By the Caribbean Journal staff

Set between Montego Bay and Negril, the beach town of Lucea could be in for a tourism makeover.

Jamaica’s government says it has its sights set on Lucea as it develops resort centers across the country.

“Lucea is very much on our radar, and the Lucea port is very important,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “The Prime Minister and I have had long discussions about Lucea and, in short order, I believe that we will be visiting Lucea in relation to some ideas about building out a stronger tourism experience in the town.”

For now, Jamaica plans to work to establish new attractions and rehabilitate the town’s historic sites, led by Fort Charlotte, which dates back to 1761.

Fort Charlotte, in particular, is “beautifully positioned in terms of a vantage point to (one) of the largest hotels in that region, the Grand Palladium,” Bartlett said.

He said the country was planning to build a bypass for Lucea, which could also open up tourism expansion.

“When the bypass road comes Lucea is going to become a discreet community for which we can now build out a number of the cultural assets that are there and to highlight the unique values of Lucea,” he said.

— CJ

The post Jamaica Has New Tourism Plans for This Town appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… its funding for assistance to Puerto Rico.  
The legislation includes $600 million … to adequately aid the many Puerto Ricans still recovering from the devastation … has continuously lashed out at Puerto Rico’s political leaders, accusing them …

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Martinique’s Aime Cesaire Airport is seeing record-breaking growth so far in 2019, according to new data.

The airport reported a total of 643,719 passengers in the first quarter of 2019, a 7.05 percent increase compared to the same period in 2018.

The month of March alone saw 224,049 passengers, a historic, 10.41-percent increase over the same month last year.

That growth was driven by the France segment, which saw an increase of 7.44 percent, while traffic from South America and Europe showed an increase of 18.89 percent and 19.86 percent, respectively.

It’s a big boost for what has long been one of the most modern, well-managed airports in the Caribbean region.

— CJ

The post Martinique’s Airport Is Seeing Surging Growth appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Canada-based leisure carrier WestJet Airlines is being sold.

The company has entered into an agreement that provides for its acquisition by the Onex Corporation, a private equity firm.

The transaction value is approximately $5 billion, including assumed debt.

“Since our first flight in 1996, WestJet has been singularly focused on providing better options for the Canadian travelling public and this transaction retains that commitment,” said Clive Beddoe, WestJet’s Founder and Chairman. “I am particularly pleased that WestJet will remain headquartered in Calgary and will continue to build on the success that our 14,000 WestJetters have created. Onex’ aerospace experience, history of positive employee relations and long-term orientation makes it an ideal partner for WestJetters, and I am excited about our future.”

WestJet has long had a strong presence in the Caribbean. Last year, it launched a new low-cost carrier called Swoop that also launched operations in the Caribbean.

“We are delighted to continue the journey of building an airline based on a growing network, providing competitive airfares and more choice to, from and within Canada, for communities large and small. Integral to this relationship is a commitment to our employees, and our unique ownership-driven culture.”

The investment will be led by Onex Partners, the company’s private-equity arm.

— CJ

The post WestJet Airlines Is Being Sold appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… fighting against additional aid for Puerto Rico.
Frustrated by the government… Bronx Music Heritage Center with Puerto Rican jazz drummer Bobby Sanabria, raised … states like Florida and Pennsylvania. Puerto Ricans displaced by Hurricane Maria now …

Powered by WPeMatico