By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s about to get a whole lot easier to get to the island of Grenada.

A number of airlines are set to launch expanded or new routes to the Spice Isle, beginning with new daily service on JetBlue from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Grenada that will operate between June 21 and Sept. 4.

That service will be accompanied by two new nonstop flights on Caribbean Airlines in August.

The Radisson Grenada.

Delta is also getting into the act, with two additional flights from Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in August.

In the Canadian market, Air Canada Rouge has announced an additional weekly flight from Toronto from May to August, while the carrier will operate one weekly flight through the rest of the season.

BBC Beach in Grenada.

“We are thrilled for the additional airlift from our source markets since Pure Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique is in-demand making it a year round destination,” said Francine Stewart, marketing manager at the Grenada Tourism Authority.

It’s the latest boost for what has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to a wave of new hotels (led by the Silversands, which plans to open this summer), existing standouts like the Calabash Boutique Hotel and a major marketing push by the island’s Grenada Tourism Authority.

The River Antoine rum distillery in Grenada.

That’s along with a diverse tourism product that ranges from the Caribbean capital of chocolate to one of the region’s most legendary rum distilleries.

For more on Grenada, see Caribbean Journal’s recent feature on why to visit Grenada right now.

— CJ

The post Grenada Is Getting More Nonstop Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the most important events on the Caribbean travel industry calendar is coming soon, with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s CHIEF forum set for June 22-24 in Miami.

CHIEF, which stands for the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Miami, focusing on high-level workshops and interactions, including panels, and sharing of best practices.

“CHIEF has established itself as the preeminent forum for the region’s hospitality professionals to share ideas and learn from each other, and we look forward to another weekend of stimulating presentations and discussions to help our industry,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, CHTA’s President.

General sessions will focus on the importance of communications strategies for crises; promoting cultures of inclusion and the changing nature of the hotel sector at large.

“CHIEF delegates – from frontline staff to senior management leaders – will gain valuable knowledge and insight to prepare them for the wide variety of challenges facing today’s hospitality industry professionals,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s CEO and Director General.

Also returning to Miami will be the CHTA’s Caribbean305 event, which will gather the flavors of more than a dozen Caribbean countries at Miami’s Jungle Island on June 23.

For more info, visit CHIEF.

The post A High-Level Caribbean Hospitality Forum appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Ever dream of owning your very own cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Well, there’s a price: $48 million.

Turks and Caicos’ Water Cay is on the market, a 435-acre, beach-filled private island in the heart of the Turks and Caicos.

The island, which is just five minutes’ boat ride from Providenciales’ Leeward Channel Marina, has 7,000 feet of prime beach frontage.

Water Cay is about two miles long, with a diverse topography from spectacular beaches to sandy cliffs to full-fledged flats for bonefishing.

It’s the most expensive listing in Turks and Caicos right now.

While it’s available for individuals and commercial uses, its future likely lies in the hospitality sector, as a prime private island destination opportunity.

Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty’s listing includes a canal parcel in Leeward for launch access (and a private welcome center), along with a prime corner streetfront office in Grace Bay.

It all adds up to one of the most exclusive private destinations on the market in the region right now.

For more information, see Water Cay.

— CJ

The post Turks and Caicos Private Cay on the Market for $48 Million appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue is making a major expansion in service to Cuba, the carrier announced on Tuesday.

JetBlue will be launching the first-ever nonstop flights between Boston and Havana beginning this November, with weekly flights on Saturdays.

JetBlue has also announced plans to expand with up to three daily flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Havana’s Jose Marti Airport on Sundays through Fridays beginning on Nov. 11.

The legendary Hotel Nacional in Cuba.

“As the first airline to operate commercial service between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years, we are proud to announce another JetBlue first by offering the only nonstop service between New England and Havana,” said Marty St. George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. “Between the Boston service and the additional frequency between south Florida and Havana, we are cementing our position as a top choice for travel to Cuba.”

The new service is the result of frequencies granted to JetBlue by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to the company.

Old Havana at night.

“JetBlue’s new nonstop service between Boston and Havana will provide better connections for our leading healthcare, biotechnology, financial, cultural and educational institutions to link those vital sectors with new opportunities in Cuba,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “There has been a strong demand for this service and we look forward to the exciting new travel opportunities it will generate for the entire New England region.”

Ernest Hemingway’s home at Finca Vigia outside of Havana.

The news comes after another major carrier, United Airlines, announced plans to begin operating new flights to Havana out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a sign that U.S. airlines see growth potential ahead in the Cuba travel market.

The carrier also announced two new daily nonstop flights to Mexico City, with service from Boston and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning Oct. 25.

That will raise JetBlue’s daily service to Mexico City to six frequencies from the U.S., including Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

“This new service from our two largest focus cities will make it easier for our customers in New York and Boston to discover Mexico City with their favorite airline,” said St. George.

The post JetBlue’s Big Cuba Expansion appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s a new standard bearer for VIP airport lounges in the Caribbean.

Punta Cana International Airport has unveiled its brand-new VIP lounge, a modern, avant-garde project with a party piece: its own outdoor infinity pool.

The pool, which overlooks the tarmac, is the first of its kind in the region.

“We strive every day to offer an exceptional experience to travelers who rely on Punta Cana International Airport,” said Frank Rainieri, Director of Punta Cana International Airport. “We are thrilled to offer our visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy themselves as they wait for their flight.”

First and business class passengers, along with passengers that purchase the VIP service (it starts at $125) and priority pass holders are eligible for entry.

All the amenities necessary to enjoy the pool are there, from fresh towels to toiletries.

— CJ

The post Punta Cana’s New Airport Lounge Has Its Own Pool appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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