Updated April 21
Coronavirus Regional and International News
How vaccines are affecting Covid-19 outbreaks globally
China vaccines put to real-world test against Covid-19
Chambers of Commerce campaign to end Covid in region Call to action
CARPHA Joins With Public Health Agency Of Canada To Fight COVID-19
http://www.looptt.com/content/carpha-joins-public-health-agency-canada-fight-covid-19
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
Barbados Airport Reopens Following Volcanic Ashfall
https://www.cndenglish.com/news-picks/barbados-airport-reopens-following-volcanic-ashfall
JetBlue Says Its Flying To Cayman In Early September
http://www.loopcayman.com/content/jetblue-says-its-flying-cayman-early-september
Airlines Queue Up For Boom In Travel To Jamaica
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20210420/airlines-queue-boom-travel-jamaica
‘PURE MADNESS’: IATA warns of dangers over European air traffic reforms
Regional News
Tobago enjoyed 79 per cent hotel occupancy for Easter (Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association)
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/04/20/tobago-enjoyed-79-per-cent-hotel-occupancy-for-easter/
PRHTA Recommends Adjustments to Manage Tourism Safely (Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association)
Jamaica Tourist Board Relaunches the TSAC
https://www.cndenglish.com/tourism/jamaica-tourist-board-relaunches-tsac
Vincentian police arrest Lava Man, the volcano-climbing daredevil
Regional Destinations
The best beaches in St Lucia
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-beaches-st-lucia
Guyana launches Green Traveller’s Guide
https://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/guyana-launches-green-travellers-guide-3
A new tour company aims to explore locally in Jamaica
https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/New-tour-option-explores-Jamaica-s-local-culture
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun Is Coming In 2021
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-Ziva-Riviera-Cancun-is-coming-in-2021
International Destinations
Measures Welcome, But Recovery May Take Years: TIAC
https://www.travelpress.com/measures-welcome-but-recovery-may-take-years-tiac/#.YIALDegzaUk
U.S. warns against travel to 80% of world due to coronavirus
A BIG COMEBACK: Survey says Americans gearing up to go
https://travelindustrytoday.com/a-big-comeback-survey-says-americans-gearing-up-to-go/
UK border staff discover 100 fake Covid test certificates every day
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php
Updated March 23
Coronavirus Regional and International News
Cuba to vaccinate 150,000 frontline workers as part of final phase of clinical trial
Covid-19: Vaccines and vaccine passports being sold on darknet
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56489574
U.S. health body questions AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial data
Vladimir Putin to receive Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/22/vladimir-putin-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine-on-tuesday
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
Airline travel at highest its been since start of COVID pandemic; 1.5 million people screen through TSA
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa-airlines-idINKBN2BE2IB
Nigeria suspends Emirates flights over COVID-19 tests
CAL Offers Connect Flights From JFK To Eastern Caribbean Via Barbados
http://www.looptt.com/content/cal-offering-connect-flights-jfk-eastern-caribbean
Regional News
Sandals Regional Exchange Programme to Boost Employment Opportunities for Caribbean Nationals
UWI Centre Predicts Influx Of Sargassum
https://stluciatimes.com/uwi-centre-predicts-influx-of-sargassum/
Kingston Creative, Blue Mahoe Capital partnership secured
https://www.loopjamaica.com/content/kingston-creative-blue-mahoe-capital-partnership-secured
Dominica Invites Remote Workers to Stay in Nature Island with Launch of Work in Nature Visa
Regional Destinations
Here are the nine best Caribbean beaches to visit in 2021
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/here-are-the-nine-best-caribbean-beaches-to-visit-in-2021
11 Female-owned Hotels Around the World With Amazing Stories
https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/woman-owned-hotels-around-the-world
9 best beaches in Antigua
