This new age of travel means visitors have new questions as they plan their trips. 

What is the flying experience like? How have hotels changed? How can I ensure that I feel safe? How is the on-island experience different?

To answer some of the questions, Caribbean Journal has launched a new CJ Webinar series with Marriott International focused on Caribbean destinations and the protocols and practices of their reopening plans. 

The first Caribbean destination to reopen was the US Virgin Islands, which officially reopened to tourists on June 1. 

The latest CJ Webinar, presented in partnership with Mariott International, brought together top tourism industry leaders from the USVI to explain how the experience has changed — and why travelers can feel confident. 

The panel included Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; Dale McKinney, Regional Manager for the Caribbean at Delta Air Lines; Cliff Brutus, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas; and Lisa Hamilton, President of the US Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.

“The new realities of travel mean that destinations, airlines, hotels need to explain what’s expected from travelers, and what travelers can expect from them,” said Alexander Britell, editor-in-chief of Caribbean Journal, who moderated the webinar. “Our new webinar series is all about facilitating that conversation.”

And don’t miss this special report on what to expect in the reopened US Virgin Islands.

You can watch the full Webinar below:

The post Traveling to the US Virgin Islands, Explained appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa in Jamaica is reopening on July 10. 

The reopening is part of a phased reopening plan for the company’s resorts in the wider region. 

Palladium will be allowing guests who had reserved a stay at the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort to automatically get upgraded to a stay at the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort, which is located near Montego Bay.

“We understand the most important thing for travelers right now is reassuring their safety and security for a positive travel experience,” said Pilar Arizmendi, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Palladium Hotel Group. “Our Health & Safety Protocols are certified by SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. 

Jamaica reopened its borders for international travelers on June 15. 

— CJ

The post Jamaica’s Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort to Reopen appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Atlantis megaresort in The Bahamas is planning to reopen its doors on July 7, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The prominent Bahamas has targeted a reopening date of July 7, less than a week after The Bahamas officially reopens for tourism at the beginning of July. 

The Atlantis Paradise Island resort will be launching a multi-phased reopening plan that will begin with the opening of two of the property’s resorts: The Royal, East and West and the Harborside Resort. 

Atlantis is reopening the property with a large-scale “Clean & Safe Promise” that implements the new “normal” of hospitality amid the COVID-19 age — with social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, expedited check-in and QR-code-powered guest information, among others. 

That also means Atlantis is encouraging guests to wear masks in all public areas. 

“This carefully managed reopening comes with enhanced health, safety, and cleanliness procedures in place,” Atlantis Paradise Island said in a statement. “So, as we enjoy our resort together again, everyone will need to follow local health officials and Atlantis safety guidelines.”

Most of the property’s main attractions will be open, too: the Ocean Club Golf Course, the Mandara Spa and Fitness Center and the Atlantis Marina – along with the property’s signature casino and, of course, the beach.

The resort’s signature water park will reopen, with a staggered scheduled that includes the Mayan Temple open five days a week, and the Power Tower and its attendant rides open on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Pools will have a reduced seating capacity, with physical distancing in place as it will be across the resort. 

Atlantis will also be opening 18 eateries, ranging from “quick bites” options like Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks to fine-dining restaurants like Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa and the Seafire Steakhouse. 

Atlantis has also said all of its meeting and events spaces will be “open and available,” with social-distancing protocols. 

The opening of the Royal and Harborside means other popular options like The Coral, The Cove and others will be part of later-phases of the reopening plan. 

For more, visit Atlantis. 

The post The Bahamas’ Atlantis Resort Is Reopening in July appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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