Canadian carrier WestJet has begun its new nonstop flights to Belize.

The carrier began operating its flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Belize City on Saturday.

“Leaving Canada and hitting the beaches in Belize by mid-day is something that Canadian travellers are not used to and we have absolutely changed the game with our twice-weekly service from Toronto,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “I extend a big thanks to our WestJet team, the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation as well as the Belize Tourism Board for their support in the creation of this significant route.  To our guests this morning, we say, “Gud maanin,” and welcome aboard. We look forward to offering both Canadians and Belizeans the chance to experience WestJet’s low fare, high care service over the winter months.”

Belize becomes WestJet’s 21st destination in the Caribbean and third in Central America.

The flights will be a boon for the destinations hotels, like Cayo Espano, pictured above.

WestJet is operating the flights on Boeing 737 aircraft that includes the carrier’s WestJet Connect inflight entertainment system that connects directly to smartphones, tablets and computers.

“This is truly a historic milestone for our nation,” said Belize Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia. “Today’s inaugural flight holds a very significant and unparalleled opportunity for Belize, as it is the first to directly connect Canada and Belize. We certainly foresee an increase in travel to Belize from thousands of Canadians who have been deterred in the past due to inconvenient layovers and connections in the United States. After today, this is no longer the case. Our sincerest gratitude goes out to WestJet for their partnership and belief in a future with Belize.”

The flights are operating twice weekly.

The post New WestJet Belize Flights Begin Service appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

The U.S. Virgin Islands could soon be home to a pair of world-class horse racetracks, thanks to a major bet by private company VIGL.

The company plans to invest more than $30 million in the expansion and modernization of local horse racing facilities.

The agreement calls for VIGL to take over management of both the Clinton E. Phipps racetrack on St Thomas and the Randall “Doc” James racetrack on St. Croix.

The plan is for VIGL to partner with the government to transform the local horse racing industry and potentially bring in new revenue streams and jobs.

VIGL currently operates the recently-renovated Caravelle Hotel and Casino in Christiansted.

US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp is calling the territory’s legislature into a special session Nov. 28 to ratify the franchise agreement and update the laws that govern local horseracing.

Terms of the deal included the refurbishment and expansion of the two tracks; construction of bars, restaurants, lounges, restrooms, viewing stands, jockey locker rooms and vendor kiosks; new barns, quarantine areas and veterinary care facilities for horses; a minimum of 18 live race days annually on both islands in the first three years and minimum purse sizes of $100,000 per race day, among other tenets.

“The end result will be two new racetracks,” Mapp said.  “Numerous new jobs will be created in both the construction and operations phase and we anticipate substantial new revenue streams.”

VIGL will not be eligible for tax benefits under the deal; Mapp said the company would be paying higher taxes on its gaming revenues than standard taxes paid by casino operators.

“Horseracing has a long history in the territory, but has fallen on hard times here and elsewhere,” Mapp said. “The Agreement we have reached with VIGL, and the legislation that will accompany it, will bring a substantial infusion of investment into the Territory, a fresh source of Government revenues, and the rebirth of the Virgin Islands’ storied horse racing industry.”

The post Investors Making $30 Million Bet on U.S. Virgin Islands Horse Racing appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

It’s not quite clear why there are just so many lobsters in the waters of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands, waters teeming with large, juicy Caribbean spiny lobsters.

Maybe it’s the warmth. Maybe it’s the reefs. Or maybe the lobsters come here to vacation. If it’s the latter, they need a better travel agent — because for them, this is a decidedly one-way trip.

Anegada, you see, is the Caribbean capital of lobster, with more than you heart’s desire, freshly caught and always perfectly prepared.

And Anegada is filled with terrific lobster restaurants, from Potters By the Sea (above), the beach restaurant you see the minute you arrive at the islands main dock (that’s also home to a mean rum punch), to Big Bamboo on the ultra-white sands of Loblolly Bay to the wild Wonky Dog bar and restaurant.

Cow Wreck is perhaps the island’s most famous beach bar.

Perhaps most special is Neptune’s Treasure hotel and restaurant, where the lobster preparation is as much of an event as the meal itself.

Neptunes’ Treasure is one of a number of charming small cottage-hotels in Anegada.

And while the lobster on Anegada is a major draw, this island itself a Caribbean gem, with small hotels and villas and a number of perfect untouched beaches.

But it’s the lobster that will ultimately bring you here. And now there’s a reason to go even sooner than you think: The Anegada Lobster Festival, the annual rite that’s part of the BVI Food Fete culinary extravaganza.

It lasts from Nov. 26-27, with top local chefs on hand to serve lobster dishes at restaurants across the island.

For those attending the festival, it means a lobster safari of sorts, with the option to try three different lobster samplers at three restaurants at just $12 per plate.

So what are you waiting for?

For more information, check out the BVI Food Fete.

The post The Caribbean Capital of Lobster appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

UNESCO has a big footprint in the Caribbean’s historical offering

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

In 1972, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) established the World Heritage Site program, which recognizes landmarks of natural and cultural significance and promotes their protection for the benefit of the entire world. There are now 19 of these must-see sites in the Caribbean, stretching from Cuba westward to Barbados and embracing everything from towering volcanoes to colonial neighborhoods and thriving barrier reefs. Here are 10 of our favorite reasons to rouse yourself from your beach chair and explore beyond the sand. How many Caribbean World Heritage Sites have you seen?

Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Founded in 1498, this capital is where the Americas’ first cathedral, hospital and university were built, superimposed on a grid layout that became the model for several Caribbean cities.

The post 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Need to Visit in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) seized approximately $29,000 in unreported currency in an outbound enforcement action at the San Juan Seaport.

Powered by WPeMatico