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-beaches-antigua
Explore Sint Maarten’s delightful Dutch sights and shores on this photo tour
https://www.10best.com/interests/explore/sint-maarten-dutch-caribbean-beaches-virtual-photo-tour/
International Destinations
UK considers ‘traffic light’ system for overseas travel
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php
CRYSTAL RESERVATION RECORD SHATTERED: Latest sign of cruising demand
https://travelindustrytoday.com/crystal-reservation-record-shattered-latest-sign-of-cruising-demand/
Domestic, distanced, outdoors: Alaska tours are a hot ticket
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Alaska-is-a-hot-ticket-this-year
CRAVING CONNECTION: Family, friends, leading 2021 travel motivator
https://travelindustrytoday.com/craving-connection-family-friends-leading-2021-travel-motivator/
Updated March 22
Coronavirus Regional and International News
AstraZeneca vaccine found to be 79% effective in U.S. trial, ‘no increased risk’ of blood clots
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/22/astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-79percent-effective-in-us-trial.html
Outlook darkens for Europe’s virus-stricken economy
https://www.ft.com/content/e818cea3-998f-4eef-ac0f-8f11894ac9af
150,000 Cubans To Get Shots Of Soberana 2 Vaccine Today
https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-news-thousands-to-get-cuban-vaccines-soberana-2/
Caribbean COVID Vaccine Race by Numbers
https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/caribbean-covid-vaccine-race-by-numbers/
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
Japan Airlines is certified with the 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating
AirAsia, Vistara plan for next stages of post-COVID-19 recovery
GOVERNMENTS WILL ‘INSIST’ ON COVID VACCINES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, SAYS AIRLINE BOSS
Regional News
Minister: ‘Prioritise’ Tourism Workers On Covid-19 Vaccine (Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association)
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/mar/22/minister-prioritise-tourism-workers-covid-19-vacci/
Leverage Caribbean Talent and Create Wealth – Basil Springer
https://sflcn.com/leverage-caribbean-talent-and-create-wealth-basil-springer/
C’bean countries commit to implementing UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
US Virgin Islands Tourism Numbers on the Rise
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/us-virgin-islands-tourism-numbers-on-the-rise.html
Regional Destinations
Trip Advisor: Cuban Beach Voted Best in Caribbean
https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/trip-advisor-cuban-beach-voted-best-in-caribbean/
A foodie outpost in St. Croix’s rainforest serves ‘simple, real’ food
https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/A-foodie-outpost-St-Croix-simple-real-food
Grenada’s Top All-Inclusive Is Reopening in October
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/03/21/grenada-all-inclusive-top-reopening/
A New Culinary Experience at the Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/03/21/ritz-carlton-st-thomas-culinary-experience/
International Destinations
AITO slams ill-advised comments on ‘risky’ overseas travel
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2046521&c=setreg®ion=2
Life Is Beautiful is back in Las Vegas
https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Life-Is-Beautiful-is-back-in-Vegas
Globus, Intrepid offer new tours keyed to post-pandemic travel
MAYHEM IN MIAMI
https://travelindustrytoday.com/mayhem-in-miami/
Updated March 18
Coronavirus Regional and International News
You’re Not Fully Vaccinated the Day of Your Last Dose
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/03/how-long-wait-fully-vaccinated/618303/
Grenada Vaccinates More Than 8,000 Residents in a Month
J&J Single-Dose Vaccines To Be Available Under COVAX Facility By July
http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/jj-single-dose-vaccines-be-available-under-covax-facility-july
CARPHA Helping The Region In COVID-19 Fight
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/03/17/carpha-helping-region-covid-19-fight/
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
JetBlue, Aruba Partner On Digital Health Pass
