industry news - feature destinations - interviews - travel tech
AUGUST 2011
BAHAMAS
Destination of the Month
CHTA Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
Atlantis Paradise Found
Hotel Rooms of the Future
www.traveltrademagazine.com
WHEN IN PARADISE, INSURANCE SHOULD BE THE LAST THING ON YOUR MIND. Let Ingle International take care of your insurance needs… so that all you have to worry about is sunscreen.
Visit www.ingletravel.com • Call 1-800-360-3234 • 416-640-7863 A trusted name in the industry since 1946, Ingle International knows insurance. And travel insurance is our specialty. At Ingle International, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the best products and services for our clients – whether you’re vacationing in the Bahamas, taking a leisurely cruise, or climbing Mt. Everest, we’ve got you covered!
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MESSAGE FROM
THE EDITOR EDITOR: Paul Weston EMAIL: paul@traveltrademag.com
WEB: www.traveltrademagazine.com
With our first issue I realise that I may not know you all well, but I hope to hear from you very soon. Journalism is a dialogue, and it does not work if it is a one way communication. It is with that that that I encourage you the reader- to participate in this dialogue. Please send me your thoughts and comments, and I will endeavour to reply to them all, either in our next issue, or personally. In this issue we focus on some key aspects of the travel landscape; from innovative technology in Hotel suites, to the importance of how Social Media helps build credibility, relationships, and brand to millions of potential clients and customers. Our destination of the month highlights The Bahamas as we sit down with key representatives from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association getting a deeper insight into what drives the promotion, growth and the security of the tourism industry consistent with the needs of The Bahamas.
Travel Trade Magazine was founded with a very simple idea: to give the Travel and Tourism industry an unfiltered voice. We realised very early on that the changing landscape of journalism and media required someone to step in and provide-not a service- but an innovative and easily accessible way in which we can maximise our readership, improve B2B communications, and let everyone who has a story to tell a forum in which to express it. This is what we hope Travel Trade Magazine will stand for in your minds, and this is what we strive for in every issue. I would like to thank you for picking up our first digital issue and I hope that you continue to follow us as we highlight the Travel Trade industry. All the best and safe travels!
traveltrade Paul Weston Editor inChief
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WELCOMECONTENTS
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WELCOME/ CONTENTS AUG 2011
this month
3 6 12 14
EDITORS NOTE TRAVEL TRADE NEWS AUGUST TRAVEL TRADE EVENTS TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY
destination
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The Bahamas Re-imagining The Bahamas Atlantis - Paradise Found Twenty One Bahamas Tips Paradise Islands Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
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WELCOMECONTENTS
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Pg. 40
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features 16 20 24 62
SOCIAL MEDIA REVOLUTION HOTEL ROOMS OF THE FUTURE AULANI RESORTS DESTINATION X-GAMES
TRAVEL NEWS
traveltrade NEWS 06
MARRIOT ADDS AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION Autograph Collection announced that six luxury Boscolo Hotels in Europe will join its collection. Last year, Marriott International launched Autograph Collection, a group of independent luxury hotels, each hand picked for their character, originality, and uncommon details. The first four Autograph Collection Hotels in Europe were added in Spain, and with six Boscolo properties, located in some of Europe’s most beautiful spots, Autograph Collection has now grown to 26 properties globally. “These Boscolo Hotels are an incredible addition to the Autograph Collection,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. ”Located in some of the most spectacular cities in the world, each hotel is truly one-of-a-kind. Autograph Collection is an exceptional opportunity for both Marriott and our hotel partners, as we are now able to offer truly original and independent hotel experiences to our guests and as part of Autograph Collection, our partner hotels are able to tap in to the power of Marriott’s sales and reservations engines. We strongly believe that Autograph Collection will continue to be a huge growth platform for us and a key component of our European expansion strategy as we seek to reach 80,000 rooms in Europe by 2015.”
BOMNBARDOER SELLS 10 C SERIES JETLINERS Bombardier Aerospace announced an order for ten Bombardier C Series Jetliners. Consisting of 10 Bombardier CS100’s and five CS300’s, purchaser Swedens’s Braathens Aviation plans to rebuild its fleet. The order is valued at approximately $665 million USD and Braathens has taken the option on an additional 10 CSeries.
TRAVEL NEWS
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CANNES, FRANCE MORE THAN JUST A FILM FESTIVAL Apart from the Cannes Film Festival and the resort’s many beaches, other popular tourist attractions include the Tour du Masque, the huge Olympia cinema complex, and the municipal library at the beautiful Villa Rothschild. Also worth noting, many seasonal events in Cannes regularly take place at the Palais des Festivals, such as exhibitions and conferences. The Palais des Festivals is also known for its gaming and boasts around 300 slot machines.
CHINA NOW WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST TOURISM DESTINATION China has overtaken Spain on the list of the world’s top tourism destinations, becoming the third-largest attraction, a senior tourism official said. Man Hongwei, director of the international coordination department at the China National Tourism Administration, said at a press conference that the number of international arrivals staying at least one night reached 55.66 million last year, up 9.4 percent on 2009. China’s appearance in the top three was its first. It follows France, which had 78.95 million arrivals, and the United States, which had 60.88 million, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The spending by outbound Chinese tourists ranked fourth-largest worldwide last year. The number of outbound travelers hit 57.39 million in 2010, which was up 20.4 percent year-on-year. The industry’s total revenue maintained an annual average growth of 15 percent during the past five years, he said. Tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao were joined by tourists from countries including Japan, Vietnam and India to drive up growth in 2010, he said. There has also been an obvious increase in the number of tourists arriving from Russia and the US.
TRAVEL NEWS
traveltradeNEWS 08
GOOGLE TRAVEL YOUTH TRAVEL BOOMING
Who said youth is wasted on the young? Over the next three to four years, young people will travel more than any other group with 43% of 18 to 35 year olds planning to take multiple trips abroad, according to new research. The youth market could be a boon for agents looking to engage more clients and shore up repeat business. Contiki Holidays has commissioned independent research to track and profile this burgeoning sector, surveying 509 people in the 18 to 35 age bracket about the what, when, where and how of their travel plans. International and domestic travel rank before buying a house, car or plasma TV for the majority, according to The Skilled Set report. Furthermore, 58% of those surveyed were actually saving for an international trip, with 37% banking bucks towards a domestic holiday.
Google has once again outlined its serious intentions to move into the travel sector with the launch of Hotel Finder. The site is designed to generate a list of appropriate hotels – based on star ranking, cost or user comments – within a geographical area using Google Maps. The beta programme is only available in the United States at present. However, it can be expected to be rolled out international should a trial prove successful. Google launched the site a week after pulling third-party travel reviews off of its Google Places and Google Maps pages. Hotel Finder also enables visitors to get a map of nearby popular destinations and search for local bargains. In April, Google completed its $700 million acquisition of ITA Software after receiving clearance from the US Justice Department. ITA is a provider of an air pricing and search engine.
TRAVEL NEWS
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U.S. TOURISM INDUSTRY ON THE RISE The U.S. Department of Commerce stated that international visitors spent an estimated $12.3 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of May. This represents a 19 percent increase from May 2010. Travel and tourismrelated exports have increased, on average, nearly $1.4 billion a month in 2011. International visitors have spent $48.3 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods to date (January through April), an increase of 13 percent compared to the same period in 2010. The U.S. travel and tourism industry is on pace for a record-setting year. The United States has a $12.9 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism through the first four months of 2011. International travelers to the United States support 1.2 million jobs.
US TOUR OPERATORS LOOKING TO CONTINUE TOURS TO EGYPT
CEO of Admiral Travel International Inc., Malaka Hilton, said over 90 percent of Admirals trips to Egypt have been canceled since the revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak earlier this year. “There’s still that level of uncertainty with what’s happening with the government,” she said. “The traveler is saying, until it’s stable on the government side, that is when we will come back.” Tourism accounts for roughly 14 percent of jobs in Egypt, and the drop in visitors has worsened the economic troubles that helped fuel the revolution. “On the whole, the situations are really minimal, and certainly not a danger to our travelers,” said Catherine Greteman, CEO of the National Tour Association, also
traveltradeNEWS TRAVEL NEWS
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SILVERSEA DEBUTS 19 NEW TOURS IN 2012
23% INCREASE IN EUROPEAN PORT VISITS Cruise Atlantic Europe (CAE) is showing the cruise industry why Atlantic Europe is becoming the must visit destination. CAE has announced that since 2009, port calls have increased by more than 23%. As such the CAE is asking more cruise operators to see the other side of Atlantic Europe so they too can take advantage of the many benefits it has to offer. The CAE comprises eight ports in five countries of the Atlantic front (Lisbon, Porto (Leixões), A Coruña, Bilbao, Brest, St Malo, Dover and Cork).
For the cultural traveler who strives to achieve intimacy with far-off places, your ship has come in. In 2012, ultraluxury Silversea Cruises is adding 19 new mid-voyage land adventures. In total, the company will offer more than 50 specially tailored overland excursions next year. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures offer inquisitive travelers more time to enjoy an interactive and immersive experience with the people, history, wildlife and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call. Darius Mehta, Silversea’s vice president of air and land programmes, said: “These extended off-ship programmes are life-enriching opportunities that enable our guests to spend more time discovering the true culture, heritage and uniqueness of the places they visit.” From the Amazon to Zululand, glaciers to deserts, ancient ruins to modern wonders, Silversea offers an eclectic collection of overland adventures. You can witness the spectacular sand dunes of the Namib Desert, climb the steps of the Potala Palace in Tibet, or observe a passing herd of elephants while you sip tea on the veranda of a colonial manor house in South Africa. A small selection of the many new mid-voyage land adventures offered in 2012 follows.
TRAVEL NEWS
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$132 B OF HIGH SPEED RAILS TO BE BUILT IN CHINA Roughly 26 high-speed rail lines, including the Beijing-Shijiazhuang, NanjingHangzhou, and Harbin-Dalian routes, are currently being constructed, said a report released by GF Securities. The railways ministry has spent 589.8 billion yuan in building 13 high-speed rail lines that are in operation, with another 23 more lines awaiting construction. According to the Ministry of Railways, it plans to expand its investment for railway construction to 745.5 billion yuan this year, while its debt stands at 1.8 trillion yuan. Cheng Zhou, manager with the Guotai Jinma Sustaining Return Fund, said the pace of the sector’s investment may slow in the short term, but the plan to develop highspeed trains won’t be called off. “In the long run, the government still needs to develop the sector but will raise standards for the construction, safety and supervision,” Cheng stated. During the past two trading days, 33 railway-related stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange lost 60 percent, or 37.6 billion yuan of their total market value.
TORONTO’S MOST EXTREME ATTRACTION CELEBRATES ITS PUBLIC OPENING The CN Tower’s latest attraction allows those with nerves of steel to walk on the edge literally. EdgeWalk lets thrill-seekers walk hands free along a 1.5-metre-wide ledge around the top of the tower’s main pod. Walkers get suited up for a stunning, openair view of Toronto and Lake Ontario from 356 metres above the ground. The experience costs $175 and lasts a total of 90 minutes, with the walk itself taking 20 to 30 minutes. Trained guides lead the walkers in groups of six to eight. EdgeWalk will be open every year from May to October in all weather except high winds and electrical storms.
EVENTSCALENDAR
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events THIS
AUGUST
featured event
AUGUST 12TH
MATTA FAIR KUALA LUMPUR
(MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF TOUR & TRAVEL AGENTS) AUGUST 16TH
RESTAURANT EXPO 2011
MATTA’s objective is to promote the interests of the travel and tour industry in Malaysia. MATTA works closely with the Ministry of Tourism (Motour) as well as Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), helping organise fairs, seminars, convention and workshops both to create public awareness of the tourism industry as well as to benefit its members. MORE INFORMATION:
www.matta.org.my TO BOOK CALL: +377 92 05 28 29
Restaurant Expo is designed for you to reach the decision makers of Australia’s leading independent restaurants, restaurant chains, hotel groups and contract caterers. Restaurant Expo will encompass everything a restaurateur and their team need to make their restaurant more successful, and give them the edge. AUGUST 28th
Western Food Expo The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is the bestequipped, most comprehensive marketplace for all professionals serving the foodservice and hospi-
AUGUST 5-7TH INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART CHENNAI TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE India International Travel Mart (IITM) brings people together to promote Inbound, Outbound and Domestic Tourism in unique style. IITM offer unlimited opportunities for everyone to Explore, Market and Publicize their destination/ product/ organization at one place. EMAIL: indiatravelmart@airtelmail.in MORE INFORMATION: www.indiatravelmart.com tality industries on the West Coast. Nourish your business at the Western Foodservice
& Hospitality Expo - the only event that caters specifically to the Western foodservice industry. MORE INFORMATION:
www.westernfoodexpo.com TO BOOK CALL: (203) 840-5934
EVENTSCALENDAR
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of Hispanic foods and beverages will be targeting Foodservice Operations, Independent Restaurants, Restaurant Chains, Hotels/ Resorts, Catering Firms.
AUGUST 30TH
CHINA INCENTIVE, BUSINESS TRAVEL & MEETINGS EXHIBITION
MORE INFORMATION:
www.cibtm.com TO BOOK CALL: +44 (0)20 8910 7070 AUGUST 26
www.cibtm.com TO BOOK CALL: +44 (0)20 8910 7070
EXPO COMIDA LATINA
Expo Comida LatinaSan Diego is USA’s leading trade fair for Travel, Tourism, Recreational & Other Hospitality Services industry. which will be held at San Diego Convention Center between 28 Aug to 30 Aug 2011. Manufacturers, distributors, importers and wholesalers
GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & EXPOSITION
MORE INFORMATION: www.gbta.org
CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF 2011
THE CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF SHOW from 26TH August to 4 September 2011 is convention for Automobiles , caravans and camper cans. It is a definite highlight for the true road warrior.
AUGUST 28TH
AUGUST 22-24TH - COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER
The GBTA will see companies like air lines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, insurance companies etc. The participating companies will showcase their products and services and will meet a huge crowd under one roof.
CIBTM is the leading event for the meetings, incentives, business travel and events industry in China and Asia MORE INFORMATION:
featured event
MORE INFORMATION:
www.caravan-salon.de TO BOOK CALL: +49 (0)211 45 60 01
SEPTEMBER 8TH
LA CUMBRE
The Americas´ Travel Industry Summit is an annual, dynamic, must attend, 3 day event, where you can discover a diverse range of exhibitors from the travel & tourism industry and meet with the
leading international travel professionals. We offer you effective business and networking opportunities through 30 pre-scheduled appointments with leading Industry representatives of your choice. Also, by participating in La Cumbre will entitle you to attend the La Cumbre Conference Program, where you will find the latest news and trends of this particularlly dynamic Industry. Join us at La Cum-
bre 2011, taking place September 7th to 9th at The Venetian Resort, Hotel, Casino at Las Vegas, Nevada , and be a part of this unique business-making op-
portunity for the Corporate, leisure and Luxury Travel Industry of the Americas´ MORE INFORMATION:
www.lacumbre.com TO BOOK CALL: +1- 305-860-3232
WANT YOUR EVENT FEATURED HERE? Feel free to keep us posted of any other industry events or conferences we may have left out.
Email: info@traveltrademag.com
TECHNOLOGYPRODUCTS
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL GADGETS
TECHNOLOGY #1 IPAD
If you’re interested in a tablet, there’s still only one game in town. From GPSenabled maps to translators, interactive tour guides, and (yes) magazines, the iPad is hands down the best digital travel companion available. Boasting over 100,000 iPad apps, a marathon battery
life and now the lighter, thinner iPad 2’s new dual-camera setup means you can make video calls to iPhone 4 users back home via FaceTime. It also works well as a digital camera, and when connected to the net you can make free calls with VOIP software apps!
#1 APPLE iPad 2 No more bulky guide books and annoying maps, more time to enjoy your trip! www.apple.com
PRICE$499+
TECHNOLOGYPRODUCTS
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FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR
#2 ULOCKED GSM PHONE
#3 OLYMPUS EPL-2 CAMERA
Most international airports have a local mobile company present in the terminal, so hit the ground running with pay-as-you-go airtime and even data plans for as little as $10. PRICE: $50.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.itemwebaddress.com
Olympus’s second-generation model has a bigger grip; HD video recording with a movie button; and innovative new accessories, including the PENPAL, which lets you send images to your computer or a cell phone via Bluetooth. PRICE: $600 MORE INFORMATION: www.olympusamerica.com
#6 SENNHEISER CXC 700 EARBUDS
#7 VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY KNIFE
First-ever noise-canceling buds of the in-ear variety. Not only are they small, but they can be adjusted to one of three different settings depending on the kind of background noise you want to block out
Victorinox Flash Swiss Army Knives. The utility knife famous for its ability to slice, dice, chisel, hook, screw, open wine and beer bottles, saw wood, now comes with a removable USB flash drive, LED mini light and retractable pen.
PRICE: $319.00 MORE INFORMATION: wwww.sennheiser.com
PRICE: $62.50 MORE INFORMATION: www.swissarmy.com
#4 SAMSUBG 9 #5 SAMSUNG SERIES LAPTOP 4G LTE MOBLE HOTSPOT Improved design and lighter, with a fast i5 core processor and two 1.5-watt speakers with a subwoofer. Battery life is 6.5 hours, it even has a backlit keyboard, so you can work easily even when the airplane cabin lights are off. PRICE: $1,599 MORE INFORMATION: www.samsungusa.com
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five computers. Samsung’s slick-looking, pocket-size MiFi hotspot will run on Verizon Wireless’s 4g LTE network, allowing basic websites to load in literally one second. PRICE: $150.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.samsungusa.com
#8 JAWBONE JAMBOX
#9 SOLIO CHARGER
JAMBOX delivers stunning hi-fi audio in a portable wireless speaker so compact you won’t believe it when you hear it. It’s loud. shimmering highs and thumping lows that you can feel in the palm of your hand.
Well designed and highly functional, the Solio Universal solar charger kit is great for power in a pinch on a sunny day. The internal battery can be charged from the wall or the sun and delivers ample charging time.
PRICE: $199.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.jawbone.com/speakers
PRICE: $50.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.itemwebaddress.com
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SOCIAL MEDIA
REVOLUTION Social media will continue to be a big trend for corporate travel in 2011, alongside mobile developments and further recovery in the corporate travel sector.
Written by Paul Weston
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Social media is the hottest isue within the Travel & Tourism industry today. In addition to its popularity, Social Media has become one of the main tools used for branding, improving customer loyalty, lead generation, direct marjeting and e-commerce. Social Media and mobile technology has drastically changed the face of the tourism industry from worldwide holiday tips, interactive bookings and mobile travel guidelines and will become the norm for years according to experts at the World Travel Monitor Forum is Pisa.
travel suppliers on social networking sites. “These figures show that travel in social media is still at an early stage,” Mandala said. “Destinations should get into social marketing but they must establish trust with users. Credibility and dependability are crucial”, she stressed. At present, the travel industry spend only a low sum of marketing via social media and has few effective ways of measuring the success of its activites.
