The Itz’ana Resort and Residences in Belize is planning a spring 2017 opening, the property announced.

The Placencia-area boutique resort and development will include a Great House featuring a signature restaurant called Limilia (the brainchild of renowned chef Mara Jernigan), a private “Rum Room,” a “Hemingway-inspired library,” an open rooftop deck and more.

The property also includes an 18-slip marina (with a max of 65 feet in length).

Itz’ana, which also has a major real estate component that includes a collection of solar-powered waterfront bungalows, boasts its own private island club.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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The Grenada Tourism Authority has named Miami-based PR agency Cheryl Andrews Marketing Communications to manage its communications and media strategy and social media strategy in North America and the Caribbean.

CAMC officially began managing the destination’s efforts in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean at the beginning of the month.

“We are very pleased and delighted to now have public relations representation in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean after many years. CAMC has years of industry knowledge and PR experience and emerged as the best agency after an intensive process to deliver the quality marketing support that the GTA wants,” said Rodney George, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique cater to the discerning traveller looking for serene escapes and soft adventures off-the-beaten path, so strategic, targeted outreach is important to us.”

CAMC will help push the island’s recently developed “Pure Grenada” brand.

“We’ve been representing island destinations in the Caribbean for 30 years and are confident that we can connect Grenada with media and travelers in a way that will drive business for the island and its stakeholders, said Cheryl Andrews, CAMC president. “We love Grenada and can’t wait to inspire travelers to visit the island.”

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Canadian carrier WestJet continues to show strong traffic growth, according to the company’s latest numbers.

WestJet, which recently launched new service to Belize, saw 14.3 percent growth in revenue passenger miles in November, with 1.84 billion.

Available seat miles rose by 12.4 percent to 2.3 billion, while load factor jumped 1.4 percentage points to 80 percent.

“We are pleased with our seventh consecutive month of double-digit traffic growth as we flew a record number of guests and with our recent McDonald’s Canada partnering announcement, our guests can now enjoy the taste of a complimentary McCafé Premium Roast Coffee wherever they are flying,” said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. “As our busy holiday season approaches, my thanks go out to our 12,000 WestJetters for their continuing dedication to safely providing our guests with WestJet’s award-winning brand of friendly caring service.”

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Viking Ocean Cruises has floated out its fourth ship, Viking Sun.

“Floating out” is a major construction milestone, meaning that the ship has touched water for the first time.

Viking Sun will debut in late 2017 and begin its maiden season sailing voyages to Cuba and the Caribbean.

The ship will include all-veranda staterooms, along with 14 “Explorer Suites,” which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 square feet with sweeping views from wraparound private verandas.

There are two pools, including a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern.

Viking Sun will also have a spa called LivNordic.

Viking began sailing the Caribbean in October.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Aruba’s 17th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival will welcome headliners Usher and The Roots for Memorial Day Weekend 2017 event.

The festival has a three-in-one experience featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties.

“Aruba is pleased to host this electrifying festival, welcoming beloved icons such as Usher and The Roots to showcase their talents on our One happy island,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “We are looking forward to celebrating music and culture with this unique event, offering unforgettable experiences for all our international visitors to enjoy.”

The Soul Beach Music Festival will roll out more announcements of main stage performing artists in the weeks to come.

“The 2017 festival is headlined by one of the most talented and exciting performers in music today,” said Mark Adkins, Executive Producer of Soul Beach Festival Productions. Usher’s first-ever Soul Beach appearance, along with The Roots featured performance, plus their unique on-stage collaboration with Usher, is sure to highlight a weekend of memorable experiences for the thousands of passionate tourists that join us on the beautiful island of Aruba for five days of Music, Celebration, and Sun.”

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

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