AgentsNewsCaribbean Training Programme Newsletter

wwwcaribbeancoukIssue

36

ndashFeb

ruary

09

Welcome to Issue 36 of the CTO E-NewsYour personal update on Caribbean news from the Caribbean Tourism OrganisationEdited by Sonja Rogers CTO London

Travel Agents EventsAA ttaassttee ooff CCaayymmaann ffoorr yyoouu ttoo eennjjooyy A number of educational training evenings havebeen organised over the coming months for which you may register by calling 020 7491 7771 There will be the opportunity to sample Caribbean food and sip on a rum punch The dates and venues are as follows Hereford March 11th ShrewsburyMarch 12th Leamington Spa March 24th Milton Keynes March 25th and NorwichMarch 31st

DDoommiinniiccaann RReeppuubblliicc TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd will have a stand at the Destinations Holiday ampTravel Show Birmingham from February 27th to March 1st and they will be conductingBachata amp Merengue workshops during the show

SStt LLuucciiaa TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd will be on the road in various cities across the UK and Irelandfrom March 23rd to April 24th 2009 Many St Lucian hotel representatives will bejoining the training workshops and travel agent evenings For further information pleasecontact Genevieve at gschwigonstluciaukorg

SSuuppeerrCClluubbss will be participating in the TTG Roadshows in May 2009

TTrriinniiddaadd ampamp TToobbaaggoo GGaammeesshhooww TTrraaiinniinngg EEvveenniinnggss will be on the road again in 2009coming to a venue near you Find more details on wwwtakesometimeoutcom

EducationalsAAllmmoonndd RReessoorrttss WWeeddddiinngg FFaamm TTrriipp ndash To win a place on this educational make aWedding Package booking through any UK Tour Operator and report it to AlmondResorts so that you can be entered into the prize draw For further informationcontact the Team Almond Co-ordinator at teamalmondalmondresortscoukor call 0871 871 2828

EEdduuccaattiioonnaallss ttoo SStt LLuucciiaa ffoorr 22000099 aass ffoolllloowwss

TThhee SStt LLuucciiaa GGrraanndd FFaamm Experience St Lucias variety of hotels and explore the island

MMIICCEE FFaamm An introduction to the newest range of St Lucias meeting and events facilities

CCaarrnniivvaall FFaamm Visit St Lucia hotels and experienceone of the islands finest annual events

DDiivvee ampamp AAddvveennttuurree SStt LLuucciiaa Explore St Lucias underwater world and exciting excursions

SSmmaallll ampamp IInnttiimmaattee IInnnnss FFaamm Introduction to the boutique hotels Inns and Guesthouses

LLuuxxuurryy FFaamm Experience and enjoy the finer things the island has to offer

WWeeddddiinngg FFaamm Visit some of St Lucias best wedding and honeymoon locations

Dates for the fam trips to be confirmed Please contact the St Lucia Tourist Boardon stlbinfostluciaukorg to register your interest

Educational Trip to Grenada

Seven Tour Operators enjoyed a week-long visit to the Spice Isle complimentsof the Grenada Board of Tourism Participants were from Tropic Breeze WellbeingHolidays Q Holidays Elegant Resorts Premier Holidays Harlequin Worldwide andKuoni The fun-filled itinerary included a visit to Fish Friday a sailing trip toGrenadas sister island Carriacou by power catarmaran snorkelling theUnderwater Sculpture Park and River Tubing ldquoThe trip was amazing and I was veryimpressed with the range of sites activities and tours available My favourite bitwas snorkelling on Sandy Island and at the Underwater Sculpture Park Plus thegreat foodrdquo said Astra Beadle Wellbeing Holidays

For more information on how you could become a winner visit wwwtakesom

etimeoutcom

wwwtakesometimeoutcom0800 804 8787

take some time outtake some time outThis could be you lsquoTaking Some Time Outrsquo with

