Holiday & Travel

As the Caribbean tourism sector prepares to welcome the New Year, we look forward to 2019 with a sense of optimism, excitement and much hope. We are optimistic because we are seeing signs that the lows which Mother Nature imposed upon us during the latter part of 2017 into 2018 are being reversed. We are excited about our prospects because of the incredible turnaround that we are seeing in the most impacted destinations. And we hopeful that the progress of our member countries and supporters can continue unabated, to maintain the momentum they developed since the storms of 2017 when everyone rolled up their sleeves and got down to work to build an improved and more sustainable product.

We are pleased to report that tourism accommodations are being rebuilt and reopened, airports are receiving their full schedule of flights with the return of airlines in full force and the diverse product offerings within our destinations are being restored.

At the same time, increases in the number of available seats, positive messaging and promotions in the marketplace have enabled the unaffected destinations to register continuous growth. The demand among international visitors is strong and Caribbean nationals have continued their quest to explore and enjoy the pleasures of their neighbouring destinations.

Regarding the cruise sector, most ports have been repaired and cruise calls have already returned to normal levels. Indeed, regional cruise visits grew in each month since May, with the region registering growth of 13.7 per cent during the May to September period and 17.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2018.

In October, the region launched a digital awareness campaign “The Rhythm Never Stops” on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, coinciding with augmented airlift for the 2018/19 tourist winter season. Travel professionals and their clients received the message that the Caribbean is a resilient region with an unstoppable resolve to succeed and to keep on moving in the right direction.

For 2019, the outlook is bright for our destinations. We’re quite excited about declaring 2019 as the “Year of Festivals” in the Caribbean. Simply stated, there’s a rhythm to the region that cannot be replicated anywhere on earth. There’s no escaping the melody of nature, as gentle breezes and free-flowing fronds combine beautifully in perfect harmony; no getting away from the heavenly choruses of tides caressing magnificent world class beaches; no missing the cadence of our conversation, the tempo of our movement.

The Caribbean is a festival of rhythms and a home of festivals – music, art, literary, sailing, lights, food, rum, religious, dance – all with their own attractive rhythms.

The Year of Festivals will focus on the fascinating events that have become an integral part of the Caribbean tourism calendar. Festivals help to energize communities across the region, while giving visitors more reasons to enjoy our destinations.

Despite all there is to celebrate in 2019, we must also approach the New Year with a degree of caution since there’s still much work to be done. While preliminary data from our member countries revealed increased demand for travel to the vast majority of the 24 reporting countries, and despite a 9.1 per cent increase in arrivals in September 2018 when compared to the same month in 2017, overall our performance was still down in 2018. A third quarter decline of 3.2 per cent made this our best quarter, and the rate of tourist arrivals is now expected to slow to -1.0 per cent to -2.0 per cent - a definite sign that the tide is turning. Cruise passenger arrivals are projected to grow at an accelerated rate of around 6 per cent to 7 per cent.

Without doubt, our region is in a stronger position than it was a year ago. We are encouraged by the prospect of even greater collaboration with our partners in the industry, including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, and a range of travel professionals and industry partners who consistently offer Caribbean holiday experiences to their best clients. Our confidence is buoyed by the progress our region is making to combine its resources to bolster our competitive position internationally. The evidence is clear that a strong, unified Caribbean gives the region a global advantage which individual member-countries on their own have little chance of attaining. The success of our countries rests upon our ability to speak as a region with one strong voice.

On behalf of the CTO Council of ministers and commissioners of tourism, the board of directors, members and staff of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, I thank you for all your commitment, hard work and support in 2018, and wish you a New Year of rich blessings and prosperity.

Forget the doom and gloom attitude this Blue Monday (21st January), and turn what is believed to be the most depressing day of the year into an opportunity to spend quality time crying (with laughter) with friends and family at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.

From 21st to 27th January both the Manchester and London attractions will be encouraging teams to not only compete for crystals to secure extra time in the iconic dome, but search for special blue crystal shaped tokens hidden within game play too.

Eagle-eyed team members who manage to find the blue tokens during their time in the Maze will win a free crystal to keep and take home with them. The Manchester and London Mazes will each be placing these celebratory tokens into selected games each day during the Blue Monday festivities, but you’ve got to be in it to win it!

To shed even more light on this dark day in January, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience has announced that a brand-new maze that will be opening in March in the heart of London, the West End. The new maze will feature 32 new games, is double the size of the existing London space and spread out over three floors so will allow for triple the number of players.

Based on the outrageously popular 90s TV show, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience sees teams of up to eight people guided through the maze by an eccentric Maze Master.

