By Alexander Britell

Low-cost carrier Norwegian officially launched its first ever flights from Fort Lauderdale to Martinique on Monday, kicking off the new nonstop service with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and some French Caribbean flair. (The flight was welcomed at Martinique’s Aime Cesaire International Airport with the traditional water salute).

The new service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing a new, ultra-affordable option for travelers looking to experience the heart of the French West Indies.

Martinique has increasingly been on the radar of in-the-know travelers to the Caribbean in recent years, thanks to its intoxicating blend of high cuisine, rich culture, beautiful scenery and it’s remarkable mix of French and Caribbean influences. That’s without mentioning its 12 rum distilleries — making it the world’s greatest destination for rum, too.

Martinique’s Joelle Desir, director general at CMT (third from left) and Muriel Wiltord (third from right) director Americas, cut the ribbon for the inaugural flight.

“We welcome you to the most magnifique destination in the Caribbean,” Joelle Desir, director-general of the Martinique Tourism Committee, told travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at the inaugural flight ceremony. “Martinique is a real treasure island, and you will be welcome with open arms.”

The low-cost service (with flights that began as low as $59 one-way) is also quite a pleasant in-flight experience, with friendly service and a host of food and beverage options available for purchase, including local rhum from Martinique.

You won’t find better in-flight rum in the world than on Norwegian’s Martinique flights.

This week, Norwegian also kicked off service to Martinique from both Providence and resumed flights from New York’s John F Kennedy airports, meaning it’s never been easier to get to the island.

Martinique is still a new word for many travelers, and that’s what makes it such a fulfilling destination — there’s that sought-after joy of discovery all over the island, thanks to a road network that’s the best in the Caribbean and one simply begging for raw, unadulterated exploration.

But while it’s seriously easy to get around, Martinique’s unknown quality makes it eminently exotic, too — a combination that’s very hard to find in the Caribbean these days.

For more information, visit Norwegian.

The post Norwegian Launches Fort Lauderdale-Martinique Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The British Virgin Islands’ tourism recovery continues.

In another positive step for the destination, ferry service has resumed from Tortola to the island of Jost Van Dyke.

New Horizon Ferry Service Ltd has resumed a temporary ferry schedule operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, operating round trip sailings three times each day.

The ferry departs Jost Van Dyke at 7 AM, 12 PM and 5 PM.

West End, Tortola departures are scheduled at 8 AM, 1 PM and 6 PM.

The best part? One of the island’s iconic bars, Foxy’s, has already reopened its doors.

So what are you waiting for?

The post Jost Van Dyke Ferry Service is Back appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has a new chairman.

Bermuda Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons has named Bermudian hotelier Paul Telford as the new chairman of the board of the BTA.

Rosewood Tucker’s Point.

Simmons’ appointment comes after the retirement of founding Chairman David Dodwell.

Telford is currently the managing director at Rosewood Tucker’s Point; he has served on the board of the Bermuda Tourism Authority since 2014.

“I am excited to accept this appointment at a time of great opportunity and optimism for tourism in Bermuda,” Telford said in a statement. “I look forward to leading the Bermuda Tourism Authority through the next chapter of its existence and working with Minister Simmons and the Government on our shared priorities.”

Bermuda has reported a significant increase in tourism arrivals in 2017, driven largely by its hosting of the America’s Cup tournament.

The post The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s New Chairman appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hotel chain HM Hotels is adding a new resort in the Dominican Republic, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The new 280-room property will be located in the area of Bayahibe on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.

A room a the Whala! Bayahibe.

The new property among Dominican Republic hotels will operate under the Whala! [sic] brand, which first launched in 2012.

It will be a combination of two former properties, the Sol and Blue Dominicus hotels, which had previously been managed directly by each of their owners, according to Toni Horrach, director general of HM.

The rebranded property is slated to open Nov. 1.

HM has a total of 16 properties in Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic (its other DR property in located in Bavaro).

The post HM Opening New Resort in Dominican Republic appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of St Barth’s most legendary nighttime spots has reopened in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Le Ti St Barth, the edgy, always-bustling restaurant-lounge, opened its doors again this weekend.

The reopening night at Le Ti St Barth.

Le Ti St Barth, which first opened in 1995, had what it called a “crazy opening” featuring a brass band concert.

It’s another very strong sign for the island’s tourism recovery.

For more information on St Barth’s bounceback, see our feature on how to visit St Barth this winter.

The post Le Ti St Barth Reopens appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico