READY FOR TAKE OFF Caribbeanbli awas

Embark with us and discover the wonders of the Caribbean, which is again trending as one of the world’s most desired and attractive holiday destinations.

And exploring the Caribbean has never been so smooth and easy.

Airlines are introducing new routes, new attractions and hidden treasures across the region are being revealed while the full removal of health protocols has sparked renewed confidence and enthusiasm among holidaymakers.

Unrivalled Popularity

The Caribbean is in high demand, with arrivals achieving record-breaking numbers that are surpassing pre-pandemic levels in most of its English-, French-, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking destinations.

Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business

Development Director for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation

Chapter UK & Europe says: “The Caribbean destinations have been at the top of travellers’ bucket lists since we emerged from the pandemic.

“Our region has so much to offer, and is now firmly back on the holiday map. With a tantalising choice of natural and cultural splendours, our tropical destinations provide the ideal escape for any traveller looking for a trip of a lifetime.

“We hope this guide inspires you to visit our unrivalled region and provides you with a wealth of ideas to help you plan a holiday.

“Also, follow our social media platforms with #lovecaribbean and let us virtually immerse you in the sights and sounds of our wonderful collection of destinations.”

Hotel Upgrades

New hotel developments, expansions and multi-billion-dollar renovations are being undertaken across the Caribbean. Jamaica will see 8,000 rooms added over the next five years. One of the biggest projects is the 2,000-room, $500 million luxury Princess Hotel in Hanover. The first 1,000 rooms are expected to be ready in 2023, with other developments planned by the likes of Sandals, RIU, Secrets Resorts, and a Hard Rock Resort in Montego Bay.

Hollywood actor Robert de Niro’s Nobu restaurant and beach club in Barbuda is scheduled to open a resort and wellness retreat, the Nobu Barbuda Inn, in 2023.

Luxury Grenada hotel Calabash has reopened after a multimillion-dollar overhaul and the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas has just began a multimillion-dollar revamp due to be completed in 2024, which includes redeveloping its Beach Tower, Royal Tower rooms and the Atlantis Casino.

New Flights

For 2023, new airline routes will open up more of the Caribbean to UK visitors.

Starting in late March, British Airways (BA) is launching direct services to Aruba and Guyana for the first time. Both routes will be twice weekly from London Gatwick and will bring the number of Caribbean destinations served by the airline to 17.

BA is also starting a three-times-a-week direct route to Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, from Gatwick at the same time. It previously operated via Saint Lucia. Two services a week to sister island Tobago will fly via Saint Lucia. BA also added a third weekly service from Heathrow to Grenada for the winter and is increasing flights on its Heathrow to Nassau route in April, May and June.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic will begin a yearround, twice-weekly route from Heathrow to the Turks and Caicos islands from November 2023. Virgin also flies to The Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Tobago and Barbados from UK airports.

Virgin and Aer Lingus both restarted Manchester flights to Barbados in 2022 and TUI also operates flights to half a dozen Caribbean destinations from the UK.

With its excellent direct routes and interisland connections, the Caribbean is great for twin-centre holidays. Popular combinations include Barbados with Antigua, Grenada and Saint Lucia, Antigua and Nevis, Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands and Saint Lucia with Grenada or Tobago.

Unbeatable Deals

With new flights, hotels, itineraries, experiences and the return of cruising, the Caribbean is positioning itself as the go-to destination for long-haul tropical escapes suitable for every budget. With the current economic headwinds in mind, the Caribbean remains “strongly competitive and accessible all year round”.

To underline that, the CTO Chapter invites Caribbean enthusiasts to get inspired by this guide, and encourages future holidaymakers looking for their next escape to visit www. caribbean.co.uk to find some sizzling deals from our Caribbean specialists. There are countless experiences for all in the Caribbean – so start your planning here and come visit our paradise soon. #lovecaribbean. •