Travellers are active social media users US social media users tend to be active on Facebook, read other social sites, use the internet intensively for travel information, check out hotels on Tripadvisors and use obline travel retailers such as Travelocity and Expedia, according to Laura Mandela, managing director of USbased Mandala Research. In the USA, about 52% of the million adult leisure travellers - or some 79 million people already social media and represent an attractive customer segment generating $102.9 billion for the domestic US tourism sector compared to 69.5 billion from non-social media users. A high 41% of US online leisure travellers have become “travel social fans” (TSF’s), signing up as friends, fans, or followers of
This years World Travel Monitor revealed that the dramatic success of smart phones such as the iphone over the past few years opens up exciting new opportunities for the travel industry. As many as 40% of international travellers already own a smart phone with internet and email access and other functions. More than 42% of smart phone owners already use their devices to get destination information, and 34% of business travellers
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY GROWS RAPIDLY
and 26% of leisure travellers use them to make booking changes during their trip. Unsurprisingly, more and more travellers are also using social media networks by mobile access during their trips. As many as 37% of international leisure travellers say they use mobile social networks. A FLOOD OF TRAVEL APPS Mats Staugaard, head of Norwegian consulting firm Infinite Loop stated that the travel and tourism industry is already responding to
“As many as 40% of international 67% of youth travellers already worldwide ownlove a smart ANd phone eAt with internet and tomAtoes ANd email access ” Apples sChool study shows
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this growth with a flood of travel apps that are popular. TripAdvisor was the most downloaded app for a year due to its useful content. However, the industry should be sure to develop products for all smart phone types, not just the iphone, and also consider mobile websites rather than apps, he suggested. For example, Wikihood, the new Wikipedia iphone product, is designed to organise and display “the world’s knowledge about any location worldwide” with text and images, including cultural information. According to their website, “you can go on a virtual city tour using a map component which can show all locations as pushpins along with their picture on a schematic map”. Based on GPS location - fixing technology (a new “mobile mega-trend according to Staugaard) this is effectively a personal tour guide in a smart phone. In November, Expedia bought Mobiata -- the developer of apps such as FlightTrack and TripDeck -- to accelerate its mobile development.
In May, it launched a hotel booking app -- called Expedia Hotels -- and upgraded its Expedia Mobile app with features such as location-
enabled searches to find nearby hotels, ratings and then a map to get them there. One of his main priorities is having Expedia everywhere, in a way to allow the traveller constant access to bookings and advice, such as the closest hotels with vacancies and the rates they are prepared to offer. GPS A powerful new tool for the tourism sector could be the combination of GPS with the built-in camera which can be developed into so-called ‘augmented reality’. This refers to viewing something through the smart phone camera combined with additional screen displays of information or images. Lonely Planet has already launched
interactive city guides for smartphones featuring this technology. The Dutch Tourist Board launched a smart phone app called “Holland-layer” using the free layer Augmented Reality Technology. Consumers download the app to their smartphone and can use the phone’s camera to call up location- based tourist information and get directions. Information is generated from the tourist boards database covering 17,ooo points of interests in the country. Social Media is one of the most powerful forces driving travel planning today, and it is growing far faster than the travel industry itself. Unique monthly visitors to social travel sites climb at an alarming rate. Travellers referred to a hotel or tourism booking site by Facebook are also more likely to book travel than those who are referrred via search engines like Google and Yahoo.
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HOTEL ROOMS of the FUTURE These technologies, some still in the concept stage, some existing and ready to be funded, are likely to change the way guests experience hotels in the future, from 2011 and beyond. Written by Kim Walker
Experts believe we will see many of these hotel technologies by the year 2030. Society’s insatiable appetite for technology has taken over most consumer-driven industries in the last twenty years. As companies like Apple make it easy for consumers to combine all of their technological needs into a single device, consumers have grown to expect this level of
ease and security from most other businesses. The tourism industry is no different. Travelers are demanding more technologically advanced and more comfortable accommodations when they travel. Ideally, travelers are looking to enjoy their vacations to the highest possible extent with a minimal amount of effort. New technologies are being con-
structed and implemented into hotel rooms to make this dream possible for patrons. As smart-phones are becoming more and more advanced, they are able to perform more complicated tasks. When hotels began using automated key cards for hotel-room entry, instead of ancient metal keys, it was a huge leap forward into the technological era. Now,
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“Travelers are demanding more techworldwide nologically advanced love ANd eAt and more comfortabletomAtoes accommodations ANd when they travel. � Apples sChool 67% of youth
study shows
hotels are beginning to adopt mobile methods of room entry. Many hotels have, or are playing with the idea, of using mobile phones to make reservations at their hotels, and even to unlock reserved hotel room doors. This will eliminate a large portion of the social interaction that was previously required during travel planning. Technologies like this are also becoming a large part of the in-room hotel experience
as well. iPads have become one of the most useful tools adapted by hotels. They can be used to control almost everything inside the rooms: temperature, television, and even privacy by changing the opaqueness of the windows in the room. Furniture is even being turned into advanced tech-
nology. Many hotels are making everyday pieces of furniture, like coffee tables, equipped with touch screen computers. These computers can be used to schedule itineraries, make reservations, and order room service from the hotel. Ease of access has become one of the most
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facilities from a certain distance (a few meters away), “ As more hotels and would react accordingly opening the lid of the begin to adopt by 67% of youth toilet. Congruently, the toilet these impressive will also be able to sense worldwide when a person has finished additions, it will be- using the facilities. When love ANd eAt come increasingly the person walks away, the toilet will flush itself, and tomAtoes ANd difficult for smaller close its lid without any effrom the user. There hotels tosChool compete ” fort Apples are even rumors about self-cleaning tile floors. study shows These floors, allegedly, have a built in anti-bacterial sought after characteristics layer that will help keep the of hotel rooms. Many hotel chains are considering add- floor free of germs, and cut down on the use of polluting Japanese-style toilets into their hotels. Ideally, the ant cleaners. These imprestoilet would be able to sense sive technologies, as well a person coming to use the as many others, were made
readily public knowledge after an expo in Sydney, Australia. The “Hotel Room of the Future” was designed by John Beazley and Co. and was showcased at the Hotel Hospitality and Design Expo in Sydney. These technologies were showcased, along with many others including “zero-gravity” beds, kinesis gyms, and the “Bartech” mini-fridge. As more hotels begin to adopt these impressive additions, it will become increasingly difficult for smaller, more simple, hotels to compete for consumer attention.
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Aulani Disney Resort & Spa
Honoring the fundamental connection between nature and humanity, Aulani Resort tells the epic story that the Hawaiian people have cherished since the begining of time. Written by Ryan Jack
T
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he idea of a Hawaiian Disney Resort may have at one time only been just a dream. Imagine the fun and excitement of a Disney Resort with an added portal into Hawaiian life and culture. This one time dream, has now become a reality.. The Hawaiian Disney Resort and Spa was officially announced in October of 2007, and now Phase 1 is set to launch in August 2011. It wasn’t until January of 2010 when the name of this Resort and Spa was announced. “AULANI” The name “Aulani” has more than one meaning. Translated, it means “ the messenger of a chief” and also “the one who delivers a message from a higher authority”. This overall message encapsulated the vision that the creators had for this project. Therefore, Aulani, was born. Located at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina near Kapolei on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, this resort includes townhouses, villas and single family homes. There are also four different room designs that range from spacious grand villas to studios. The Aulani experience continues into each and every room. Visitors will experience their Hawaiian home away from home. Each room features Hawaiian artwork that stays very true to the Hawaiian way of life and culture. Featured throughout these rooms are Hawaiian inspired pieces of furniture that come in many different shapes and sizes that bring the beauty of Hawaii right into your room. An 18,000 square foot Spa and 15,000 square foot conference
026 center is also in the works.The Island of waiian people. Oahu has always been very popular for its Featured heavily throughout the Resort and white sandy beaches, incredible snorkelling Spa are the islands` “little people” called The and fishing adventures, as well as recreaMenehune. The legend says that these little tional boating. Whether your relaxing on the people were the first people of the island beach or diving into the crystal blue depths that, when the current islanders came to the of the ocean, there will always be something island, took to the forests. These little people new to discover and have reenjoy. Disney’s turned to Aulani Resort and the main Spa will only add land here to the already at Aulani. The overall vision of Aulani was simple yet very imporpopular island of They hide, tant, to create an environment, laid out in all the colors Oahu. Recruited play, and and architecture that honour the nature and humanity of the Hawaiian people. to design Aulani’s create golf course was mischief Ted Robinson, throughwho passed out the away in March of entire 2008. Ted Robinson , or “The King of Waterresort. scapes”, has designed over 160 golf coursWalt Disney recruited and worked intimately es over his career. He has designed courses with the locals to bring Hawaiian artwork, in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Korea, culture, and history to the forefront of this Indonesia, and most importantly Hawaii. If state of the art Resort and Spa. The locals past examples prove true than this will be played a significant role in making sure a sight to see. Disney’s estimated cost of Aulani will leave an everlasting image of creating Aulani is around $800 million. The Hawaii in the minds of those who visit there. project has created approximately 1,000 The culture and history of Hawaii is highjobs for the people of Hawaii. lighted in every artist’s brushstroke, every beam and sculpture. The overall vision of Aulani was simple yet very important, to create an environment, What the artists have created for this project laid out in all the colors and architecture that is quite amazing. Disney themselves alhonour the nature and humanity of the Halowed total freedom for these artists. What
027 they have done is create visual and spiritual works of art. Not only will visitors have the feeling of being in a Hawaiian paradise, but also feel as if they are taking a walk through time within this Disney Resort and Spa. All examples of art are featured here, from modern abstract art, to traditional Hawaiian paintings and sculptures. You will be so overcome by all the visual stimulation that you will feel the Hawaiian way of life flowing through your body. The art that has been created for Aulani speaks to the visitors overall sense of why they came in the first place. They want to get away from it all and experience all there is to experience at this destination. What they are set to discover is nothing less than the Hawaiian culture at it’s best. The artists involved were encouraged to express their feelings and pull inspiration from the depths of their hearts to help create that discovery for each and every visitor. One of the most honest and real representations of the art work shown at the resort, is a collage of pictures and imagery created by the local children of the Island. The background features the colours of the rainbow, and within that rainbow are all the pictures taken by these Hawaiian children. This beautiful collage will be featured behind the large check-in desk at the Resort and Spa. The rainbows` colours are important to this piece, as it represents the many colours of Hawaii through the eyes of a child. Being that this is a Disney Resort, who better to create the colours of Hawaii
than the children who live there. At the edge of the property are large volcanic stones that rises out of the landscape and create a wondrous image that could only be created in nature. The only difference is that nature did not create this volcanic masterpiece. This is just another, of many, creations masterminded by Disney. This particular landscape features magnificent waterfalls, caves, and slides. The really fun feature about this volcanic work of art is that it truly does feel that it was made by mother nature. It feels like it belongs there. Featured and carved into the actual stone are mostly animals. Animals that are culturally important to Hawaiian myth and legend. All these animals aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Some are only seen at certain times of day, Whether the sun is rising or setting over the beautiful horizon, there is always something new to explore and discover. Just another feature to this Resort and Spa that will have your senses going wild. Disney’s overall goal with Aulani is for each and every visitor to create their own story. All the visual layers created here will shed some light onto the history and culture of the island, and by experiencing these visual wonders, the visitor will take just a piece of that story home with them. It’s that story that will keep them coming back time and time again.