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/03/17/jetblue-aruba-partner-on-digital-health-pass/
AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME: IATA tests Travel Pass App
https://travelindustrytoday.com/an-idea-whose-time-has-come-iata-tests-travel-pass-app/
Regional News
Hoteliers agree preclearance must be approved immediately
Scotiabank makes change to T&T and Caribbean leadership
https://www.looptt.com/content/scotiabank-makes-change-tt-and-caribbean-leadership-5
CSEC And CAPE Students Now Have Free Access To OneX Platform
https://jis.gov.jm/csec-and-cape-students-now-have-free-access-to-onex-platform/
ECCB Governor Announces DCash Public Launch
https://stluciatimes.com/eccb-governor-announces-dcash-public-launch/
Regional Destinations
Sandals launches new luxury Caribbean holidays for couples who met during lockdown
https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/caribbean/sandals-launches-new-luxury-caribbean-23744090
AMResorts Launches On-Site Testing in the Caribbean
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/03/17/amresorts-caribbean-on-site-testing-program/
Saint Lucia Hosts First Ever Virtual Global Roadshow
https://sflcn.com/saint-lucia-hosts-first-ever-virtual-global-roadshow/
Palladium Hotel Group Invites Guests To Discover Its Dominican Republic Properties
International Destinations
Iceland opens borders to all vaccinated tourists
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2046482&c=setreg®ion=2
World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes European Commission’s proposal for the EU wide Digital Green Certificate
72% of American consumers plan to return to pre-pandemic travel rates
Digital tipping may become the norm at hotels and resorts
Updated March 12
Coronavirus Regional and International News
American Rescue Plan: China worried about economic impact of Joe Biden’s US$1.9 trillion coronavirus bailout
New Covid variant discovered in UK
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php
Denmark, Norway, Iceland Suspend Use Of AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/denmark-norway-iceland-suspend-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-2388786
Israeli real-world data on Pfizer vaccine shows high Covid protection
Cayman Islands to Shorten Quarantine Period Starting March 22
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
One Airline Is Offering $4 Covid Tests to Get People Flying
COVID-19’s impact on the airline industry
MAXXED OUT: WestJet cancels orders for 15 Boeing 737 Max planes
https://travelindustrytoday.com/maxxed-out-westjet-cancels-orders-for-15-boeing-737-max-planes/
Regional News
SLHTA Renews Commitment To Displaced Sector Employees (Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association)
https://stluciatimes.com/slhta-renews-commitment-to-displaced-sector-employees/
Will regional unity be forever lost to the Caribbean?
https://menafn.com/1101739348/Will-regional-unity-be-forever-lost-to-the-Caribbean
Get To Know Jamaica With Travel Agent Academy’s Specialist Training
Saint Lucia Tourism Launches Virtual Shows For The Travel Trade
Regional Destinations
Grand Bahama’s Top All-Inclusive Is Reopening This Month
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/03/11/grand-bahamas-top-all-inclusive-is-reopening-this-month/
Crystal Cruises Launches Bahamas Escapes From Nassau And Bimini
https://sflcn.com/crystal-cruises-launches-bahamas-escapes-from-nassau-and-bimini/
Mexican Caribbean continues tourism reactivation
https://eturbonews.com/2990290/mexican-caribbean-continues-tourism-reactivation/
2021’s Top US And International Spring Break Travel Destinations
International Destinations
The Tourism Industry in Botswana 2021: Focus on Game Reserves, Wildlife, and Wilderness Tourism
AN AWESOME WEEK: Travel advisors get heard
https://travelindustrytoday.com/an-awesome-week-travel-advisors-get-heard/
Potential travelers are nore likely to travel to a destination that requires COVID-19 vaccine
Vacasa is buying TurnKey Vacation Rentals
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Vacasa-is-buying-TurnKey-Vacation-Rentals
Updated February 25
Coronavirus Regional and International News
Ocho Rios Businessman Not Deterred By COVID-19
https://jis.gov.jm/features/ocho-rios-businessman-not-deterred-by-covid-19/
Rowley calls for further integration to help push COVID-19 recovery in region
