Southwest Airlines will be filing an application with the US Department of Transportation to offer new daily flights to Cancun, the company announced.

The daily flights will operate year-round between Los Angeles and Cancun.

“We’re ready to go and if we get the authority by the end of June, we’ll immediately begin selling the flights and operate them commencing in November,” Kelly said at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held this week in Chicago. “The Southwest Effect is taking hold in international markets where we already serve, and we expect these popular leisure markets will resonate with our loyal California Customers.”

Southwest is also planning to add daily flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

Southwest has been rapidly expanding its service to the Caribbean region in the last year.

“We carry more people both to-and-from California every day — as well within the Golden State — than anyone else with a value that no one else can even approach,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s Senior Vice President of Network and Revenue.

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By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

Headed to Cancun? There’s an app for that.

Launched earlier this year by the Cancun Convention & Visitors’ Bureau and tech company Smart Group, the mobile app (which has already been downloaded 40,000 times) includes several handy features for visitors to Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and the island of Holbox. Users will find local news and weather; destination videos and live webcam feeds; coupons for local businesses; a currency converter; local tips and recommendations; and an event calendar

“The application puts everything visitors need at their fingertips so they can have more time to relax and enjoy new and exciting places in this wonderful destination,” said Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun CVB.

To download the app, search for “Smart Map Cancun” in either Google Play or the Apple Store.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation and the St. Eustatius Business Association will be hosting the first Statia Taste of the Cultures event on May 26.

The event is billed as a cross-cultural community experience that will exhibit multiple nationalities.

“We want to create an atmosphere where all cultures on the island can unite, for united we are stronger,” said Winston Fleming, STEBA President.

Ten groups will participate in the festivities, representing Curacao, Aruba, Suriname, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Barbados and Statia, among others.

“From tasting snacks and having a cold drink from various cultures to engaging in conversations with like-minded people from all walks of life, is the concept behind the event,” said Teena Lopes, STDF Public Relations Officer.

The event will kick off at the dock in Lower Town with a parade of flags choreographed by St. Eustatius Historical Gem Dancers.

“With the birth of this event, visitors, as well as locals, will have the opportunity to taste the flavours of various cultures,” said Maya Leon Pandt, Product Development and Human Resources Manager.

“Statia, a tiny island with a population of around 4000, has over 40 different nationalities,” she said. “How best to enjoy each other, than bringing these various cultures together with food, art and traditions, to learn from each other and above all, taste each other’s national dishes.”

This food-filled day is part of STDF’s program to promote tourism awareness while highlighting different aspects of tourism that exist locally.

“This will be an eye-catching extravaganza for all to enjoy. We encourage folks to come along with the kids and treat their taste buds,” Fleming said.

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Whether you’re looking for a classic getaway or a romantic escape in the Caribbean, an all-inclusive resort is always a great option — especially in the summer season, when the price drops but quality doesn’t. And the Caribbean’s all-inclusive product keeps getting better and better, with more great properties to try. Here are five all-inclusives to visit this summer, from around the Caribbean region.

Palm Island The ultimate tropical island getaway. This private island resort near Union Island in the Grenadines is about fulfilling the Caribbean fantasy — your own patch of sand in the sea, with barefoot living and a sizable helping of romance. This Elite Island Resorts outpost is a bucket-list Caribbean experience.

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One of the Caribbean’s greenest islands is getting greener.

Aruba is planning a new 7.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic project.

The project will include 2.5 MW installed at schools and public building rooftops, with a 5 MW utility-scale park that will help Aruba toward its goals of going 100 percent green-energy dependent.

The project has already released a tender for the project, which will help lower electricity costs for schools on the island.

It’s being developed by WEB Aruba.

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