Trinidad and Tobagorsquos exciting 2009 Trade campaign

Congratulationsto our 2008 winners

January - Janet Brimble Compass Travel

February - Jane Zollo Travel Counsellors

March - Warren Craddock Kwik Travel

April - Sara Short Bath Travel

May - Pamela Rutherford Dawson amp Sanderson

June - Kay Sanderson Footloose Adventure Travel

July - Liz Hicks Newells Travel

August - Tracy Hobson Davis World Travel

September - Chrissi Knights Explorer Travel

October - Joanne Simpson Co-op Travel

Albert Gurley Head Houseman at GGrreennaaddaass SSppiiccee IIssllaanndd BBeeaacchh RReessoorrtt was left speechless when he was named CCaarriibbbbeeaann EEmmppllooyyeeee ooff tthhee YYeeaarr ffoorr 22000088Each year CHTA members are invited to nominate those whose exemplaryperformance on the job sets an example for the industry for the CaribbeanEmployee and Caribbean Supervisor of the Year awards CHTA encompasses36 national hotel associations across the Caribbean region and more than 850hotel members

OOlldd BBaahhaammaa BBaayy bbyy GGiinnnn SSuurr MMeerr is proud to announce the appointment ofLLyynnsseeyy TThhoommaass aass tthhee UUKK aanndd IIrreellaanndd SSaalleess RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee In this role Lynsey isresponsible for developing the consumer leisure meetings incentives corporateand executive travel market segments in the United Kingdom for the 73 roomresort marina and residential community Ginn Resorts assumed operations of Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer a member of the Preferred Boutique hotelcollection For more information on Old Bahama Bay please visitwwwOldBahamaBaycom or contact Lynsey at lthomasginncompanycom

TThhee SStt KKiittttss TToouurriissmm AAuutthhoorriittyy has announced the launch of its first ever interactivefan page on social media site Facebook which went lsquoLiversquo on February 6thtitled ldquoMy St Kittsrdquo the fan page showcases this interesting Caribbean island asan emerging upmarket tourist destination and utilises all of the features Facebookhas to offer and a link to the St Kitts Tourism website wwwstkittstourismknFacebook users now have the ability to add ldquoMy St Kittsrdquo to their favourite fanpages and access these features and information free of charge

With the start of a new year a new face is welcomed to the SStt VViinncceenntt ampamp TThheeGGrreennaaddiinneess team in LLoonnddoonn ndashndash MMss BBaarrbbaarraa MMeerrccuurryy Barbara with the support ofthe tourism sales assistant Gracita Wilson will manage the St Vincent amp TheGrenadines Tourist Office based in Kensington

The island of DDoommiinniiccaa has an indigenous population of CCaarriibb IInnddiiaannssknown as the Kalinago Many Kalinago live in a government-designatedCarib Territory in the northeast of the island where traditional crafts such asbasket weaving are still prevalent For more information on Dominica you mayvisit wwwdiscoverdominicacom or telephone 0800 012 1467

Did You Knowhellip

News fromhellip

Agent Incentives amp SpecialOffersAAllmmoonndd RReessoorrttss WWeeddddiinngg iinn PPaarraaddiissee PPaacckkaaggee Almond Resorts are pleased toannounce the introduction of the lsquoWeddings In Paradisersquo package in ALL theAlmond Resorts properties The lsquoWeddings in Paradisersquo offer clients a FFRREEEEwweeddddiinngg ppaacckkaaggee inclusive of all Government and Registrar fees for bookingsof 7 nights stays in a deluxe room grade

Win a weeks accommodation for two all Inclusive at the fabulous 44 DDiivvii VViillllaaggeeGGoollff ampamp BBeeaacchh RReessoorrtt AArruubbaa This prize will go to the first agency to confirm 5bookings to the resort for travel anytime during 2009 OOffffeerr VVaalliidd ffrroommFFeebb 1166 -- MMaarr 1155 22000099 Reservations should be made through Caribbean Hotels

t 0800-048-3389

GGrroooommss BBeeaacchh GGrreennaaddaa has recently opened and is currently being featured byVirgin Holidays and Monarch Holidays This 29 room ownermanaged hotel providesa real home from home holiday experience ndash visit wwwgroomsbeachresortcomThere are SSppeecciiaall RRaatteess ffoorr AAggeennttss wishing to visit from US$75 per twin roomContact High profile PR amp Marketing t 0161 929 8612 for more information

In conjunction with the JJaammaaiiccaa TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd and their online training programmeregister to be a Jamaica Specialist and book a honeymoon wedding or holidayto a Couples Resort and you could wwiinn aann aallll iinncclluussiivvee hhoolliiddaayy ffoorr 22 ttoo CCoouupplleessRReessoorrttss iinncclluuddiinngg fflliigghhttss wwiitthh BBrriittiisshh AAiirrwwaayyss

