Caribbean Week: The Most Buzzworthy Developments to Watch

The Crane in Barbados has joined the ranks of all-inclusive resorts.

The Crane in Barbados has joined the ranks of all-inclusive resorts.

This week and later this month, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) rolls out its annual Caribbean Week celebrations in New York and Toronto, so Travel Agent decided to review some of the latest conversation pieces to come out of the region.

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Resort Developments

Sandals Barbados Will Reopen in 2015: Following a brief closure to undertake a wide-ranging enhancement program, Sandals Barbados will reopen on January 28, 2015. When it does, guests will enjoy new contemporary furnishings throughout all rooms and suites, including mahogany four-poster beds, flat-screen TVs, lavish bathrooms, and luxurious indoor and outdoor soaking tubs. Meanwhile, you can book a Luxury Included stay for your clients there from January 28 through December 2016 with rates starting at $659 per person, per night.

Sandals Barbados will offer 280 luxury accommodations that range from opulent beachfront butler suites to new swim-up river suites situated in the resort’s tropical garden. Guests will have 11 Discovery Dining options that span the globe, including a steakhouse, Butch’s Chophouse, and the brand’s first Indian restaurant. Sandals’ exclusive Red Lane Spa will offer six new treatment rooms in traditional Barbadian architecture, including an exclusive VIP suite with private tub, outdoor shower, relaxation area and more. Agents should reach out to General Manager Josef Zellner ([email protected], 246-620-3600), with any questions.

The Crane Launches New All-Inclusive Plan: Travel Agent recently sat down with Kristen Sauter-Moore, president of Destinations of Distinction, LLC, the marketing firm that represents The Crane hotel in Barbados, and learned of the resort’s new all-inclusive plan as well its plans to open up a sister property about 10 minutes away. The Crane quietly launched its first all-inclusive plans recently in an effort to capitalize on the new market that Sandals is expected to bring to the island.

“With Sandals coming to Barbados, we just thought we should try to compete in this market,” says Sauter-Moore. “We also anticipate increased airlift because of the arrival of Sandals. We have seen it already in Grenada. That’s the benefit that we see from this and we also think competition is good for everyone.” The all-inclusive plan will also include all premium, top-shelf beverages and access to all restaurants.

Although the plan has officially launched already, Sauter-Moore says she will like for The Crane to have a grander unveiling of the new offering and hopes for the hotel to host an event in New York City that would include top-selling travel agents, hotel representatives, tourism board members and other industry representatives. Direct any queries to Sophia Gunning ([email protected], 246-416-6509), revenue manager.

RELATED: The Crane Launches New All-Inclusive Plan

Sonesta Ups the Ante in St. Maarten: We recently returned from St. Maarten, where we were treated to a private tour of the site that will eventually be home to what we think will be a game-changing hotel for Sonesta St. Maarten All-Inclusive Resorts. The new five-star, all-inclusive, adults-only resort—tentatively known as Ocean Point at Maho—will reside next door to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. It is expected to have a soft opening in October. The company also operates Sonesta Great Bay Resort in St. Maarten. Contact Eliska Hesova ([email protected]), director of business development.

One of the revamped Marina Hotel rooms at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino.

One of the revamped Marina Hotel rooms at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino.

People and Places

Lynch Steps Down as Head of JTB: John Lynch resigned as Jamaica’s director of tourism at the end of May. He told Travel Agent he had accomplished all of his goals in serving as director and was looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“Jamaica is a wonderful country and this is probably the most interesting job I ever had in a long career in the tourism industry,” says Lynch.

RELATED: Director of Tourism for Jamaica Speaks About Decision to Resign

Tobago Seeks Higher U.S. Profile: Tobago, the smaller half of Trinidad and Tobago, is looking to reintroduce itself to the American travel market, reaching out to boost awareness of the destination with a new slogan (“Live the Culture, Tobago Style”), logo and tourism initiatives. Avion Hercules, director of marketing for the Tobago House of Assembly, recently met with agents and the media in New York in her first effort to promote the island. Hercules told us that during this initial phase of Tobago’s market outreach in North America her purpose was exploratory, and that she was mainly looking to collect feedback from operators and agents on their perceptions of Tobago.

New Interim Tourism Chief for Barbados: Last month the board of directors of the Barbados Tourism Authority tapped Petra Roach, vice president of marketing and sales, UK, to assume the role of interim president and CEO. Over the past 12 years, Roach has been a driving force for the Barbados Tourism Authority in the UK market, developing key campaigns including the British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament and the Top Gear Festival Barbados, as well as pushing for the ratifying of Britain’s Air Passenger Duty, which was reformed earlier this year. Roach is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and sits on the Boards of the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Sport for Life charity, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, UK.

Offers and Makeovers

Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for island resorts as they make moves to attract your clients’ business. For example:

In Turks & Caicos, The Sands at Grace Bay is offering a “Fourth Night Free” deal and reduced low season rates for stays of four nights (consecutive) or more now through December 20. Agents receive a 10 percent commission for all resort bookings. The free night is valid for new bookings made on all room categories, but not applicable for groups. 

Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino is touting its new look as it completes renovations this spring and summer. The makeover includes a complete redesign of accommodations at the adult-exclusive Marina Hotel and several public spaces. Guest rooms have been revamped to resemble the design of a custom yacht, and bathrooms evoke a spa-like experience. A renovation of the family-friendly Ocean Suites property is on the horizon.