Coronavirus: Public need ‘home truths’ on economy – Hammond
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56182669
Moderna to begin clinical trials of Covid booster shots for variant from South Africa, sends to NIH for study
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/24/moderna-covid-vaccine-booster-shots-south-africa-variant-trials.html
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
IATA Downgrades Prognosis for Airline Industry Covid Recovery
Cayman Governor And The Premier Fly Aboard CAL’s B737-8
https://www.ieyenews.com/cayman-governor-and-the-premier-fly-aboard-cals-b737-8/
American Airlines Is Adding More Flights To Haiti
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/02/24/haiti-american-airlines-adding-flights/
Regional News
Cayman Islands may dial back on cruise visits once borders reopen
https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cayman-Islands-may-dial-back-on-cruise-visits
PAHO chief urges Caribbean to leave no one behind in digital transformation of public health
Only Students Preparing For Exit Exams To Attend Face-To-Face Classes
https://jis.gov.jm/only-students-preparing-for-exit-exams-to-attend-face-to-face-classes/
Pandemic Underscores Importance of Regionalism, Multilateralism, South-South Cooperation – CARICOM Chair PM Rowley
Regional Destinations
The Stunning City On Dominican Republic’s Southeast
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2021/02/24/the-stunning-city-on-dominican-republics-southeast/
9 Caribbean destinations you can fly to in a lie-flat seat
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/fly-lie-flat-to-caribbean/
The Future of Micro-Weddings in the Mexican Caribbean
Sandals Emerald Bay Reopens Its Doors And Welcomes Guests Back To Paradise
International Destinations
Thai tourism calls for vaccine passport decision
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2046228&c=setreg®ion=2
What culinary trends emerged from living through a full year of a pandemic
Brits’ new bucket list choices: Where does travel rank?
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/brits-new-bucket-list-choices-where-does-travel-rank/
THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES: Some travellers at Toronto Pearson refuse to quarantine
Updated February 16
Coronavirus Regional and International News
Coronavirus cases in the Caribbean to date: 495,896
https://www.loopjamaica.com/content/coronavirus-cases-caribbean-date-495896-1
WHO lists two additional COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use and COVAX roll-out
A Statement From PAHO/WHO On The First Health Worker In Barbados Succumbing To COVID-19 Illness
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Sharply Reduces Symptomatic Covid-19 In The Real World, Israeli Researchers Say
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
UNICEF secures airline commitments for COVID vaccine transport
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unicef-secures-airline-commitments-for-covid-vaccine-transport
Message From The Cayman Airways President & CEO On The B737-8 Fleet’s “Return To Service”
THE PEAK OF BLEAK: Air Canada losses ‘staggering,’ but optimism over bailout
Regional News
Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association and Wayaj form partnership (Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association)
Tourism Association President Upbeat as Resort Investments Kick In (USVI Hotel and Tourism Association)
This Caribbean Nation Remains On Lockdown
https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-travel-this-caribbean-island-remains-on-lockdown/
Jamaica Tourism Minister: Take Greater Advantage of Growing Rum Tourism Niche Market
Regional Destinations
Top 10 Most Affordable Caribbean Destinations
https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/destinations/top-10-most-affordable-caribbean-destinations.html
8 Over-The-Top Suites Around The Caribbean To Inspire Your Wanderlust
https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/travel/over-the-top-suites-around-the-caribbean/
The Top Luxury Hotel in St Martin Just Reopened
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/02/15/the-top-luxury-hotel-in-st-martin-just-reopened/
Exciting New Hotel Openings in Mexican Caribbean for 2021
International Destinations
Is this the best way to re-start travel?
