Dominica is “open for business” following the island’s recent general elections, the Discover Dominica Authority said in a statement. 

Leading up to the elections, there had been pockets of what officials called “civil disobedience” on the island, focused in the villages of Marigot and Salisbury. 

“These disturbances resulted in some road blockages, which caused delays and inconveniences for people traveling to the airport,” the DDA said.

While the island’s airport remained open, cruise calls through Dec. 8 had been canceled, before resuming with a visit by MV Marella Celebration on Dec. 9. 

“Dominica reaffirms that it is open to conduct business and we welcome all our visitors to enjoy all that the nature island has to offer,” the DDA said. 

Silver Airways has also relaunched normal schedules to Dominica out of its hub in San Juan. 

— CJ

The post Dominica “Open for Business” Following Elections appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Popular in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is facing pressure from an …

Powered by WPeMatico

It’s been a stellar year for Caribbean travel. Stayover tourist arrivals are booming almost universally across the region. It seems like a new hotel opens up every week (and if you read Caribbean Journal, you realize it’s even more often than that). More and more new nonstop routes are launched every month from all over the world. And there’s a palpable excitement — both from the investors and risk-takers who continue to bet big on the Caribbean to the people who ensure every day that travelers have unforgettable experiences. 

“We’re proud to celebrate the best of Caribbean travel this year with the sixth edition of the Caribbean Travel Awards, honoring the hotels, destinations, experiences and, most importantly, people that make the Caribbean the greatest travel destination on earth,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal. 

This year’s Caribbean Travel Awards includes winners across 21 categories, selected by Caribbean Journal’s editorial staff and its network of contributors. 

“It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since we first launched the Caribbean Travel Awards,” said Guy Britton, executive vice president and managing editor of Caribbean Journal. “Congratulations to all of the winners!”

Caribbean Destination of the Year: Antigua and Barbuda

It’s been a very strong year for Caribbean tourism, making this a particularly difficult selection. But Antigua and Barbuda’s combination of booming arrivals, surging hotel development (from a new Waldorf-Astoria on the way to a brand-new Rosewood resort in the pipeline) and a spirited, creative marketing strategy makes it the Caribbean Destination of the Year for 2020. Whether it’s the Caribbean’s leading portfolio of all-inclusive resorts, a diverse collection of  boutique hotels; a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site or the twin-island destination’s marvelous beaches, Antigua and Barbuda is right at the cutting edge of the region’s tourism sector – and it’s cooler than ever. 

The post The Caribbean Travel Awards 2020 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

After a September that produced the year’s first decline in average daily rate (ADR), Caribbean hoteliers pushed room-rate comparisons back into positive territory during October 2019. 

In comparison with last October, ADR rose 0.4 percent even as occupancy fell 5.2 percent. Regardless, revenue per available room (RevPAR) was down 4.9 percent. While supply growth of 3.2 percent played a role in that performance equation, we found a 2.2 percent decrease in demand to be especially noteworthy. That dip in rooms sold was still likely reflective of the perception impact caused by Hurricane Dorian. 

The last few months aside, absolute values show that the Caribbean is still on track for a record-breaking year for ADR and RevPAR. Through the first 10 months of the year overall, the region has reported average daily rates at US$217.00 and RevPAR of US$137.83.   

On the islands where STR maintains a sufficient reporting sample, the U.S. Virgin Islands experienced the highest rise in October occupancy (+25.9%), but the steepest decrease in averatge daily rates (-20.2% to US$154.36). St. Lucia posted the largest increase in ADR (+16.0%), which pushed the highest jump in RevPAR (+27.4%).

The ABC Islands of the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) have performed exceptionally well, with ADR at US$222 and occupancy at 65.5 percent for October 2019. 

Puerto Rico saw a 0.7% decline in occupancy but an increase in both ADR (+1.8%) and RevPAR (+1.1%). 

When looking at the pipeline, there are currently 60 hotels accounting for 14,506 rooms in construction in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic leads in construction activity with 5,738 rooms being built. 

Rico Louw is the Client Account Manager at STR. He can be reached at rlouw@str.com.

— CJ

The post Caribbean Hotel Rates Climb Back Up — Slightly appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… appeal is the Union of Puerto Rican Electrical Workers, which argues that … in the well-being of Puerto Rico.”
Aurelius hired Theodore B. Olson … that these are officers of Puerto Rico, and that will be the …

Powered by WPeMatico