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“IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER” DAVID JOHNSON DIRECTOR GENERAL
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Re-Imagining the Bahamas REPORTER: Paul Weston
EMAIL: paul@traveltrademag.com
WEB: www.traveltrademagazine.com
“The Bahamas has been a long standing vacation destination for those seeking escape from the everyday” David Johnson, Director General
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t would seem that the tourism industry has changed, with either those going on vacation having less funds available, and are thus on a budget, or that they are older and more affluent. These two types of individuals are often accompanied by friends or family, but really links them all together is the rebirth of the interest for vacation experiences rather than the packaged deal. “The Bahamas has been a long standing vacation destination for those seeking escape from the everyday” says David Johnson, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism. Almost 60 years ago the Ministry of Finance at the time determined that tourism was an industry that was of the utmost importance to the Bahamas. “It was so important to the Bahamas, and unlike any other country in our region, that it deserved to be its own
ministry in the government.” This has proven true, with the economy of the nation being dependant almost entirely on tourism. They are the destination for many cruise lines, tour packages, and has become the third most prosperous nation in the Americas. “I am one of the longest serving veterans of the Ministry of Tourism,” says Johnson. He relates that he joined the organization in 1971, and held positions in Toronto, Detroit, New England, and New York. The latter position he managed the entire North American, Latin American, and Far East networks. “Subsequent to this I have worked in the aviation sector, and worked in the private sector for an association of hotels, where he served as president. In the last year he returned to the Ministry and was made deputy, going on to become the director general of the organization. “So as you can see I have been around a little while, and have gotten to know the organization from the inside out,” he says. He remains modest
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“The Bahamas is an international destination with world-class resorts, renound gourmet dining, duty-free sopping, vegas style casinos and more... all painted with a brush of colonial charm”
“Each of the 16 islands that make up the Bahamas, have their own unique beauty and charm”
about his experience and skills, and instead focuses on the fact that he has truly enjoyed his position at the ministry. “It has been a journey, and a very dynamic one at that, because as you all know in the industry of travel trade – this industry is an industry of changes,” he says speaking directly to the issues at hand. “It always stays fresh and exciting.” He says that the challenges they face are largely ones that the Ministry cannot control. A DIFFERENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE
“One of these factors is cost – and these are costs that are imposed on us, and the other is the global economic environment,” says Johnson. Just because these are outside influ-
ences on their economy Johnsons not mean that they have not developed a strategy to meet these challenges head on. “Making a profit in an industry that is being squeezed by increasing cost and at the same time has a ceiling imposed on it in terms of the demand for your product. This is a market where deals dominate and price is king, this is our challenge,” he says. This is a challenge that they have more than met, seeing continuous positive growth even through the global economic crisis. Johnson reports that they saw at least a 15 per cent increase in travel to the islands as a destination, and this year is shaping up to have similar positive results. “This year we are looking at further
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“The Bahamas had a 15% increase in tourism in 2010, while 2011 is already having similar results”
growth, however our over-all rate of growth right now is at 16.5 per cent,” he says, saying that travellers arriving by air has maintained a six to seven per cent growth rate, while those that are utilising cruise ships has seen an even more marked increase. “Our cruise growth is even stronger, because of course we are the
leading cruise destination in the Caribbean. This means that our capacity and abilities in this sector have been growing at double digit rates for the past few years.” BUILDING IT RIGHT In preparing for these increased numbers they have undertaken many
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infrastructure and marine projects, including the dredging of the Nassau Harbour. “This was completed in order to allow the Oasis of the Seas to come in and turn in our harbour. This was an investment well worth price, because it not only allows this specific ship to come in but also comparable ships to come to the Bahamas because of that,” says Johnson. “We have formed close relationships with all of the major cruise lines, and most of them serve the Bahamas, and many of them invest into the Bahamas. When I say invest – we have many islands – many of these cruise lines have invested into the ports on these islands,” he says. Besides the publically owned ports at Nassau and Grand Bahama, Disney Cruise Lines has invested funds into a port at Castaway Key in the Abacos, Carnival has their own as well, as does Royal Caribbean and most other major tour operators. “These companies that operate in the Bahamas offer communities and businesses other opportunities other than just bringing their ships in,” he says. He says that cruise lines are
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not the only partnerships that they have built over the years, and have built strong marketing partnerships with many of the international tour operators that operate within the Bahamas. “Our offices overseas have an important function that helps us build relationships and networks, at the same time influence growth in traffic from those suppliers. So our offices network very closely with these clients, follow their lead, and even enter into co-operative promotions with them,” says Johnson.
A NEW IMAGE To further their interface with the public and make the Bahamas one of the most desirable and accessible locations to plan a getaway to, Johnson says that they have focused much of their recent efforts into digital marketing as well as providing a new face to the international travelling public. “We are accelerating what we are doing in these spaces, we are in the process right now of completely rebuilding www.bahamas. com, so that it will be much more robust from
what you see today in the terms of its functionality, in the terms of the look and feel, it will also be state of the art in many respects.” He projects the launch will remain on schedule for its fall debut, and suggests that it will be one of the most innovative and informative sites available. “It will be a market leader in many respects.” Since of course the Bahamas are island destinations, there are really only two ways of reaching them - by air and by sea. They have invested in the airport in Nassau, has
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progress past the first phase of its construction. “It is ahead of time, and under budget. The second phase will be completed in nine months and is right on track. It will be one of the best facilities of its kind in the region,” reports Johnson with satisfaction. He also indicates that they are currently undertaking over 300 million dollars in road work and upgrades to infrastructure. “This is always important to tourism, we want to be able to move people from the airport, along highways and then directly to their hotels. On the Island of New Providence we are undertaking a three-billion-dollar project, which is the largest of its kind in the Americas, this is the new Bahama Resort and it will be comparable in size to Atlantis.” He reports that by 2014 this facility will employ around 7000 employees, and offer in excess of 3000 rooms. Its facilities will include a new casino, a convention centre, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and many other features. This is only one of their projects that they have been involved in but there are many others. “We are relocating our container shipping from downtown Nassau to an area adjacent, where
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we are building a new container port,” says Johnson. This move will allow them to begin large scale revitalization project in the area, which is the heart of much of tourism trade in the Bahamas. This will allow the area to offer more services to visitor and residents alike, and will clear up some of the transportation congestion that the area previously suffered. “What we will be doing in the months ahead is launching all the other islands in a very different way. We call them the Other Islands¸ but
we have identified 16 island groupings that we will begin to refer to the Bahamas in many ways now as being these 16 destinations. These will be referred to by their individual name or grouping. This is our new branding strategy, and this will be reflected in our new website and our media campaigns going forward,” he says, giving something of a hint of what the new map and new conception of the Bahamas they hope to engender. “This will all be rolled out this fall. It is a very substantial project and it involves getting
people from the islands themselves involved and we have created a brand architecture based around the jewelled representation of the Bahamas.” This will be to identify and give a personality to each of these new groupings, and raising people’s curiosity from their first point of contact with the idea of the new Bahamas. “We used to say it’s better in the Bahamas, now we want to say it just keeps getting better in the Bahamas,” says Johnson with a bit of humour in his voice.
