Affairs. “Sunwing’s new service to Costa Rica will support our mission to connect British Columbia proudly to the world, providing passengers with an exciting opportunity to visit a great country—known for its amazing biodiversity, incredible attractions and friendly people.”

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of Old San Juan’s most popular seafront promenades is back in business.

The Paseo La Princesa, which was closed after suffering damage during Hurricane Maria, has opened its access to the public again, albeit in limited capacity.

The announcement was made by Carla Campos, a Puerto Rico tourism official.

“The Paseo La Princesa in Old San Juan has a great historical value that both the residents of the Island and our visitors enjoy,” Campos said. “For this reason we work quickly with the “task force”, created to perform the tasks of cleaning and damage assessment, and today we are pleased to announce that the tour is already open to the public.”

The reopening is the result of months of effort from architectural, structural engineering and historical experts.

“The work of this team will result in a renewed, resilient and strong Paseo La Princesa,” Campos said. “We decided to open it to the public so that this iconic space an be available for the enjoyment of our people.”

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The United States Virgin Islands is slated to launch a major new voluntourism-style program called Purpose in Paradise.

The comprehensive program aims to enhance the territory’s “broad network of community-based philanthropic activities and strengthens our ability to attract visitors in search of purpose-driven travel opportunities,” according to a statement.

The initiative will pair visitors interested in helping the USVI’s recovery efforts with local nonprofit organizations in need of help on specific projects, from rebuilding vegetable gardens to coral restoration to helping measure seedlings in mangroves.

The program will also allow visitors to contribute financially to the USVI’s recovery through donations to groups like the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park and the Family Resource Center in St Thomas.

For more, contact info@purposeinparadise.org.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

It’s always been known for its blue, but now Bonaire is making it official.

Bonaire, long one of the Caribbean’s top destinations for snorkeling and diving, is developing a multifaceted public private partnership program that will established the island as the first “Blue Destination,” officials announced this week.

The designation will denote Bonaire’s commitment to the sustainable use of ocean resources for growth, wellbeing, jobs and the ocean ecosystem’s health.

Bellafonte Bonaire, a top boutique resort.

Bonaire is aiming to position itself as a progressive island toward synergizing people and nature, which it hopes will increase its competitive position and status as a leader in the preservation of its assets.

Bonaire was the first Caribbean island to have a protected marine park, with protection of nature always being a priority of its sustainable tourism policies.

The legendary Captain Don’s Habitat dive resort in Bonaire.

The island’s economic development plan is built on sustainability and 40 percent of the island already uses clean energy.

Becoming a Blue Destination is aligned with Bonaire’s culture, history and the heritage of people who have embraced and protected the ocean for their livelihood, officials said in a statement to Caribbean Journal.

Coral restoration efforts in Bonaire, which has become a leader in the area.

“Bonaire looks forward to adapt the Blue concept and share this with its stakeholders, community and visitors,” a representative said in a statement.

Throughout the upcoming months, Bonaire will have various events dedicated to orienting itself as a Blue Destination, including the launch of a national social campaign: “What is Blue to You?”

This campaign will serve as a promotional vehicle to get locals involved in the conservation and marketing efforts of the island.

There will also be a community event in correlation to the Bonaire International Sailing Regatta – which takes place October 10, 2018 – where Bonaire will officially declare itself a Blue Destination.

The launch comes as Bonaire welcomed American Airlines’ first-ever nonstop flights from Miami to Bonaire this weekend.

— CJ

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