Players get the chance to don retro satin bomber jackets before entering the maze and dashing through the Medieval, Aztec, Industrial and Futuristic adventure zones where they must complete a series of challenges against the clock.

The more challenges completed successfully, the more crystals the teams win and the more time they have for the final challenge, the iconic crystal dome. In this ultimate challenge, the team must work together to catch as many tokens as possible - a task made so much harder by the dome’s super-strength fans. The amount of tokens caught determines the team’s final position on the leader board.

Wizz Air recently relaunched a direct route to Romania’s second largest city, Cluj-Napoca from Birmingham Airport. To mark the occasion, an inaugural ceremony was held at the Airport where passengers and employees gathered to celebrate.

The 166 passengers departing on the 07:40 flight were greeted with a celebration for the new route which operates twice weekly on a Wednesday and Sunday.

Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director said: “Officially welcoming this new Wizz Air route to Cluj-Napoca from Birmingham Airport is fantastic news. We are constantly working with airlines to ensure that where there is demand for a route we can provide enough choice to be able to meet it - whether this involves the introduction of additional direct services or an increase in the frequency of services.

“Cluj-Napoca is an exciting addition to our growing variety of direct services. Home to incredible architecture and gothic-style landmarks dating back to Saxon and Hungarian rule, vibrant nightlife and a wide range of forests and parks, Cluj-Napoca has something to offer everyone.

“We are pleased this route has been reintroduced and look forward to making the route a success for Wizz Air.”

Tamara Vallois, Head of Communications at Wizz Air, said: “We are happy to celebrate the commencement of an exciting new route at Birmingham Airport. Our newest route from Birmingham connects the city with Romania’s second largest city, the lively Cluj-Napoca, which brings an outstanding opportunity for the travellers who seek adventure to explore real Romanian hospitality and the vibe of Transylvania.

“Cluj-Napoca offers bubbling nightlife and historical sights, a perfect combination for a weekend trip to Central and Eastern Europe. We are sure that our UK customers will enjoy visiting this special city as well as Birmingham will get even more cosmopolitan with tourists visiting the region.

“We would like to thank Birmingham Airport and look forward to welcoming many passengers on board our sixth route from Birmingham.”

British Airways has today announced that it will fly from Heathrow to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, from June 2, 2019. Tickets are on sale from today.

The route will launch as a three-per-week service, operated on a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner – British Airways’ newest long-haul fleet that is 20 per cent more fuel efficient than other aircraft and features larger windows, mood lighting and the latest inflight entertainment. Return fares start from £499 for World Traveller, £773 for World Traveller Plus and £1,799 for Club World.

Robert Williams, Head of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, said: “It’s exciting to be flying between Islamabad and Heathrow from next year, which we believe will be particularly popular with the British Pakistani community who want to visit, or be visited by, their relatives. On the route, customers will enjoy the very best in flying. Not only is it being operated on our newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but it will also be landing in to the new airport in Islamabad, which opened earlier this year.”

Thomas Drew CMG, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming British Airways back to Pakistan. The launch of direct flights by British Airways between London Heathrow and Islamabad’s new International Airport is excellent news for both countries.

“The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extraordinary – from culture and cricket, to people, politics and education.  I see this launch as a vote of confidence in the future of those links – and, of course, a reflection of the great improvements in the security situation in Pakistan in recent years.  The return of British Airways will give a particular boost to our growing trade and investment links.  British Airways itself joins an increasing number of British companies doing business in Pakistan.  I hope too that it will allow more people from the UK to discover, like I have, what a beautiful country Pakistan is.   I look forward to using the service myself when flight start in June.”

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has embarked on a marketing initiative with Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air to promote new flights between San Juan and St. Croix, helping to meet the demand for travel to the island this winter season.

On Seaborne Airlines, the San Juan-St. Croix route will see an increase from two to three daily flights beginning on December 20, 2018. Then, on January 8, 2019, Seaborne will increase its frequency from three flights to six daily flights.

In January, Cape Air will start ramping up its operations to an average of six daily flights between San Juan and St. Croix, increasing the number of seats by about 50 percent.

The additional flights during the peak winter season will more than compensate for the 100 seats lost with the discontinuation of daily JetBlue Airways service effective January 8, 2019.

While passengers will no longer be able to fly to St. Croix on JetBlue's aircraft, flights can be booked via JetBlue through its codeshare relationships with both Seaborne and Cape Air.

The Department also announced it would be increasing its marketing of LIAT flights to St. Thomas with connections over Antigua.