Travel agents who log the most bookings for RReexx RReessoorrttss throughout January andFebruary have the opportunity to wwiinn oonnee ooff ttwwoo sseevveenn nniigghhtt ssttaayyss aatt SStt LLuucciiaann bbyyRReexx RReessoorrttss iinn SStt LLuucciiaa oorr HHaallccyyoonn CCoovvee bbyy RReexx RReessoorrttss iinn AAnnttiigguuaa Runners upcan win one of five i-pod MP3 players Bookings need to be logged by 15th March2009

KKiiddss SSttaayy aanndd EEaatt FFRREEEE aatt tthhee RRooyyaall bbyy RReexx RReessoorrttss iinn SStt LLuucciiaa If your clients arelooking for a great value family holiday in the Caribbean this year then direct themto St Lucia for a stay at Royal by Rex Resorts a four star hotel with a stunningbeachfront location on Reduit Beach For further details on this great offer visitwwwrexresortscom or call 020 8741 5333

SSuuppeerrCClluubbss have extended their special offers to include FFrreeee nniigghhttss complimentarySpa Treatments and 20 Discount for Brides Ask your Tour Operator for detailsAlso SuperClubs TTrraavveell AAggeenntt rates are now available to Agents Families if travellingtogether for stays until the end of May 2009 book by 28 February Contact TIS fordetails on 0844 545 7827

bull Jimmy Choo Shoes bull Tiffany Jewellery bull Weekend in Dublin bull Limo for the Night bull Prada Phone and many more So log on now

wwwgptrainingacademycom

FabulousPrizesevery month

GROOMS BEACHVillas amp Resort

Grenadarsquos best kept secret

Tel (473) 439-7 UK Office Tel 0161 929 8612

wwwgroomsbeachresortcom

E-mail infogroomsbeachresortcom

AGENT RATES

FROM US$75

PER ROOM

PER NIGHT

GENT RAGENT RAGENT RA

FROMGENT RA

FROMAAGENT RA

wwwgroomsbeachresortcom

wwwgroomsbeachresortcom

G

illas amp ResortVORROG

EACH

illas amp ResortEACHBMS OO

A Kalinago Carbet

With just a 20-minute flight between the two islands Trinidad amp Tobago offersuch incredible diversity as my recent Fam Trip revealed that a twin-centreholiday is an absolute lsquomustrsquo

Our experiences ranged from a catamaran cruise around Tobago where weencountered a very playful pod of dolphins and swam with a friendly stingrayto gliding through the narrow mangrove encrusted channels of the vast CaroniSwamp in Trinidad where we saw Caymans and watched hundreds of ScarletIbis returning home to roost at sunset We had interpretative walks arounda cocoa plantation and trekking in the oldest rainforest in the Caribbeanswimming in refreshing pools at the base of the Argylle Waterfall We alsovisited Carnival workshops where the amazingly colourful and intricatecostumes for Trinidadrsquos 2009 Carnival were being created and we attendedthe very entertaining and diverse performance of the Itsy Bitsy CulturalPlayhouse in Tobago

We stayed in 5 different properties ranging from comfortable 3 hotels toluxurious 5 villas and inspected many others which had budgets to suit alltastes Hospitality was excellent as was our Tour Leader ndash Andrew Hillier ndash whois responsible for organising these fantastic Fam Trips and everyone who getsthe chance to participate should do so

Janet Brimble Compass Classics LtdBristol

Janet Brimble visits Trinidadamp Tobagohellip

CChhrriissssii KKnniigghhttss ffrroomm EExxpplloorreerr TTrraavveell won her educational place to Trinidad ampTobago at the CCTTOO LLoonnddoonn CCoonnffeerreennccee iinn SSeepptteemmbbeerr 22000088 Here she ispictured with Steely Pan from the online training course enjoying the viewsat the Tobago Cocoa Plantation

AAllmmoonndd RReessoorrttss are pleased to announce the introduction of the AlmondResorts online training programme which will be available from the 31st March2009 Agents can pre-register now at wwwalmondtrainingcom and have theopportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win 7 nights all-inclusiveaccommodation at Almond Resorts