https://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php?news_id=2046115&c=setreg®ion=2
Bowman’s Travel Brief: The Travel Bounce Back Is Coming
Saudi Tourism to launch ‘Journeys in Arabia’ in India
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/saudi-tourism-to-launch-journeys-in-arabia/
World Trade Organization names its first female, African Director-General
Updated January 6
Coronavirus Regional and International News
Caribbean-Born Nurse Gets Second COVID-19 Shot
https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-news-caribbean-born-nurse-gets-second-covid-19-shot/
WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 5 January 2021
South African Covid variant appears to ‘obviate’ antibody drugs, Dr. Scott Gottlieb says
New COVID-19 Test Gives Positive Result In Just A Few Minutes
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210105120243.htm
Regional News
We have to accept new normal to achieve recovery – SLHTA president (Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association)
https://www.loopslu.com/content/we-have-accept-new-normal-achieve-recovery-slhta-president
‘Atlantis Failed To Follow The Rules’
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2021/jan/05/atlantis-failed-follow-rules/?news
Trump Administration Adds Cuban Bank To ‘Restricted List’
Dozens of guests at Jamaica resort sickened by likely salmonella outbreak
https://nypost.com/2021/01/05/outbreak-at-jamaica-resort-sickens-dozens-of-guests/
Regional Destinations
Seven Surprising Facts About Curaçao
https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-travel-seven-fast-and-fun-facts-about-curacao/
6 Most Unusual Underwater Attractions On This Planet (That You Can Visit)
https://www.travelbinger.com/6-oddest-unusual-underwater-attractions-on-this-planet/
The Best New Boutique Hotels Opening In 2021
Top 10 Private Jet Destinations Around The World
https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/top-10-private-jet-destinations-around-the-world
International Destinations
Russia mulls COVID-19 vaccination certificates for cross-border travel
Bali suffers without Australian and Chinese tourists
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/bali-suffers-without-australian-and-chinese-tourists/
Recall of the wild: South America’s new era of nature-led tourism
Tourism banking on health image
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2046135/tourism-banking-on-health-image
Updated January 5
Breaking Travel News: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/comito-steps-down-as-leader-of-caribbean-hotel-tourism-association/
Travel Week:
Coronavirus Regional and International News
COVID-Positive UK Traveller Dies In Jamaica
http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/covid-positive-uk-traveller-dies-jamaica
The latest on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines
Covid variant in South Africa is ‘more of a problem’ than the one in UK, official says
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/04/south-african-coronavirus-variant-more-of-a-problem-than-uk-one.html
The EU’s coronavirus vaccine blame game. Why so slow?
https://www.politico.eu/article/the-vaccination-blame-game-is-it-all-the-eus-fault/
Airline Industry (Coronavirus News)
JetBlue’s New Aruba Flights
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/01/04/aruba-jetblue-new-flights-newark-liberty/
Major US airlines back ‘global’ COVID-19 testing requirements: Letter
WORST OF BOTH WORLDS: IATA irate over Canada’s testing plan
https://travelindustrytoday.com/worst-of-both-worlds-iata-irate-over-canadas-testing-plan/
Regional News
Breaking Travel News obituary: Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart
PM warns visitors about COVID breaches (Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association)
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/01/04/pm-warns-visitors-covid-breaches/
Government Appoints Committee to Investigate the Country’s First Covid-19 Related Death
Barbados Now Listed As High Risk By This Caribbean Country
https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbena-travel-barbados-now-high-risk-in-st-vincent/
Regional Destinations
The Cool List: The 10 Coolest Caribbean Hotels for 2021
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/01/04/the-cool-list-the-10-coolest-caribbean-hotels-for-2021/
Sandals Is Reopening Two Bahamas Resorts
https://www.caribjournal.com/2021/01/04/bahamas-sandals-resorts-reopening/
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan Deemed A Bubble Resort
https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/hotels/mandarin-oriental-canouan-deemed-a-bubble-resort
CuisinArt and Reef resorts in Anguilla have a new owner
https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/CuisinArt-and-Reef-resorts-have-a-new-owner
International Destinations
Moscow’s maiden digital roadshow concludes in India
https://www.traveldailymedia.com/moscows-maiden-digital-roadshow-concludes-in-india/
Singapore could relax curbs for vaccinated travellers as World Economic Forum nears
Indians emerge as biggest international tourists in Maldives
Thailand: No plans to return tourism to pre-COVID crisis levels
https://eturbonews.com/2472247/thailand-no-plans-to-return-tourism-to-pre-covid-crisis-levels/