Fun-loving 'madrileños' know how to party like there's no tomorrow and the Spanish capital is high in the ranks of European party capitals. Ginkgo Sky Bar, located on the 12th floor of the 5-star VP Plaza España Design, is one the city's hottest new spots and promises one of the most glamorous New Year's Eve events in the city.

Offering the perfect vantage point to enjoy Madrid's world-renowned firework displays, as well as panoramic views of the illuminated Royal Palace below, visitors can see in 2019 in a truly sophisticated Spanish fashion with a black-tie party until 4am with live music. An exquisite Spanish menu will include the 'lucky grapes' to enjoy the typical Spanish custom of consuming one grape on each of the twelve chimes of the clock at midnight.

The menu includes starters such as Iberian ham with crystal bread, tomato and extra virgin olive oil, 'Ginkgo style' Spanish potato salad with prawn carpaccio and Bluefin tuna tartar with fried eggs and potatoes, mains such as Galician tenderloin with pistachio or Monkfish with a festive orange marinade, and desserts of Spanish nougat and Christmas sweets. Wines include Rioja Melquior Reserva de Autor (Tempranillo, 2005), Rias Baixes Gran Bazán Ambar (Albariño) and Le Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

After a successful 2018 program, Luxperience will return to the International Convention Centre, in Sydney Australia, from 7-10 October, 2019. Now in its eighth year, Luxperience remains at the forefront of the high-end experiential travel market, bringing together industry leaders for three days of inspiring, meaningful connections. In 2019, Luxperience attendees can expect an innovative program, new products, glittering events and insights into luxury travel trends impacting Oceania and the rest of the world

“After fine tuning our event within the Diversified Communications fold, we were delighted with the success of this year's Luxperience,” says Michelle Papas, Event Director of Luxperience. “Each year we survey all attendees about their experiences at the show. The results for Luxperience 2018 were outstanding and demonstrate our commitment to year on year improvements and showcasing the regions premium experiences to luxury travel specialists from around the world.”

In 2018 the Luxperience program was reimagined and enhanced to create what is now widely acknowledged as a must-attend event. With an expanded team, a new home and a revitalised events program, the seventh edition of Luxperience has set the standard for future events . Hundreds of exhibitors and buyer delegates from around the world, thousands of one-on-one meetings and millions of dollars worth of new business all come together in the only trade show of its kind in the South Pacific region.

Australia's largest event, Vivid Sydney, was awarded Best Tourism Event at the Australian Event Awards overnight, capping off another impressive year for the festival of light, music and ideas which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2018.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall welcomed the accolade and said it was another coup for the nation's premier State for major events.

“NSW is without doubt Australia's premier destination for major events and this award demonstrates that the NSW Government's commitment to presenting a world class calendar of major events is paying dividends,” Mr Marshall said.

“Vivid Sydney is the cherry on the cake when it comes to the NSW events program and it's become an unmissable experience for Sydneysiders and visitors alike as our capital city is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.

“With its three pillars of light, music and ideas there is no doubt that, 10 years strong, Vivid Sydney is one of the most highly anticipated events on the worldwide cultural calendar.”

Owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney has become a hallmark event for the state that has defined Sydney's cultural identity and completely reinvigorated traditionally quiet Winter trading and tourism periods. It features three core 'pillars':

Vivid Light is a free outdoor event of light art sculptures, installations and grand scale projections on iconic buildings. In 2018 more than 109 installations were enjoyed along a magical 4km 'light walk' that wound through The Rocks, along the Harbour Foreshore into the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and CBD. Vivid Light continued to Barangaroo, and across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Luna Park Sydney, Taronga Zoo and Chatswood.

Vivid Music offers a program of performances showcasing the best in contemporary and experimental music. Headline acts in 2018 included Ice Cube, Solange, Mazzy Star, St Vincent and Cat Power.

Vivid Ideas brings together the world's brightest minds, innovators and industry leaders to build engagement between the creative industries sector and the broader economy. The 2018 program of 320 speakers participated in 105  events and was led by the Game Changers: Hollywood director and oceans explorer James Cameron, founder of Mambo, Phantom Records and Deus Ex Machina Dare Jennings, futurists Jane McGonigal and Kriti Sharma, artist and NASA visual strategist Dan Goods.

The Australian Event Awards and Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry, fostering continued excellence, innovation and unity.

Iceland Supermarkets have done much to raise awareness of the plight facing orangutans in Indonesia, and their pledge to stop selling self-branded products containing Palm Oil is awesome and a positive step in the conservation effort.

