Barbados = True Caribbean hospitality

March 13, 2011 by
For those of us that have frequented or been fortunate to travel for a Caribbean Holiday to the island of Barbados you will be nodding your heads right now when you see our post’s topic. For those that have not visited as yet, don’t worry, there is plenty hospitality for everyone! Barbados has become one of the world's premier destinations. But what has been some of the fundamentals that have niched this most easterly isle of the Caribbean archipelagos and made it able to compete against all of the tourism world’s heavy hitters? Sure marketing does a lot; package deals; great accommodations for all income brackets; a nice big airport and long runway; lovely seas, sands and climate. But what separates Barbados? We say that without excellent people in your model all of the other factors can result in nothing. At an early age, people in Barbados recognize the importance of their visitor. Trust us when we say, almost everyone here is an ambassador to this nation. Locals are referred to as “Bajans” and they are a proud folk. Proud of what an excellent vehicle of service they have created, sustained and continued to maintain to this day. Most Bajans have some link to the service industry and know well that this is the heartbeat to their country. The government provides stable and excellent leadership on all fronts and this vision is effectively shared by all of society. Lost in Bridgetown, ask any local and you most likely will get led to your destination even if that person was going the opposite way! On the unlikely occasion you are harassed or overly touted by someone, other locals may pull them up and apologize for any undue behavior. Hospitality in Barbados therefore does not reside just within the walls of your chosen abode or where they are after your money or hoping for a fat tip. Here it is real and they are the real deal in getting you here again. Our recommendation? Try Barbados, see for yourself. It is not remiss of us to say that many other Caribbean islands can follow example of just what makes a perfect tourism model – your people, all the people, not just some people.
Filed Under: Commentary

Cuba – Growing as a Top Tourist destination

March 8, 2011 by
North American visits are on the rise to the lovely island of Cuba. With the anticipation of relaxed barriers of trade and travel on travellers' minds, this destination is becoming quite sought after. Recently the US administrators have allowed visits by their nationals if they meet certain criteria to qualify for flying to Cuba: If they have close relatives in Cuba; if they wish to conduct business in the medical or agricultural sectors or; if they wish to travel for educational or religous purposes. Visitors can now fly from Tampa, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, New Orleans, Chicago, Pittsburg, and Puerto Rico. This is in addition to airports that currently have flights leaving their terminals to Cuba - New York, Miami and Los Angelos. Not to be left out, several ferry operators out of Tampa and Florida have filed for permission to offer services between America and Cuba. They say it is an awaiting niche market which can provide much needed jobs to their citizens as well as offer passengers many advantages such as cheaper fares and the ability to take much more luggage and goods on board for their families back in Cuba. In 2010, Cuban tourism grew some 4 percent when 2.5 million people visited Cuba. Canadian visitors lead the way by leaps and bounds. Canadian airlines such as Air Canada, Westjet and Sunwing Air Lines fly from Canada to approximately ten Cuban tourist centres like the famous Varadero resort. By the end of the year, Canadian arrivals exceeded 900k, a slight increase from the previous year by that date and it is showing continuous growth in the last few years. Advertising in Canada is also on the upswing with radio, TV and signage being at an all-time high. The pull of Cuba is due to it’s still unspoilt heritage, rich culture and breathtaking resorts. It seems that their is a slow transition from the once off limits Cuba. The country is moving towards being a top Caribbean destination once more.
Filed Under: In the news

Oil & Tourism

March 8, 2011 by
With all the unrest that is presently happening in the Middle East the world tourism market is hoping it is quickly and peacefully resolved. With continued speculation by consumers and by extension the markets they control driving the price per barrel of oil upwards, it is feared that fuel and related costs for travel may also climb. Will the tourism industry be adversely affected throughout the Caribbean? We have found that when oil prices rise significantly and airlines pass this cost to its passengers, tourism settles for destinations closer to its homes. For example, American tourists go more to the Bahamas, Europeans to closer destinations within the continent and Canada to driving to the States or other parts of their country. Also cruise liners reduce the amount of planned voyages and destination ports have to accept less calls to their ports. The result can be a ripple effect that can negatively affect the seasonal employment of locals affecting the islands' GDP. Coupled with this as costs rise due to oil price pressures, people from the islands living in foriegn lands repatriate less money to their families in the islands leading to a negative impact on the countries financial inflows as well. So the prayer for peace is not only for democracy to reign or for peace to prosper but also for our Caribbean market to weather a storm that after the recession of 2008/2009 we will not like to face in a hurry again.
Filed Under: Commentary

March 2011: Anguilla is our Island of the month

March 8, 2011 by

Long revered as an escape for the super rich and famous, Anguilla is one of the loviest Caribbean Holiday destinations in the region. Accessiblity for foreign visitors is best sought by flying in to Princess Juliana International Ariport on the Dutch-side of St. Maarten and then ferrying across from either the Dutch or French sides. We prefer the French departure as the ride is much shorter and reliable.

