|
Caribbean-On-Line » Caribbean Travel News » Barbados
I hate to rely on "hopeful" - but the economy is really taking a toll on the Caribbean. Any new airlift is always welcome:
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, October 2, 2009 - American low-cost carrier JetBlue has spread its wings into Barbados, touching down for the first time at the island's Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday, with an all-Barbadian crew on board.
And local officials are hoping the nonstop daily service between New York's John F Kennedy International Airport and Bridgetown will translate into a boost in tourist arrivals from the United States.
Interesting story out from the AP:
ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA -- Those seeking a new way to explore the eastern Caribbean islands might soon have another option.
A ferry slated to serve Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada and St. Vincent is expected to start operating daily by late October, according to Grenada-based BEDY Ocean Line.
Prices will range from $120 to $140, and some trips will last up to nearly four hours, CEO Benjamin Ross said Tuesday.
The announcement comes as travellers face pricier airline tickets, increased baggage restrictions and canceled flights by regional carrier LIAT due to wage disputes.
One ferry will be based in St. Vincent and serve Barbados and St. Lucia, while another will operate out of Grenada and serve Trinidad and Barbados, Ross said. Between 260 to 300 seats will be available per ferry.
Passengers will be allowed to carry two 60-pound (27-kilogram) suitcases without charge, and alcohol is prohibited on board.
In 2005, Barbadian company Remac Tours announced it would offer ferry service between Barbados and Guadeloupe, with stops in St. Lucia, Dominica and Martinique. But the service was never begun for internal reasons not related to costs or demand, CEO Reynold McClean said.
Currently, only a couple of ferries operate between Florida and the Bahamas and among Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
From Philly.com:
US Airways says it will begin adding flights to Barbados from Philadelphia International Airport, beginning Oct. 1.
Philadelphia's dominant carrier said it would begin with four flights a week there (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), then offer daily flights for the winter season, beginning Dec. 19.
The airline said that, once this service was started, it would offer an average of 109 weekly nonstop flights to 14 Caribbean destinations during the peak season to travel there.
An article in USAToday points out several new routes to the Caribbean, including the DR, St. Lucia, and Barbados:
Cheap flights to the Dominican Republic won't be hard to find this summer thanks to ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit. The airline has recently resumed its service between its Ft. Lauderdale hub and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, available through September 8. Meanwhile, Spirit's new service to Santiago from Ft. Lauderdale begins June 20.
From Caribbean360.com:
KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 27, 2009 - A week after cutting Barbados from its itinerary, Air Jamaica has announced a resumption of services for the summer months.
It will operate a twice weekly service between New York and the Caribbean island from July 2nd to August 20th.
The airline, which suspended its Barbados service on April 20th, said the decision was taken "in response to expected demand by Barbadian nationals in the tri-state area travelling home for the summer".
With JetBlue recently announcing service also it seems the battle for Barbados is on!
-- Daily flights proposed to begin in October --
NEW YORK, April 23, 2009 -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announces plans to continue its successful international expansion with new service this fall to the Caribbean island of Barbados, subject to receipt of government operating authority. JetBlue intends to begin daily nonstop flights year-round between Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport -- where connections to cities across the United States are available -- on Oct. 1, 2009. Flights are expected to go on sale in June at www.jetblue.com.
Continue reading "JetBlue Airways to offer Barbados - New York Flights" »
According to their website parts of the new Crane Village are scheduled to open next month:
The Crane Village- The exteriors of all buildings and exterior landscaping in the Village are now complete, with interior finishing ongoing. The retail stores will begin opening on a phased basis starting in February 2009. On completion this area will include D'Onofrio's Italian restaurant, The Village Cafe, The General Store, Tamarind Seed art gallery and craft store, Dingolay's resort wear boutique, Bar 1887, Ozone fitness centre with two spa treatment rooms, new reception and concierge area, The Town Hall conference centre and a 3,000 square foot duty free environ featuring jewelry, souvenirs, liquor and tobacco, managed by the Duty Free Caribbean Group (Cave Sheperd, Columbian Emeralds, Pages Bookstore, Ganzee souvenir shop).
Well the recession is real now and the global economic situation can no longer be ignored as it negatively affects the travel market. The Caribbean is for the most part a vacation destination - there isn't a lot of business travel to pick up the slack for the hotels, restaurants, and attractions if vacationers aren't coming. Travel Weekly has a story out about how the hotels in Barbados are ready - whether anyone comes or not:
Barbados' hotels are ready for a busy winter, if only the tourists would come.
Several of the island's existing properties have been spiffed up, expanded and upgraded. And some new properties will open early in 2009.
Coming up this month is the debut of the Coral Reef Club Spa at the 88-room Coral Reef Club on the west coast. Spa perks include Natura Bisse luxury products, individual treatment rooms with private gardens, an outdoor treatment pavilion for couples and a hydro pool.
The Crane Village, opening early next year at the Crane Resort & Residences on the east coast, is designed to be the heart of the resort community, with a new reception area, two restaurants, a bar, duty-free shops and boutiques and an art gallery. These are trying times everywhere, but opening a new hotel in this climate has got to be hard to do - more here.
Miami, FL - November 10, 2008 - Passengers flying on Air Jamaica from Baltimore, New York or Fort Lauderdale to Barbados can save up to fifty percent when booking online. These fantastic fares are valid for travel through December 15, 2008, but must be booked by November 20, 2008.
"We want to pass on great savings to our customers and help them de-stress before the holidays," says George deMercado, Air Jamaica's Senior Sales Executive. "Passengers will be able to experience our legendary Lovebird Hospitality and complimentary champagne flights without breaking the bank."
These special fares are available for a limited period so customers are encouraged to act quickly to enjoy these unbelievable deals. Sale fare prices are valid for purchases online at www.airjamaica.com only. Passengers taking advantage of these great deals must book by November 20, 2008 and complete travel by December 15, 2008. The fares are roundtrip and government taxes and fees are additional. Conditions regarding advance booking, cancellations and other changes apply.
New York to Barbados US $279 roundtrip
Baltimore to Barbados US $279 roundtrip
Fort Lauderdale to Barbados US $229 roundtrip
When booking these special fares, travelers must enter Coupon Number: EGEVPGF and Promotion Code: BGI08.
For further information or reservations, visit Air Jamaica's website at www.airjamaica.com.
Travel Weekly is reporting that Sandy Lane has reopened after an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation:
Sandy Lane's enhancements include new furnishings in guest rooms; restyled decor, menus, a new coffee bar and a climate-controlled area in the Bajan Blue restaurant; and a new sauna and boutique line from Paris in the 47,000-square-foot spa.
|
|