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ATLANTIS - A word that immediately brings to mind a mystical
city lost in time. What Atlantis means to world travellers now is a beautiful Bahama paradise. EDITOR: Ryan Jack
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EMAIL: ryan@traveltrademag.com
nyone who takes the time to type in the words “Atlantis Bahamas” on the internet will be bombarded with incredible visuals of what can only be described as “Heaven on Earth”. For those who have had the chance to experience all that is the Atlantis in the Bahamas first hand, will tell you that even the visuals seen in magazines or on the Internet, do not do this resort any justice. The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is located on the beautiful Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Paradise indeed. The resort has been given the title as the largest waterthemed attraction in the world. Mark Gsellman, longtime Atlantis executive, has been
quoted as saying “It’s the most amazing project I’ve ever been involved in”. With a wide variety of rooms, suites, and villas, the resort includes 6 separate accommodations; The Beach Tower, The Coral Towers, The Royal Towers, Harborside Resort, The Reef, and the Cove Atlantis. All accommodations will meet any visitors’ expectations of what it means to relax and enjoy the splendour in luxurious comfort. What has brought Travel Trade Magazine to Atlantis is its reputation. A reputation that has far exceeded our expectations. From the unbelievable entertainment, to the immaculate beaches, to the night clubs that make every visitor feel like a VIP. For the kid in all of
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us, Atlantis spares at no expense when it comes to SLIDES!!! Starting at Aquaventure, a 141 -acre 200 million gallon waterscape, our journey then takes us to “The Current”. At a mile long, this water ride includes small waves, and larger tidal size waves, and is the favourite among most visitors. But that’s not all! Located at the Royal Towers lays the Mayan Temple, consisting of another four breath-taking waterslides with names like Leap of Faith and Serpent Slide, this site is a place that everyone will enjoy no matter what age. Not to be missed is “The Dig”, also located at the Royal Towers, this marvelous masterpiece is a sight to behold. Named as the world’s largest open air marine habitat, The Dig, extends beneath the lobby and contains hundreds of various marine life from sharks to jellyfish. But the real beauty of The Dig is the mythology beneath it as these various aquariums are meant to give the visitors a brief look into the lost City of Atlantis. If you look closely as you are taking it all in, you can see debris and wreckage artfully hidden amongst the marine life, giving the visitor a glimpse into what the City of Atlantis may have looked like before it was destroyed and lost forever. Any lover of ancient mythology will see why the Atlantis Bahamas gets it name. Now, depending on when visitors go to Atlantis, you could
Enjoy the suite life, dolphin bay and the underwater tycoon
”Its the most amazing project I’ve ever been involved in” Mark G sellman President & G.M. of marine & water-park operations
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be in store for some top notch entertainment. Much like Las Vegas has that drawing power to great acts, Atlantis’s reputation has made quite a large splash by bringing in acts like; Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, NSYNC, Lady Antebellum, Gloria Estefan, and the late great Michael Jackson. These are just a few of the great acts being presented at this great resort. “Our goal is to do at least one a month,” says George Markantonis, the CEO of Atlantis. “We pick and choose, and do specific high-end, one of a kind shows that you must come to the Bahamas to see”. If slides, underground aquariums, beaches, live acts, and casinos weren’t enough, Atlantis’s owner Kerzner International is converting its main ball-room into a NCAA regulation basketball court where The “Battle of Atlantis” will take place. The “battle” will feature Mississippi State vs. Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech vs. Richmond. “We like to have appeal across a bunch of audiences that no other destinations can offer,” says Markantonis. “That’s how we keep it fresh.” This conversion of it’s main ball-room will cost Kerzner International $500,000 to a hightech court. The resort will benefit in a big way with the “Battle
of Atlantis” being broadcast on television nation wide. Not only will the broadcast feature the games, but brillant screen shots of the resort itself. “The games are televised, they’re going to reach millions of households,” says Markantonis. “Hosting this tournment is also valuable because it provides guests who did not come for the basketball with a new activity that they would likely share with family and friends, generating an all-important buzz factor”. “This just adds one more memory to the trip they had,”he says. “It’s social currency.” If you think that Atlantis may stop at the NCAA, you’d be wrong. “We’ve already been approached by an NBA team that is so excit-
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ed by what we’re doing for the colleges that they’d like to bring NBA teams in. We’re not stopping at basketball,” said Markantonis. Turning the Bahamas into a sports tourism destination is something that the Bahama’s tourism minister, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, is very excited about. Vanderpool-Wallace said “ This is so significant. We think it’s going to move us more broadly to get more sports teams to come here”. Atlantis is leading this charge to bring the new and exciting
sporting events to the Bahamas. From sports, to swimming, to live entertainment, it’s obvious that the Atlantis Bahamas Resort is the place to stay when planning a trip to the Bahamas. Whether you’re staying in one of the hotels, or renting your very own apartment at the Harborside Resort, the Atlantis Bahamas has everything one needs to enjoy some fun in the sun!
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TWENTYONE BAHAMASTIPS
The youtheknow about traveling in The Islands Offrom The BahaTwentmore Loaded with very latest travel information, including all you need to know round-the-wor mas, the more prepared you’ll be when you arrive. Twenty one Theismore youwith know about traveling in ThetoIslands Of The and tips packed useful insight and advice Tour Operators Bahamas, the more prepared you’ll be when you arrive. Twenty travelers you in enjoying a Bahamas vacation. one tipsto is assist packed with useful insight and advice to Tour Operators
and travelers to assist you in enjoying a Bahamas vacation.
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Look for the Bahamahost decal on taxicabs and buses. Managed by the National Bahamahost Association, the program promotes professionalism, pride and education in hospitality fields to ensure a proper welcome to visitors.
The US dollar is not only accepted, but it is equal in value to the Bahamian dollar, they are on US Eastern Standard Time and English is spoken. It’s quite easy if you arrive early and are prepared, meaning have your passport handy. Remember, as of January 8, 2007 everyone traveling to the Bahamas needs a passport to re-enter the US.
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The Bahamian weather is closer to that of Florida than the rest of the Caribbean, especially on the Big Three islands. Nights can still get a bit nippy, even in December . The high peak season is January through March, with rates decreasing in April and May. Avoid hurricane season -- August and September.
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The Bahamian dollar is held on par with the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted at most locations on Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. +PLUS and Cirrus ATMs can be found at banks on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and on most of the major Out Islands.
Spring Break Season runs from late February to midApril. This is important inforBritish rules apmation, whether you’re aimply, so please drive ing to avoid the spring break on the left and season altogether or intent be extra careful on roundaupon landing right in the bouts. Visitors may use their middle of this month-long home licenses for up to three youth fest. months and may also apply for an international driver’s The Islands Of The license. Pedestrians should Bahamas is in the remember to look right beEastern Standard Time Zone. fore crossing streets. Upon entering The Inoculations are Electrical outlets Bahamas, everynot required unless in The Islands Of one must fill out traveling to The IsThe Bahamas are and sign an Immigration lands Of The Bahamas from 60 cycles/120 volts, which is form, keeping a portion of an infected area. compatible with all U.S. appli- the card in hand until departing. When departing, all visitors are required to pay a $15.00 departure tax ($18.00 from Grand Bahama) Bahamas Segway Tours was TripAdvisors #1 rated
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leather goods. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below U.S. prices
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attraction in Nassau including a scenic 30 minute Bus tour out to a 200 acre privately owned property when you can enjoy your own personal X2 off-road Segway excursion.
