Delta Deals to Barbados: From $229 Each Way
Delta Air Lines is promoting its nonstop service between Atlanta and Barbados with high-season airfares starting at $229 each way, based on roundtrip purchase. The deal is good for travel between Jan. 16 and Feb. 28, 2010; tickets must be purchased by Dec. 28 (what a nice stocking stuffer these would be!). For more details, see the Delta website.
Hilton on Margarita Island Seized by Chavez Government
A good way not to spur international tourism development (or tourist visits, for that matter) is to go around confiscating private businesses. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez doesn't seem to care: last month, his government seized the Hilton hotel on the Caribbean island of Margarita; the hotel was renamed the "Macanao."
Tourism Minister Pedro Morejon said the government was "working for the rights of the workers," and some employees seemed pleased by the government takeover, hoping for more job stability. We'll see.
Chavez's government previously seized the Hilton Caracas and renamed it the Hotel Alba.
Antigua's Jumby Bay Reopens Following Makeover
After being shuttered since last June, the Jumby Bay resort in Antigua reopened this week with a thorough redesign, including a new spa, restaurants, and Estate Homes.
The $28-million renovation of the luxury private-island resort adds Jumby Bay's first stand-alone spa, Sense; 28 new suites and upgrades to 12 others that include rain showers and soaking tubs in private gardens; and two new dining experiences: the Verandah for elegant dining and cooking demonstrations by new executive chef Juan Pablo Loza, and the bistro-style Pool Grille.
Reopening special rates start at $1,150 per night, all-inclusive. Book Now
Bahamas' Royal Palm Resort & Suites Closes
The recession continues to bite especially hard on Grand Bahama Island, where the 50-room Royal Palm Resort & Suites has become the latest resort to shut down. The Freeport hotel's guests were moved to the Xanadu Beach Resort and Marina (Book Now), another Grand Bahama Island resort, in early November.
Haiti's Offshore Reefs Could Become Vacation Destination
Haiti has some healthy and relatively unexplored coral reefs that could someday become a major attraction to tourists, according to a New York Times series on the Caribbean nation's environmental challenges.
The fact that Haiti has any viable marine resources at all is described as a "small miracle" in light of the country's unregulated dumping, fishing, and massive runoff due to deforestation. But the offshore reefs remain healthy, notably those at Le Gonave, Ile a Vache, and near the Arcadins Islands, experts say, even if marine life is scarce.
The Arcadins coast in southern Haiti may have the most promise as an ecotourism destination, since it already has some tourism infrastructure (including the former Club Med). Work is already underway to create a coastal marine park in the area.
U.S.V.I. Deals Touted
A new story in USA Today touts a number of great travel deals in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere in the islands, like St. Lucia and St. Maarten.
Tourists Targeted by Nassau Thieves
Brazen recent attacks on tourists have put an unwanted spotlight on crime in the Bahamian capital of Nassau -- a problem perhaps exacerbated by the economic downturn in the islands but also one that threatens to make life even worse for local residents if visitors -- and their vacation dollars -- are scared off.
In the most recent incident, a group of 18 Royal Caribbean Navigator passengers on a Segway tour of the Bahamas Association of Social Health's Earth Village (a 162-acre nature preserve) were robbed by a pair of men toting a shotgun on Nov. 18. One attacker fired a shotgun blast and assaulted members of the group while robbing them, while another stood watch with a handgun.
On the same day, a group of Disney Cruise Line passengers also were robbed in the same area.
The Segway tour was cancelled by the cruise lines in the aftermath of the attacks.
In October, a group of 11 Carnival Cruise Lines passengers were robbed near the Queen's Staircase, one of the most popular and prominent tourist attractions in Nassau.
Armed robberies are up 17 percent in Nassau this year, and the murder rate also is up 10 percent. So far, no cruise lines have dropped Nassau -- one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean -- but it remains to be seen whether cruise passengers simply vote with their feet and decide to remain onboard, rather than venturing out to explore Nassau at the risk of their personal safety.
Bahamas tourism officials at least seem to recognize the magnitude of the problem. "Do you think tourists would be attracted to a country that would put a threat on their lives?" said junior minister of tourism Lincoln Deal, who added: "The Bahamas does not have an invincible tourism industry where we could have a 'wild wild west' downtown one day, and tourism arrivals would reach its peak another day. Tourism is a continuously growing industry that demands the help of each and every individual. When you attack a tourist. You attack yourself. When you rob a tourist, your rob yourself."
FunJet Vacations: All-Inclusives for $89 Nightly on Cyber Monday
Here's another Caribbean Cyber Monday deal: FunJet Vacations is offering stays at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii starting at $89 per night. Good on Nov. 30 bookings only: Cyber Monday Sale - Vacations starting from $89/night!
JetBlue Cyber Monday Sale Includes Caribbean
The Caribbean is featured prominently in JetBlue's latest deals, including today's CyberMonday special, and a $200-off offer on Caribbean vacation packages.
The Cyber Monday deals are good for travel between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17 and include destinations like Nassau, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Santo Domingo, D.R., and Cancun. One-way fares are $39, $69 and $99.
Check the JetBlue website for more terms and restrictions:
New American Eagle Flights to Bahamas Out Islands
American Eagle launched nonstop jet service between Miami International Airport and Eleuthera Treasure Cay, and Governor's Harbour in the Bahamas this week. The American AIrlines affiliate already flies to Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, and Georgetown. Book now and receive double AAdvantage miles.