Philanthropic travelers can also make a positive contribution on an Impact Destinations trip to Indonesia. Travellers will accompany a family of rescued orang-utans from an area facing loss of habitat due to Palm Oil production, and witness their release in a protected reserve where they can thrive.

This is a true adventure for generous travellers that combines the finest luxury that Indonesia has to offer with an immersive experience releasing the orangutans in a wild and remote location.

Impact Destinations specialises in sustainable luxury trips that blend sightseeing with a unique experience that is unlocked by a philanthropic donation.

Witnessing the release of an orangutan family is one example of the unique experiences we offer; others include:

• A day trip on the water with a marine biologist working to save hammerhead sharks in Costa Rica;
• Witnessing a rhino relocation from a heavily poached reserve in South Africa to a safe one in Botswana
• Tracking arctic foxes in return to a donation to WWF in Iceland

In the coming year La Palma aims to continue to build its reputation among travellers as an authentic and back-to-nature destination, offering breathtaking black-sand beaches, rich culture, incomparable landscapes and year-round warm weather. In a bid to innovate the destination's tourism offering whilst maintaining a slow and sustainable tourism product, 2019 will see two new hotel openings on the island. One of the developments will be the island's first luxury property, located in what will be Spain's first lighthouse hotel, currently known as the Punta Cumplida lighthouse in the North-East area of the island. Another seafront property will open on the promenade of the island's capital, Santa de Cruz de La Palma, boasting a traditional and colourful Palmeran aesthetic. 2019 will also see the opening of two brand new tourist attractions, the Cueva de Las Palomas lava tube, where visitors will be able to enjoy fascinating speleological tours through a UNESCO recognised site; and one of the most important aboriginal sites in La Palma, the Cueva del Tendal archaeological site, a cave which depicts the life of the islands native Benahoarites.

Adventure in a UNESCO Biosphere

The island is renowned for its impressive and varied landscapes, offering 706 square kilometres of lush scenery with a network of more than 1,000 kilometres of marked trails, making it the ideal hotspot for hikers and thrill-seekers in search of an off-the-beaten-track destination. In 2019, La Palma will host its world-renowned walking festival from 27 – 30 April featuring a range of guided walks departing during the day and night; making the most of the impressive night sky.

For 2019, UK tour operator Ramblers Walking Holidays has grown it's La Palma walking product and offers a range of itineraries for travellers looking to visit the abundance of natural attractions on the island with highlights including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, an expansive crater with an 8-kilometre diameter and the dramatic 'Ruta de los Volcanes'.

Discover traditions and a rich cultural heritage

While lesser known and smaller than its neighbouring islands, La Palma's social calendar is packed with a number of exciting events, from music festivals to traditional local celebrations for all the family. 2019's festivities kick off with the Fiesta de Los Indianos (Party of the Indians) in early March, a cultural festival characterised by thousands of people dressed in white clothing, throwing talcum powder by the kilo, carrying suitcases and bird cages through the capital's cobbled streets to illustrate the historic return of Palmerans from Latin America. Some of the year's most notable festivals also include the Almond Blossom festival, Corpus Christie and the Fiesta of the Fufos; an arts and crafts fair characterised by a dance conducted by locals dressed in handmade horse outfits. In between the big festivities, visitors can get involved with local Verbena celebrations which take place year-round and are held throughout almost all municipalities on the island. The Canarian equivalent of a street party, each town's cobbled streets are filled with the sounds of live orchestras playing Salsa and Merengue music until the early hours.

Like everyone’s favourite selection box of chocolates, there’s something to delight everyone at Compton Venery Art Gallery and Park during the festive season.

From Santa spotting to traditional carols, through to fabulous fireworks and decoration making workshops for little ones, Compton Verney’s December events will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.

Spot Santa

Sunday 2 December & Sunday 9 December (1pm – 3pm)

Father Christmas and his faithful reindeer have taken time out of their busy schedule to enjoy a couple of days at Compton Verney.  Can you spot him as he wanders around our world-famous Capability Brown landscaped park?

Clue: He fits the traditional description of a jolly chap in a red suit, with big, black boots and sports a rather magnificent fluffy beard.

-This event is included in standard Day Ticket admission and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

Christmas Concert

Friday 14 December (2.30pm – 3.45pm)

Lovers of choral music and traditional Christmas carols are in for a treat during our Christmas Concert in the ‘Capability’ Brown Chapel. Featuring the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir, directed by Paul Spicer, the programme will include all your festive favourites and is the ideal way to lift your spirits and embrace the festive mood!

-Adults £15 / Child £7 / Under 5s FREE. You will also need a valid Day Ticket, Membership or Annual Pass.