Anguilla is called tranquility wrapped in blue and when you get there you will realise why. The ocean looks like a perfect pool, warm and inviting. The sands are powdery white and quite dazzling on a bright sunlit day.

If the super high-end hotels and villas are out of reach from your budget, don't worry, there are many guest houses and self-contained apartments that will be happy to serve you.

Visit the many quiet and gorgeous beaches and be awe inspired by the breath-taking views such as Shoal Bay, Rendezvous Bay and Mead's Bay. Make sure and book a day trip to one of Anguilla's offshore keys like Prickly Pear. So much to do but keep it in the true Caribbean mode, take it easy, take it slow, one day at a time. Enjoy your Caribbean adventure!

Filed Under: Our Island of the month

February 2011: Trinidad is our Island of the Month

March 7, 2011 by
For the month of March 2011 the pick of the CIG Group is the lovely island of Trinidad, mainly because - It's Carnival time again! Once a year this island goes truly mad, a good mad, a fun mad. Partying (or revelling) in the streets on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday is the climax of the long season which actullly begins right after Christmas. Trinidadians are known worldwide for their belief that a good party solves all problems, that is reflected in their free spirts and willingness to drop all that their doing to go "lime." Carnival celebrations consists of parties (called fetes), many all-inclusive; song competitions (the biggest one being Calypso Monarch and Chutney Monarch); Steel drum competitons (Steelpan is the national instrument of Trinidad) called Panorama and; The Parade of the Bands where the revelry is spawned on the streets of the capital on the last two days of Carnival - Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Trinidad's Carnival is known as "The Greatest Shows on Earth" and if you are ever lucky enough to witness it along with the thousands of visitors that make this annual party pilgramage, you will understand why! For more on Trinidad's Carnival check out our Guide Booklets or contact us at caribbeaninsidersguide.com for an extract of this island. Its that time of the year again in the beautiful island of Trinidad where the self-proclaimed "Greatest Show On Earth" takes place. This Show refers to the island's unique Carnival celebrations. Easily the front-runner in Caribbean Carnival celebrations, people from around the world and indeed many of the neighbouring islands flock to Trinidad to be part of this splendour. The mixture of people, parties (called fetes), music and island charm mix in Trinidad's crucible of culture to ensure visitors have the time of their lives. For more of the celebrations follow Trinidad's Carnival on Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/Carnival2K11 If this does not convince you to book you ticket for Carnival 2K12, let us know, we can change your mind, so convinced are we that an unforgettable experience awaits you. You can aslo check out our new 2011 Insiders Guide Booklet where a full chapter is dedicated to this unique island in the Caribbean, the home of Calypso music, Limbo and Steelpan. Join us, explore the Caribbean region, book that Caribbean Holiday, live and enjoy your life. Happy Caribbean Holidaying!
Filed Under: Our Island of the month

Award – St. Lucia photographer

February 23, 2011 by

The island of St. Lucia is one of the most popular Wedding and Honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean.

Recently Mr. Bill Mortley, a son of the soil, has been awarded for his excellence in the field of Wedding Photography by a leading US wedding technology company, Wedding Wire.

Bill will receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photography.

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by  reviews and surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. 

Bill Mortley is among the very best Wedding Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee.

Congratulations to Bill and we recommend you visit his site if you are planning to get married, celebrate your renewals or have a professional record you on your honeymoon in gorgeous St. Lucia!

http://www.billmortleyphotography.com/

Filed Under: In the news Tagged With:

News in Tobago

January 13, 2011 by
A recent incident of serious crime (robbery and assault) invloving two foreign residents of Tobago resulted in the island receiving a lot of negative local, regional and international press. Without delving into the facts of the unfortunate matter, we would like to assure all visitors to that island that the matter has received the fullest attention of the authorities. Our research and findings have revealed that from the head of the Tobago House of Assembly (the islands governing body) to the tourim officials of the sister isle of Trinidad have been on site with these two long-time residents to ensure their recovery and satisfaction. Tobago remains an eco-paradise very safe and extremely beautiful to visit. A few bad apples of criminal intent must not deter this island's drive to continuing and enhancing its reputation of being a Caribbean island haven. Tobago is rising again as being our region's Robinson Crusoe isle, purposly keeping out the big hoteliers and developers to protect the environment, conserve its flora and fauna and preserve its rich Caribbean history. A quick tip to potential visitors of Tobago which we will reveal here is to make sure and visit one of the island's best kept secret...No-Man's Land. Best reached by boat, this natural occuring spit has some of the islands best bathing and fun snorkling. See more about Tobago in our latest Caribbean Insiders Guide 2011 booklet.
Filed Under: In the news Tagged With:
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