GGrroouupp PPrroommoottiioonnss TTrraaiinniinngg AAccaaddeemmyy Register at wwwgptrainingacademycomand complete modules to win monthly prizes like Jimmy Choo Shoes HighStreet Gift Vouchers Tiffany Jewelery and much more including 2 free nightsto one of the resorts You can earn extra nights by making bookings to theresorts For further information please call 01582 79 22 60

RReexx RReessoorrttss are giving away free stays plus iPods to agents logging bookingsthrough their online training programme Travel agents taking part in the onlinecourse receive one free night at a rex resort for the first booking they logon the site They also receive one free night for completing the course anda further five nights for a total of 25 bookings made For more information aboutrexperts and training needs please contact Emily Hillage at rex resorts onemilyhillagerexresortscom or 020 8741 5333

TThhee SStt KKiittttss TToouurriissmm AAuutthhoorriittyy will embark on a programme of agent sales callsduring the months of March and April focusing on the new BA service andthe range of accommodation and visitor attractions on the island These willbe carried out across the UK in London West Yorkshire and Wiltshire duringthe month of March followed by West Midlands Oxfordshire and London againin April For more information please contact The St Kitts Tourism Authorityon Tel 020 7376 0881 or email ukstkittstourismkn

Training UpdateFred Olsen has some exciting new shore tours on offer in the 2009 seriesof Caribbean cruises on Braemar and Boudicca For instance zip liningin Antigua Bobsledding in Jamaica and Sea trekking in Grand Turk are justa few Itrsquos so easy to explore the Caribbean on a cruise and with two shipsbased in Miami and Barbados Fred Olsen offers a great selection ofCaribbean islands to choose from Telephone 01473 742424 or visitwwwfredolsencruisescouk

Cruise News

5016

A cruise to one of the most beautiful regions in the world is a great way to escape to the tropics On a typical 14 night Caribbean cruise Fred Olsen visit up to ten wonderfully varied ports of call each linked by the warm and romantic waters of the Caribbean

For Sales support call 01473 746164 email cruisesalesfredolsencouk or visit wwwfredolsencruisescouk

Bookings can be made Online via the Travel Agents Centreusing Amadeus cruise or with Reservations on 01473 742424

Prize Winner at CTO Conference 2008 Chrissi Knights Explorer Travel

While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the content no responsibilityis accepted for any claims or statements made in articles or advertisementsappearing in this newsletter

Disclaimer

Property UpdateOOlldd BBaahhaammaa BBaayy bbyy GGiinnnn ssuurr MMeerr rolled out the red carpet for visitingmembers of the Bahamas 2008 Olympic team While in Grand Bahama for an official two-day visit in celebration of the teamrsquos accomplishment inBeijing China the athletes enjoyed complimentary luxury accommodationsbefitting their world-class status at Old Bahama Bay The resortrsquos fine diningrestaurant Aqua was the venue for a special dinner reception hosted byGrand Bahamarsquos sporting community

June 2009 is to be a landmark month for the CCaayymmaann IIssllaannddss dive industryThe USS Kittiwake an American submarine rescue vessel that wascommissioned over 50 years ago is to be sunk just off Seven Mile Beachto form an artificial reef This is the first time that a US ship has been soldto a foreign country for such a purpose and comes after nearly five yearsof delicate negotiations Snorkelers and divers alike will be able to explorethe submerged wreck which will lie 15 feet from the surface Weighing2100 tons with plenty of access ports for divers to penetrate the wreckand nooks and crannies for marine life to find homes the Kittiwakepromises to bring a new lease of life to Caymanrsquos already thriving diveindustry A must for dive enthusiasts Please contact the Cayman IslandsDepartment of Tourism for more information on 020 7491 7771

Sand sea and world-class golf in PPuueerrttoo RRiiccoo Twelve hundred acres ofbreathtaking scenery serve as the background for Trump InternationalsGolf Course in Coco Beach Rio Grande where the second edition of thePuerto Rico Open will take place March 9-15 2009 Less than an hourfrom the bustling capital of San Juan the 36-hole course which wasdesigned by PGA TOUR professional Tom Kite offers majestic views andchallenges for every level Gran Meliaacute Puerto Rico one of the finest resortsin the Caribbean will be the host hotel

