By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue continued its rebound from Irma and Maria last month with another solid month of growth, according to the carrier’s latest data report.

Traffic in November increased by 2.8 percent from November 2016, with a capacity increase of 4.3 percent.

Irma and Maria had led to significant declines in traffic because of JetBlue’s massive network in the Caribbean.

In all, JetBlue reported 3.7 billion revenue passenger miles last month, with 4.45 billion available seat miles.

Load factor declined, however, with a 1.2 percentage point decrease to 84.2 percent.

Irma and Maria will likely have an impact on revenue, however, with JetBlue now projecting a negative impact of around 50 basis points for the fourth quarter.

The post JetBlue Reports Traffic Rise appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Tropical, a resort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is undergoing a major upgrade to its room inventory.

The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort’s renovation project will cover all 282 rooms, of which the first phase will see 144 rooms getting upgrades.

That covers three of the six buildings that comprise the property, with changes to the junior suite category and the standard category.

Both categories will have a “total” reinvention, from decor to furniture, with a “contemporary Caribbean” style, according to the company.

The post Puerto Plata Resort Gets an Upgrade appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Anguilla is making a tourism comeback, and one of its beachfront villa resorts has reopened its doors.

Shoal Bay Villas, set on the idyllic Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, is set on the eastern coast of the island, which was the least affected portion of Anguilla in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The property is within easy access to eateries like Maderiaman, Gwen’s, Elodia’s and Tropical Sunset, all of which have also reopened.

Villas have fully equipped kitchens and barbecue grills, easy to stock up thanks to the island’s reopened supermarkets and shops.

“We are proud to say that our oceanfront and poolside ‘home’ is as beautiful and comfortable as it was ‘pre-Irma’ and the area continues to offer all its usual attractions and facilities,” the property said in a statement.

Shoal Bay Villas’ spa and gym are also open, while three deluxe villas have received upgrades.

The post Anguilla’s Shoal Bay Villas Reopens appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hilton’s ramped-up Caribbean expansion shows no signs of slowing down.

The company opened its second new Caribbean property this month with the debut of The Fives Downtown Hotel and Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton, in the heart of Playa del Carmen.

The newest hotel on the Caribbean coast of Mexico has 93 modern guest rooms, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a total of four dining concepts, including a tequila bar with 100 different tequilas and mezcals.

“The opening of this distinguished hotel marks the debut of the Curio Collection brand in Mexico and further expands our presence in this important region,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “From its culturally-inspired design to its lavish amenities, the hotel was hand-picked to be part of our global collection of remarkable independent hotels. The Fives Downtown reflects the diverse people and culture of Playa del Carmen – truly embodying the spirit of its destination.”

The property is set at Avenida 10 Norte and Calle 2 in Playa del Carmen, the bustling Mexican town that’s one of the most energetic destinations in the region.

The newest Curio was designed by architects Gabriel Téllez and Erick Alcalá, with interiors by Mario Téllez Gurbina, with everything focusing on translating traditional Mexican decor for the modern age.

“As the first Curio Collection property in Mexico, we are delighted to welcome guests to The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences,” said Julian Smaldoni, general manager, The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton. “With our upscale accommodations and thoughtful amenities, as well as our unbeatable location blocks away from the Playa Del Carmen coast, the hotel offers guests the best of the city and sea and showcases the unparalleled hospitality supported by Hilton.”

Earlier this month, Hilton debuted its new Mahogany Bay hotel in Belize, while last week it announced plans to open a new Hilton and a new Waldorf Astoria in Cancun.

Earlier this fall, Hilton also announced plans to open a pair of new properties in St Lucia, including a Hilton and a Curio.

The post Hilton Continues Caribbean Expansion in Playa del Carmen appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Virgin Atlantic’s Caribbean expansion has continued with a new nonstop route from London Heathrow Airport.

The inaugural service took off this week from Heathrow, bringing 260 passengers to Barbados.

“We are thrilled to have a new direct flight route from London Heathrow to accommodate the increase in tourist arrivals to the island,” said Cheryl Carter, director of the United Kingdom arm of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “With a full annual calendar of diverse events and activities taking place on the island, it is our hope that this new route will also encourage new visitors to visit and experience first-hand, what Barbados has to offer.”

The flight is operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays through April 2018, according to a statement from BTMI.

“The Caribbean has always been a core market for Virgin Atlantic and we’re excited to be offering more choices to our customers with the option of flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester direct to Barbados,” said Shai Weiss, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic now has a total of 11 flights per week to Barbados from United Kingdom airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

Virgin footprint in Barbados will also soon expand with the launch of “Departure Beach,” a beachfront departure lounge aimed at bridging the gap between hotel check-out and airport check-in.

The post Virgin Atlantic’s New Nonstop Flights to Barbados appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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