Belize is seeing a continued surge in tourism growth, according to the destinations’ year-end numbers.

Belize reported 385,583 overnight tourist arrivals in 2016, a 13 percent increase over 2015, the Belize Tourism Board said in a report.

That came after Belize grew by 6.2 percent in 2015 and 9.2 percent in 2014.

The 13 percent improvement was the fastest growth of any tourism destination in the Caribbean last year, a total increase of 44,422 visitors year-over-year.

“These successes are credited to the vigorous marketing, product development and expansion efforts of the Stakeholders in the industry and, with similar efforts and collaboration continuing into 2017, it is expected to see these increasing trends continue,” the tourism board said in a statement.

The soon-to-debut Itz’ana resort.

The destination was boosted last year by new flights from Canadian carrier WestJet, which began Toronto-Belize City flights in October, and Panama-based Copa.

Belize should also get a boost this year with the debut of the Naia Resort and the planned launch of the Itz’ana beach resort.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

The post Belize Tourism Continues to Boom appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that PAZOS Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Service opened a new general aviation processing facility at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (LMMIA) located in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

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Our annual Where to Travel list isn’t about the Caribbean you know. It’s about the Caribbean you have yet to discover. This is all about the places you may have never thought about, destinations that will fascinate you and move you; it’s about finding your new Caribbean. And this year we’ve gone even deeper, highlighting not just islands or cities but specific places and specific neighborhoods that will make your 2017 travel experience that much richer. This is where to travel in the Caribbean in 2017.

Trois Ilets, Martinique

Martinique isn’t the Caribbean you’re used to. It’s a fascinating, intoxicating place that rewards travelers who journey outside their comfort zone. It’s a place for culture, food and endless discovery. Trois Ilets is the island’s travel hub, with a central location that makes it the perfect jumping off point to explore places like the beaches of Les Anses d’Arlet, the stunning capital, Fort de France, and then try visiting any of the island’s whopping 11 rhum distilleries.

Where to Stay: the solid beachfront Hotel Bakoua and the in-town La Pagerie or the eclectic art hotel La Suite Villa.

The post 25 Caribbean Destinations to Visit in 2017 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Antigua’s Jumby Bay resort has reopened its signature Estate House bar and restaurant.

The new look is the product of a $6 million restoration of the circa-1830 structure, the oldest building on the Jumby Bay island.

Poolside at Jumby Bay.

The design scheme “combines the impressions of a traditional colonial home with a contemporary perspective, new menus, an eclectic rum collection, and new private dining rooms,” the resort tells CJ.

The Estate House also features curated local artwork depicting Antiguan life and waitstaff uniforms designed by designer Emilia Wickstead.

— CJ

The post A New Estate House at Jumby Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Renowned for sailing, snorkeling and some of the world’s best beach bars, the British Virgin Islands enchant with a string of roughly 60 pieces of Paradise spread across 56 square-miles of Caribbean blue. And even with the closure of venerable beachfronts such as Biras Creek Resort and the temporary shuttering of Rosewood Little Dix Bay for renovations until next December, visitors who opt for a beach-based experience (rather than just cruising through) will still find plenty of seaside places to stay. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon brings you the best beach hotels in the British Virgin Islands.

Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy this classic Caribbean resort; yachties and beach bums alike have been flocking to this island institution’s three white-sand strips for decades. This is one of our favorite resorts in the Caribbean, and the best beach resort in the BVI. Book Bitter End Yacht Club.

The post The Best Beach Resorts in the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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