TToobbaaggoo will play host to international superstars in the world of music atits annual Jazz Festival held in Plymouth Rumours have it that Celine DionTina Turner andor Alicia Keys may just be in the final line-up the officialprogramme has not yet been released for more details and ticketinformation visit wwwtobagojazzfestcom

Dates

MMAARRCCHH

1 Santo Domingo Carnival Parade Avenida George Washington Malecoacuten Santo Domingo

7 Punta Cana Carnival Punta Cana Village

9 - 15 Puerto Rico Open - Golf Trump International Golf Course Coco Beach

AAPPRRIILL

3 - 5 Saborea Puerto Rico - A Culinary Extravaganza

20 - 22 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) Barceloacute Convention Centre Punta Cana

29 Day of International DanceGala EveningNational Classic

Ballet National Theatre Santo Domingo

24 - 26 Tobago Jazz Festival

30 Apr - 2 May Cayman Islands Carnival - Batabano

LLaattee AApprriill -- EEaarrllyy MMaayy International Book Fair Plaza de la Cultura Santo Domingo

Island NewsEventsAAllmmoonndd SSmmuugggglleerrss CCoovvee has reopened following a series of kitchen and roomrefurbishments as well as the opening of the childrenrsquos pool The hotel now hasnew beachfront rooms that are proving to be very popular For more informationplease contact Almond Resorts on 0871 871 2828

CCooccoonnuutt BBaayy RReessoorrtt aanndd SSppaa SStt LLuucciiaa are offering their guests a free roundof paintball and free kite surfing introductory lessons For more informationplease contact Group Promotions at 01582 792 260

GGlliitttteerr BBaayy BBaarrbbaaddooss opened in December 2008 after refurbishment They haveadded a new gym to the property and babysitting is available upon request atan additional charge paid locally For more information please contact GroupPromotions at 01582 792 260

LLiittttllee CCaayymmaann BBeeaacchh RReessoorrttrsquorsquoss renovations have recently been completedThe 40 room resort is perfect for couples and families seeking the tranquilescape of Little Cayman in the setting of a world class boutique resortThe pool and amenities are especially suitable for partners who may notshare a common love of diving Book through Barefoot Traveller Visitwwwbarefoot-scubacomCaymanphp

A new Adult Only hotel on the pure sands of PPuunnttaa CCaannaa DDoommiinniiccaann RReeppuubblliiccthe IIbbeerroossttaarr GGrraanndd HHootteell BBaavvaarroo is a fantastic escape Its spectacular 2-storeyoceanfront spa cozy music bar and intimate in-room whirlpools make it avacation Mecca for adults Add the personalized in-room services fine diningand extravagant accommodation and this hotel will leave you asking lsquoCan I stayan extra weekrsquo

The new IIttaalliiaann VViillllaaggee aatt BBeeaacchheess TTuurrkkss ampamp CCaaiiccooss opened on JJaannuuaarryy 2200tthh22000099 adding a further 162 luxurious two-bedroom family suites to the existing453 rooms and five new restaurants The resort has also become a haven fordifficult-to-please teenagers with a DJ academy teen nightclub and a teen spafor little princesses in need of pampering The expansion of the water park isdue to open in MMaarrcchh 22000099 Beaches Turks amp Caicos Resort amp Spa expandedPPiirraatteess IIssllaanndd WWaatteerrppaarrkk is set to be one of the largest in the CaribbeanThe newly expanded Pirates Island Water Park is ten times its original sizeAt 45000 square foot the pirates island-themed aqua playground has sevennew slides and a total of 300 feet of heart-pounding twists and turns for the bigkid in everyone

RReexx RReessoorrttss has teamed up with FA Premier League footballer Jason Robertsto offer football training for children aged 5 ndash 16 staying at the GGrreennaaddiiaann bbyyrreexx rreessoorrttss oonn GGrreennaaddaa during school holidays Jason Roberts is the onlyGrenadian footballer to have played in the English FA Premier League and iscurrently a striker with Blackburn Rovers He established the Jason Robertsfoundation to provide a range of sporting opportunities for children and youngpeople in the UK and Grenada by providing access to high quality sportingexperiences The football training for children will be available from the Easter2009 school holidays For more information on the Grenadian by rex resortsplease visit wwwrexresortscom or call 020 8741 5333

Almond Smugglers Cove Kids Pool