Caribbean Already Getting Plenty of TV Time in 2012

While everyone was looking to lose weight for the New Year, it may appear as though the Caribbean has gained 10 pounds.

Whether it was one of the region’s natives, resorts or islands, the Caribbean has been well represented on both American and international television shows since the start of the 2012.

And this could lead to more money for agents since consumers’ interest are easily triggered by pop culture.

Travel Agent breaks down some of the notable 2012 Caribbean television appearances so agents can prepare for sudden interest in a particular island or resort.

Rihanna Performs at The Grammy’s

Ok, so a nationally televised appearance by musical artist Rihanna isn’t exactly rare. But her recent Grammy’s performance definitely drew some extra attention to her native Barbados.  In fact, before the international superstar took the stage, her native island was mentioned in her introduction.

Now, it’s quite possible that Rihanna told the show producers to give a shout out to her native island since she, in fact, signed a three-year contract with Barbados last year to exclusively promote the island as a tourist destination.

But whatever the case may be, we are betting sure millions of Rihanna fans are now curious to see her routes. Visit www.visitbarbados.org

W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island Featured on "The Bachelor"

ABC’s acclaimed reality television series The Bachelor arrived at W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island in Puerto Rico earlier in the year to tape episode five of their top-rated reality show. It aired January 30.

This season, fan-favorite Ben Flajnik, the down-to-earth and romantic guy whose heartfelt proposal was rejected by Ashley Hebert on The Bachelorette, gets another shot at love. Skeptical at first, Ben, a 29-year-old successful winemaker from Sonoma, California, now knows firsthand that love can happen – and he’s hoping to find it as the Bachelor. Ben was joined by the cast of eligible bachelorettes for a 5-day island getaway that highlighted this Caribbean destination located just eight miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico.

While in Vieques, Ben hosted his group of potential mates as they explored secluded beaches, indulged in treatments at the Retreat’s AWAY Spa, dined on cuisine from Alain Ducasse’s miX on the beach, and lounged in guest rooms designed by Patricia Urquiola.
And, as Travel Agent recently covered, fans of reality television can easily be swayed to visit a destination featured on one of their favorite shows.

In fact, like it did for resorts in Anguilla and St. Lucia, which were also featured on The Bachelor in recent years, the exposure nearly tripled Internet traffic, increased bookings and increased occupancies in the aftermath of the show’s airing. Visit www.WVieques.com.

Sandals, The Bahamas Featured on "Wheel of Fortune"

Sandals Resorts continued its partnership with the Emmy-Award-winning game show, Wheel of Fortune, to celebrate the romance of Valentine’s Day all week long during Sandals Resorts Romance Week.

Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, The Bahamas and the Island of The Bahamas were featured on the show all week. It concludes on Friday.

Iconic hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White enjoyed Sandals Emerald Bay this past September, and all this week, will share the extravagance and excitement of this Sandals Resort with their audience.This week's Wheel of Fortune contestants are married couples who will have the chance to win a Luxury Included stay at Sandals Emerald Bay.

The Sandals Resorts Romantic Getaway Prize also includes an extraordinary candle light dinner for two, and an Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tour to explore the surrounding waters of Great Exuma, Bahamas. “Wheel Watchers Club” members, Wheel of Fortune’s popular loyalty club of more than 6 million members, will also receive the chance to win Luxury Included Caribbean vacations, if their SPIN ID number is displayed during a Sandals Resorts Romance Week episode.

Sandals Resorts will also be featured on www.wheeloffortune.com. Visit www.sandals.com.

Atlantis Resort Featured On PokerStarsTV

The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) broke in the 2012 New Year at the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas with its exciting poker festival, which ran from January 5-14.

The show was hosted by Joe Stapleton and James Hartigan along with Team PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu and was aired on www.pokerstars.tv. As before, it was available in four languages – English, Spanish, Russian, and German. Visit www.atlantis.com.


Antigua and Barbuda Featured on Inside Luxury Travel TV

Antigua and Barbuda was recently featured in an hour-long episode of the new Inside Luxury Travel series. It aired three different times in January.

Presented by former BBC News broadcaster, Varun Sharma, the program featured extensive coverage of two of the destination’s most exclusive resorts –Jumby Bay, located on a 300-acre private island and Hermitage Bay, the eco-chic boutique property tucked into a beautiful bay in one of the most secluded corners of Antigua.

The spotlight also shined on fine dining, cultural attractions and entertainment as well as sporting activities including sailing, cricket with Curtly Ambrose and golf with Antiguan sporting legend, Sir Vivian Richards. Barbuda’s miles of unspoilt pink sand beaches, Frigate Bird Sanctuary and Martello Towers were also in the limelight.

“We are delighted at our successful effort in securing this prestigious program to feature Antigua and Barbuda and garner major airtime,” said Hilary Modeste, U.K. and Europe director of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, in a written statement. “Being included in the series is a real accolade for any destination targeting the lucrative luxury sector. The opportunity to inspire and showcase the quality, safety and wealth of attractions available to a discerning global audience is priceless.”

Inside Luxury Travel currently airs in 18 different languages in more than 160 countries as well as on a number of airlines, including Emirates and Northwest Airlines. Visit www.insideluxurytravel.com and www.antigua-barbuda.org.