Festive Storytelling

Saturday 15 December (The Selfish Giant: 11.30am – 11.45am. The Snow Queen: 1pm– 1.30pm& 2.15pm – 2.45pm)

Part of the magic and wonder of Christmas for children is snuggling up with a loved one and listening to a gripping tale. So, gather round the Christmas Tree and settle back to hear a pair of enchanting and much-loved Christmas stories; The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde (recommended for 5-7-year olds) and The Snow Queen (read in two parts and suitable for children 8+).

-This event is included in standard Day Ticket admission and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

Natural Wonders Tree Decorations

Sunday 2, Sunday 9, Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 December (11am – 4pm)

Explore the great outdoors before getting crafty in the warmth. Make your own beautiful decorations out of natural materials found in the grounds to hang on your own tree for the festive season. Now that tops a shop-bought bauble every time!

-£5 per person. You will also need a valid Day Ticket, Membership or Annual Pass.

Big Bang and Brass Band

Sunday 16 December (2pm – 5pm)

Celebrate the end of Compton Verney’s successful 2018 season of exhibitions and events with traditional carols performed by the brilliant Royal Spa Brass Band, and culminating with a festive firework finale. Gaze at the heavens and gasp in delight at the spectacular display before Compton Verney hibernates for the Winter.

-This event is included in a Day Ticket and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

In response to strong holiday demand for travel to St. Croix, Delta Air Lines is increasing capacity to the island over the holidays.

Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, confirmed that the Atlanta-based carrier will operate a daily service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport between December 20, 2018 and January 5, 2019 with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

"The demand for St. Croix continues to build," said Commissioner Nicholson-Doty, who noted that after the peak holiday season Delta will serve St. Croix, starting the week of January 7 through the end of March, with three nonstop flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The Commissioner noted that plans were also in place to secure additional airlift between San Juan and St. Croix in early January, immediately after JetBlue Airways exits the route. "Our talks with our airline partners continue to be strong and we expect to surpass the amount of seats provided by JetBlue on that important route."

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, is hosting public and private tours inside the one-of-a-kind aircraft, as well as holding on board workshops, including Nursing and Ophthalmology sessions, in support of Doha Healthcare Week and to celebrate the Qatar Creating Vision Initiative, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and led by Orbis.

The Flying Eye Hospital, operated by global eye health charity Orbis, is a fully-equipped MD-10 cargo aircraft with state-of-the-art medical equipment, an operating theatre and a classroom, making it a truly unique teaching facility. The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has supported the Qatar Creating Vision initiative in Bangladesh at the end of last year. Since July 2016, 4.2 million screenings for children have been conducted across India and Bangladesh and more than 56,000 training sessions have been provided for medical professionals as well as teachers and community workers. Together, Orbis and the Qatar Fund for Development are on track to deliver an impressive 5.6 million eye care treatments to children across India and Bangladesh by mid-2020.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is Orbis’ highly commendable initiative that makes us proud supporters of the global eye health charity. Since 2012, we have worked hand in hand with the Flying Eye Hospital to expand its reach and help prevent avoidable blindness around the world. We are delighted to have this unique aircraft back in Doha as part of Doha Healthcare Week and we are positive that local guests will be fascinated by the facility while touring the aircraft.”

Orbis UK Chief Executive, Mrs. Rebecca Cronin, said: “Through the Qatar Fund for Development we have been able to reach millions of children across India and Bangladesh. There are 473,000 children who are blind across the two countries, and 50 per cent of cases are avoidable. Qatar Airways' support of Orbis has been long standing, and we are immensely grateful and proud of the partnership. We would like to say thank you for welcoming Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital so warmly and providing us with a platform to celebrate Qatari generosity.”

Qatar Airways has been a proud supporter of Orbis since 2012. The multiple award-winning airline officially renewed its sponsorship with the global eye health charity in 2017 as the Official Airline Partner of Orbis UK for three years.

Every year, the aircraft visits countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, partnering with local hospitals to deliver specialist training through its team of world-class medical volunteers, carry out treatments, and raise vital awareness about the importance of eye health.

Since 1982 Orbis has been working to prevent avoidable blindness in areas of need. Working with a global team of volunteers and the world’s leading ophthalmic medical experts, each year Orbis delivers between four to eight training programmes on board the Flying Eye Hospital. It also runs long-term programmes in 18 countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Zambia, among others.

Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways revealed a host of upcoming new global destinations, including the announcement that it will be the first Gulf carrier to begin direct service to Luxembourg. Other exciting new destinations to be launched by the airline include  Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam.