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AgentsNewsCaribbean Training Programme Newsletter
www.caribbean.co.uk
Issue
33
–A
ug
ust
08
Welcome to Issue 33 of the CTO E-News
Destination Profile – Puerto Rico
Caribbean Month - Reminder!Join our Caribbean Month campaign and be the Agency of the Week. During the monthsof September and October 2008, a different travel agency will be featured weekly on thehomepage of www.caribbean.co.uk as the Caribbean Travel Agency of the Week.
Enter the draw by sending us information (including images) on how you plan to celebrateCaribbean Month and promote your business to the region i.e. Caribbean Evenings,Window Displays, Direct Mail campaigns and more...
Entries must reach us by September 5th 2008 and should be sent by email [email protected] or by post to the CTO Office. Please call 0208 948 0057for details.
Your personal update on Caribbean news from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.Edited by Sonja Rogers, CTO London
Caribbean Training Conferencein Manchester and LondonThe Caribbean Tourism Organisation would like to invite all agents and reservationstaff to their Caribbean Conference ‘Courses for the Caribbean’ to be held atChancellors Hotel & Conference Centre, Manchester on Wednesday 3rdSeptember OR at Glaziers Hall, London on Wednesday 24th September.This course will give you the opportunity to develop a greater knowledge of theCaribbean and it will enhance your selling techniques to the region. Agents willhave the opportunity to interact with specialists from the entire Caribbean region.
RReeggiissttrraattiioonn ffoorr tthhee CCoonnffeerreennccee iiss FFRREEEE.. The course includes lunch and a post conference cocktail & canapé reception. Agents will have the chance to attend masterclasses on the Caribbean and will leave the course with a ‘Courses for the Caribbean’ Certificate of Attendance.
SSiiggnn uuoo nnooww bbyy eemmaaiill ttoo:: ccaarr iibbbbeeaanneevveenntt@@tthheenneettwwoorrkk--uukk..ccoomm oorr ccaallll 00220088 774422 44007777..
Places are limited, so hurry, and don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!DDoonn’’tt DDeellaayy,, SSiiggnn UUpp TTooddaayy!!
Miles of stunning coastline, world-class golf courses, fine dining, nightlife, andshopping can all be found in Puerto Rico. Along with enjoying the lush topographyof this island in the heart of the Caribbean, visitors can experience cosmopolitancities and colonial towns, sparkling beaches, and rugged mountains. Theroadways are well kept and the distances between destinations are short, so hat visitors can explore the entire island in just a few days, enjoying year-roundtemperatures ranging from 72 to 85 degrees.
Puerto Rico boasts a host of natural treasures including El Yunque National Forest,Rio Camuy Cave Park, and the Bioluminescent Bay of Las Cabezas de San Juan.History may be the main reason for visiting Old San Juan, but it’s certainly not theonly one. The city vibrates as a centre of art, architecture, culture, shopping, andnightlife. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the US, the currency is the US dollarand English is widely spoken. To learn more about Puerto Rico you may call 0844 880 6867 or visit www.gotopuertorico.com/uk.
SShhooppppiinngg BBaasskkeett Bottle of Beer £1.00 Canned Drink £0.50 Local Bottled Beer £. 50Ice Cream £0.75
DDiinniinngg OOuutt –– LLooccaall RReessttaauurraannttBottle of Beer £2.00Glass of wine £4.00Soft Drink £1.00Bottled Water £1.00Starter up to £5.00Main Course £7.50Dessert £3.00
Travel Agents EventsCCaayymmaann IIssllaannddss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff TToouurriissmm will host TTrraaiinniinngg EEvveenniinnggss on October14th in Cheltenham and October 15th in Bath. To register your interest pleasecontact Gillian on 0207 491 6961.
RReexx RReessoorrttss will join the Trinidad & Tobago Tourist Office Game Show Night onAugust 28th in London. They will also be in Surrey on October 29th and in Kent onOctober 30th. For more information please contact Emily on 0208 741 5333.
SSaannddaallss will host 3 ‘‘GGrraannddee uunnvveeiilliinngg’’ RRooaaddsshhoowwss in October, in Maidstone,Stansted and Sheffield. Please call 0207 590 0211 for further details.
The SStt.. LLuucciiaa TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd and their hotel partners will host the SStt.. LLuucciiaa AAuuttuummnnSShhooww CCaassee in the south of England and Ireland. For more details, please emailGenevieve Schwigon at [email protected].
Look out for the next GGaammee SShhooww TTrraaiinniinngg NNiigghhtt on August 28th from the TTrriinniiddaadd && TToobbaaggoo TToouurriisstt OOffffiiccee. They will be joined by BBrriittiisshh AAiirrwwaayyss who will be offering a prize of 2 Club World Seats to Trinidad & Tobago. There are accommodation prizes to be won as well! Register your interest withAndrew by emailing [email protected] or visit www.takesometimeout.com.
Special OffersCCaappiittaall BBoonndd VVoouucchheerr IInncceennttiivvee Book 7 nights or more at any Elite Island Resort and receive a £5 Capital Bond Voucher.Book 14 nights or more and receive a £10 Capital Bond Voucher. To sign up for the EliteIsland Resorts Capital Bonds incentive, please email your name and agency details [email protected].
FFrreeee GGrroouupp WWeeddddiinngg PPaacckkaaggeeSunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica and Sunset Jamaica GrandeResort & Spa in Ocho Rios have just launched the free group wedding package. Guestswho stay a minimum of 7 nights in an Ocean View Room (or higher) will receive a freewedding package when the Bride & Groom’s wedding party is for 10 or more rooms. For further information please visit www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com or call 01582 792260. This package is subject to availability and not applicable to Sunset at the Palms.
FFaallll iinn LLoovvee wwiitthh SStt.. KKiittttss//NNeevviiss pprroommoottiioonn St. Kitts & Nevis would like to give holiday-makers the opportunity to ‘Fall in Love’ withthe islands. The ‘Fall in Love with St. Kitts-Nevis’ programme offers visitors at selecthotels, 7 nights for the price of 5. Guests also receive a free continental breakfast daily.Discounts are available on Car Rentals, Gift Shops, Jewellery Stores, Restaurants andIsland Tours. Travellers on the package will receive a 'St. Kitts Value Card' and a listing ofparticipating establishments upon arrival at their hotel. The promotion is available fortravel from now through 14 December, 2008. (booking window December 12, 2008).Reservations can be made through an official St. Kitts tour operator, or with the hoteldirectly. For full details, visit the official St. Kitts website, www.stkittstourism.kn, email [email protected] or call 0207 376 0881.
STUDIO JOB NUMBER: 001314 SAP NUMBER: 0188037698 CLIENT/TITLE: JamaicaCOLOUR BREAKDOWN: CMYK FILE NAME: 001314_JAM_210x38_CT.inddFONTS: n/a DATE: 03/04/08 PROOF: 2DIGITAL ARTIST: Rob SIZE: 210x38mm BLEED: 3mm
Carribean Tourism June
001314_JAM_210x38_CT.indd 1 3/4/08 16:29:07
Every Issue we highlight one of our chapter memberhotels or hotel groups. This issue we are delighted to be looking at Clear Marketing International.
Debbie Cleary set up her boutique hotel representationcompany, Clear Marketing International, back in 2004, after spending several years in senior roles at a well known caribbean tour operator.
Why did she do it? Simply put, Debbie wanted to give the level of service that she felt was missing... simplegood and honest hotel representation, easy to get hold of and able to answer anything you might need to know.
Four years on and Clear Marketing International nowrepresent some of the most popular resorts in the Caribbean. ‘Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind’…is the motto at The BBooddyyHHoolliiddaayy aattLLeeSSPPOORRTT, a unique health and well being resort in St Lucia. Location, location,location… TThhee JJaalloouussiiee PPllaannttaattiioonn sits between the incredible Pitons of St Lucia andnow has some of the best accommodation in the Caribbean with the new LuxuryVillas. For romance, couples only RReennddeezzvvoouuss is the place to be. CCoottttoonn BBaayy VViillllaaggeeis the latest edition to the portfolio, an exclusive Village with ultra luxurious suites andvillas. Last but not least, TTaammaarriinndd BBeeaacchh HHootteell on the tiny island of Canouan in theGrenadines is heaven on earth, incredible food, all rooms on the amazing white sandbeach and the stunning islands of the Grenadines to explore.
To book training, for reservations enquiries or just to talk to us about any of ourfabulous resorts please call 0845 217 7844 or email Debbie Cleary at [email protected]
Blessed by nature and rich in History, this lush tropical island invites you to experience a Caribbean destination like no other. From the golden sand beaches
and cloud-fringed hillsides to the rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming hospitality, St. Kitts invites you to experience the romance.
www.stkittstourism.kn
Log on to the website for details on Wedding and Romance packages and the “Fall in Love with St. Kitts” summer/fall savings promotion.
Tel: 0207-376-0881
Jollythink
For more information contact: Tel: 01372 469818 or Email [email protected] Reservation free phone: 00 800 1235 6559 www.jollybeachresort.com
For your fun packed family holiday!
Having fun is easy at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa Antigua. Set in 40 acres of tropical gardens this all-inclusive paradise sits on one of the most spectacular white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. With 5 restaurants, 5 bars, Jolly Kidz Club, Jolly Teenz Club, 2 pools including our 8,000sqft Fantasy pool and our famous Caribbean hospitality. We ensure your family holiday at Jolly Beach Resort will be an unforgettable one.
a n e x c e p t i o n a l c a r i b b e a n e x p e r i e n c e
Our superb new Palms Wellness Centre is now open.
Chapter Member Highlight
EducationalsSStt.. LLuucciiaa TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd (0207 341 7003) Sept 21 – 28 Dive Fam Trip Oct 10 – 14 Meetings & Incentives Fam TripOct 12 – 19 Weddings & Honeymoon Fam Trip
SSaannddaallss (0207 590 0211)Nov 2 Fam trips to Jamaica
News from…..Win a holiday to the CCaayymmaann IIssllaannddss with TravelUni. Register bookings to the CaymanIslands, and in doing so enter a competition to win a holiday of a lifetime – seven nightholiday for two people. Join the training programme on www.caymanislandsacademy.co.ukand register your bookings for a chance to win a holiday. For further information, pleasecontact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on 020 7491 6961.
The last winner of the GGrroouupp PPrroommoottiioonnss OOnnlliinnee TTrraaiinniinngg was Pauline Richmond, BritishAirways Holidays Prestige Collection, Newcastle who chose Tiffany Jewellery for her prize.To find out more, please visit www.gptrainingacademy.com or telephone 01582 792 260.
RReexx RReessoorrttss have launched a nneeww oonnlliinnee ttrraaiinniinngg pprrooggrraammmmee ‘‘rreexxppeerrttss’’. Visitwww.rexpertsonline.com to learn more about the programme. The Rex Resorts marketingteam have also commenced travel agents visits. If you would like to see them at yourshop, please email [email protected] or telephone 0208 741 5333.
Winners of the second draw of the SStt..KKiittttss//NNeevviiss oonnlliinnee ccoommppeettiittiioonn were Julie Turner ofLuxury Holidays Abroad, Cambridgeshire, James Renner of Travel Counsellors, Doncasterand Tracey Killengray of P & MM Travel, Milton Keynes. For more information visitwww.stkittstourism.kn. The SStt.. KKiittttss TToouurriissmm AAuutthhoorriittyy will offer individual agency visits andtraining throughout England during the months of September and October 2008. Pleasecall 0207 376 0881 if you would like them to visit you.
SStt.. LLuucciiaa TToouurriisstt BBooaarrdd will launch a new and improved travel agent on-line trainingprogramme in September, which will have new interactive features and a loyaltyprogramme for agents. For more information please call 0207 341 7000.
SSuuppeerrCClluubbss have launched their updated on-line training on TTG Knowledge to includeRooms Negril which opened in July 2008. The training programme also includes the newBreezes properties due to open mid 2009. Each agent completing the course receives 5points towards the SuperAgent Incentive Programme for their own Free holiday to any oftheir 17 resorts. In addition, SuperClubs will draw 10 names from all the agents who havecompleted their on-line training to join them on a Fam Trip.
Congratulations to Pamela Rutherford from Dawson & Sanderson in Hexham, who haswon a place on the TTrriinniiddaadd && TToobbaaggoo ‘Take Some Time Out’ fam trip in December 2008.Don't forget to register any bookings you make to Trinidad & Tobago and you could bethe next winner. Visit www.takesometimeout.com to register your bookings andwww.learntnt.com to learn more about Trinidad & Tobago.
Training Update
Barbados Tourism Authority www.bajanclub.orgCouples Resorts www.gptrainingacademy.comRex Resorts www.rexpertsonline.comSandals and Beaches Resorts SABTASunset Resorts www.gptrainingacademy.comTrinidad & Tobago Tourist Office www.learnTNT.comTurks & Caicos Tourist Board www.turksandcaicosexpert.co.uk
TTrraavveell UUnnii www.traveluni.comAntigua & Barbuda Tourist Office Aruba Tourism AuthorityBahamas Tourist OfficeBermuda Dept of TourismCayman Islands Dept of Tourism Elite Island ResortsGrenada Board of TourismJamaica Tourist Board Jolly Beach ResortOccidental Hotels & Resorts
TTrraavveell TTrraaddee GGaazzeettttee –– TThhee KKnnoowwlleeddggee www.ttglive.com/knowledgeOccidental Hotels & ResortsSuperClubs
Training Programmes
CCoouupplleess RReessoorrttss is pleased to announce that upon completion of a $22 millionrenovation in December 2008, Couples Ocho Rios will re-emerge as CouplesTower Isle. The new name is a historical reference to the resort’s beginningsas a private island paradise and a 1950s and 1960s Hollywood hangout.
TThhee DDaaiillyy EExxpprreessss SSuuppeerrCClluubbss JJaammaaiiccaa DDoouubblleess GGoollff TToouurrnnaammeenntt will againtake place at Breezes Runaway Bay’s 72 par Championship Golf Course 30October – 6 November 2008.
CTO Race for Life
. . .e legant indulgence for discerning romantics.. .
Our devotion to detai l has earned us the reputat ion as the Caribbean's premier
Al l- Inclusive experience for your wedding, honeymoon or s imply discovering each
other again. Perfect. Passionate. Pr iceless.
call 01582 794 420 email [email protected] click www.couplesresorts.co.uk
CTO Race for Life team together with Couples Resorts own masseur –giving a hand to revive the body after a challenging run. Well done ladies!
Recently there has been considerable coverage in the media about twoparticularly sad incidents of crime in the Caribbean. Millions of people travel safelyto the Caribbean each year, many returning year after year, to enjoy this beautifulpart of the world. So, as agents selling the Caribbean and responding to clientsfrom the “front line”, let’s get this into perspective. We do hope every agent whohas visited the Caribbean will describe their own experiences to potentialtravellers, and from an industry perspective many of us travel to the Caribbeanseveral times a year safely on business and pleasure – and can’t wait to return.So what do you say to clients concerned about recent coverage, to help here area few questions and answers which assist you to reassure them.
SShhoouulldd II bbee wwoorrrriieedd aabboouutt ggooiinngg ttoo tthhee CCaarriibbbbeeaann??
Security is something that everyone needs to consider wherever they are going in the world
The Caribbean encompasses 30 very different and varied destinations as farapart as London to Athens. Each Caribbean country, like every country in theworld takes the security of its citizens and visitors extremely seriously.
More than 1.25 million British people visit Caribbean countries every year and the region also welcomes more than 5 million visitors from Europe.
IIss ccrriimmee oonn tthhee iinnccrreeaassee iinn tthhee CCaarriibbbbeeaann??
Crime is a problem everywhere in the world. But wherever anyone is travelling in the world there are very useful resources such as the Foreign andCommonwealth Office guidelines so people can keep up to date with all safetyand health issues
SShhoouulldd ttrraavveelllleerrss ttaakkee aannyy ssppeecciiaall pprreeccaauuttiioonnss wwhheenn ttrraavveelllliinngg ttoo tthhee CCaarriibbbbeeaann??
Just consider Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidelines as they would whentravelling to any part of the world.
Travel Safely
ITG Sales and Marketing have been appointed to represent DDiissccoovveerryy aatt MMaarriiggoottBBaayy,, SStt..LLuucciiaa in the UK. For further information please contact ITG Sales andMarketing on 01895 450 710.
New restaurant “Ismay” recently opened at GGaalllleeyy BBaayy,, AAnnttiigguuaa, giving guest thechoice of 3 superb restaurants with waterfront views all offering that unique diningexperience that GGaalllleeyy BBaayy is renowned for. Also newly opened is the “Indulge Spa” at Galley Bay offering guest an extensive range of beauty and therapeutictreatments as well as a Spa Pool area where you can relax before and aftertreatments. For more information please contact Resort Marketing International on 0870 160 9650.
The refurbishment of GGlliitttteerr BBaayy,, BBaarrbbaaddooss is continuing on schedule and is due toopen on 1st November 2008. The landscaped gardens leading down to the bestbeach on the Platinum Coast will be complimented by exclusive and individuallydecorated one, two and three bedroom apartments. For more information pleasecontact Group Promotions on 01582 792 260.
New exclusive 3 bed villa on PPaallmm IIssllaanndd,, SStt.. VViinncceenntt && tthhee GGrreennaaddiinneess will beopening in the autumn 2008. For more information please contact Resort MarketingInternational on 0870 160 9650.
RRoooommss oonn tthhee BBeeaacchh, Negril, JJaammaaiiccaa has opened. This 57-room B&B hotel facesthe Caribbean right on Negril’s seven-mile beach, famed for its powdery white sandand spectacular sunsets. Rooms is a convenient base to such popular Negrilhaunts as Rick’s Café with it's daring cliff divers and Alfred’s night club on thebeach with local bands. Walking distance to local restaurants and shops, the hotelfeatures ocean front and spacious family rooms, plus a swimming pool, on siterestaurant, bar, internet cafe and fitness centre. See image.
TThhee CCrraannee RReessoorrtt aanndd RReessiiddeenncceess, winner of the BBaarrbbaaddooss Pillar of Industry Award in 2007, announces the completion of their new 1.5 acre multi-cascadingpool complex, complete with the new Carriage House Poolside Restaurant. The complex sits on the rugged cliff top and provides a relaxing haven for guests to enjoy breathtaking and exclusive views of the Atlantic Ocean. See Image below.Also newly added, is the elevator to the Crane Beach, which is now completed and is in operation, providing easy and convenient access down the cliff to the pinksand beach. For more information please contact Gemma at Advantage MarketingGroup at [email protected].
TThhee VVeerraannddaahh,, AAnnttiigguuaa has now opened a relaxing adult’s only pool area for its guests.For further details please call Resort Marketing International on 0870 160 9650.
Welcome New Chapter MembersHHooddggeess BBaayy CClluubb iinn AAnnttiigguuaa c/o Futur Marketing68 Kings House Victoria Road
Burgess HillWest Sussex RH15 9LH
www.hodgesbayclub.comTel: 0845 803 3919 / Fax: 0845 803 3929
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
SSeepptt St. Kitts/Nevis 25th Anniversary of Independence OOcctt Tourism Month in St.Kitts 3300 OOcctt –– 22 NNoovv Food and Rum Festival www.foodandrumfestival.com
Property Update
Island Events
take some time out to learn with steely!
Trinidad and Tobago’s online training is now
available at our great new website learntnt.com
www.learntnt.com‘Take some time out’ to learn at
TThhee CCrraannee RReessoorrtt aanndd RReessiiddeenncceess
RRoooommss oonn tthhee BBeeaacchh,, JJaammaaiiccaa
Wow... what can I say about this beautifullittle Caribbean Island – it may only be 21miles by 12 miles but it has certainlymanaged to find a place in my heart!Grenada has the fabulous climate, thebeautiful beaches and the stunning scenerybut in my mind - it's the people that make it.The locals greet you like you’re an old friendand when you leave... that's exactly how you feel – like an old friend!
The great thing about Grenada is that there is accommodation to suit all tastes– from a luxury, boutique hotel to a treehouse style villa set in lush tropicalvegetation. A must for your holiday is a visit to “Fish Friday” where we were ableto sample the local catch of the day whilst listening to the sounds of the steeldrum band – go easy on the rum ‘n’ coke though – this is Grenada measures!To end our trip on a high note, and say our farewells to many new friends wehad the pleasure of meeting along the way, we joined the gang down at the‘Dodgy Dock’ at True Blue Bay Resort and danced the night away underneaththe stars – a perfect end to a perfect trip.
SSaarraahh TToodddd –– TTrraavveell CCoouunnsseelllloorrss..
Fam Trip To Grenada