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Tipping in The Islands Of The Bahamas is just like where you’re from—tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%.
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Most of the major islands have dutyfree shopping on cameras, binoculars and telescopes, china and crystal, watches and clocks, jewelry, perfumes, fine linens and tablecloths, liquor and
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ances. British and European appliances require a flat two-pin adaptor and 220-volt converter.
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A few essentials to remember, small items like a retractable umbrella, innoculation records, doctors summary of current prescription medication, handi-wipes, insect repellant, flashlight and extra batteries.
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To protect the maCasual summer rine environment, wear can be worn spear fishing using during the day any scuba gear and possession time of the year; but be sure of spearguns are illegal in to bring a jacket or sweater The Bahamas. Cruising boats for cooler evenings from must clear customs at the December to February. Most nearest port of entry before hotels/restaurants/casinos beginning any diving or fishrequire jackets for men in the ing activities. evening.
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#21 Cable Beach, Nassau Bahamas
#6 Bahamas Segway Tours
#16 Reef diving in the Bahamas
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You may bring your pet into The Islands Of The Bahamas, but you need to make preparations before your departure. An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (Nassau) for all animals.
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Visitors arriving in The Bahamas may bring in the following items free of customs duty & stamp tax: apparel, toilet articles & similar personal effects; one qt. of alcoholic beverage; on qt. of wine, 1 lb. of tobacco or 200 ciga-
rettes or 50 cigars; & other articles up to the value of $100 The most spectacular dive site is Shark Wall, 16km (10 miles) off New Providence’s southwest coast
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The glittering shoreline of Cable Beach proffers easy access to shops, casinos, restaurants, watersports, and bars. It’s a sandy 6.5km-long (4-mile) strip, with a great array of facilities and activities.
When the sun goes down, the fun in The Bahamas doesn’t
stop. It’s just beginning. Bahamians love music and dancing. So when the moon lights up the islands, clubs, live shows and nightspots such as the 22 Above Lounge, The Daiquiri Shack or the Bambu Club.
EDITORIALFEATURE
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CARIBBEAN HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION EDITOR: Paul Weston
EMAIL: paul@traveltrademag.com
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and has offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the Barbados. Their directors are elected form their members, with two representing the airlines, one representing hotels, and five to represent other allied industries in their membership. They also have one member each representing the Caribbean Society of Association Executives (CSHAE), the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), the Caribbean Council (CC), and the CaribbeanCentral American Action (C-CAA). The
“With so many destinations aggressively seeking a slice of the international tourism pie, the Caribbean could no longer rely on its beauty and climate alone,” John Bell, CHTA’s first executive officer.
directorship is rounded out The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) appoints three representatives to the CHTA board. The association was founded in 1959 as part of the Caribbean Tourist Association, and became an autonomous, not for profit, body in 1962. At that time they worked to solidify and unify the hotel industry’s voice, and gain some control back over the industry. By the 1990s, the new issue they needed to deal with was the aggressive marketing from other international destinations, CHTA looked at was in increase and maintain their market share.
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They saw that they had some difficult times ahead if they did not learn to meet this specific challenge. “With so many destinations aggressively seeking a slice of the international tourism pie, the Caribbean could no longer rely on its beauty and climate alone,” said John Bell, CHTA’s first
executive officer. “We had to become more professional.” In order to create this image and actuality they created several professional organizations meant to raise the level of service and abilities among its members. the Caribbean Culinary Federation (CCF) for culinary development,
the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute (CHTI), training and education; the Caribbean Tourism Credentialing Program (CTCP), certification and credentialing; the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Education Foundation, scholarships and grants; and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), for environmental management. Each aspect was meant to increase the competitiveness and the attractiveness for destination travellers. CHTA says that their new motto has become: “Quality and value are the keys to success and product development is how we deliver.” The association has been able to achieve this, and has continued to be a leader in their industry by offering its members many different conferences, educational resources and training. In each of these aspects CHTA has striven to make sure that its membership is among the best equipped, and enthusiastic in the industry. As they do this they continue to advocate to all levels of government, stressing the importance of the tourism industry. They believe that the industry itself has woven itself into the very fabric of the communities and
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cultures that the tourism industry operates in. It is by stressing this importance, that CHTA has demonstrated the need for investment, and the further need for development of infrastructure and supporting industries. “We believe therefore that given the tremendous impact of the tourism industry on the lives of Caribbean people it is our obligation to actively lobby the relevant regional agencies and institutions to ensure that the concerns of the tourism sector are at the forefront of their decision making processes,” says CHTA in a release. “In this way we hope to contribute to moulding the Caribbean’s political and social climate in a way which positively fosters the tourism sector and continues to contribute to the advancement and development of our societies.” Among the benefits that they can offer is access to the Caribbean Marketplace, which is the leading tourism marketing event for the Caribbean region. This gives members the chance to interface with buyers and wholesalers, giving them much needed face time and the ability to network. The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) gives hoteliers the opportunity to increase their returns by developing links with governments, hoteliers, developers, bankers and investors. The Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit (ACTS) is a meeting of minds that gives members a place to interact
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and develop strategies in tourism, investments, and marketing. There is also an extensive trade show. The Caribbean Hotels Retreat helps small to medium size businesses make the connections they will need to go forward. These are just a few of the benefits of membership, historically and today the continue to be a voice for the industry, supporting them in major efforts and initiatives, and helping members - big and small – develop into their full potential.
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ELITE RESORTS T
here’s never been a better time for a Caribbean getaway, thanks to new deals for agents and their clients. Clients can save up to 50 percent off a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation to any Elite Island Resorts hideaway in Antigua, Grenada or the Grenadines. Agents receive a 15 percent commission and free personal travel bonuses, including one night free for every seven nights booked and a $500 air credit for every 100 nights booked. With five distinctive properties to choose from,
Elite Island Resorts is sure to have an offering to please every type of traveler, from honeymooners to families. Perhaps the most romantic destination is Palm Island, a 135-acre, private island resort in the Grenadines. With just 41 guestrooms and two private villas, the resort exudes intimacy and romance. Even special occasions are extra memorable with personal touches such as private, beachside dinners for two. Families seeking a fun-in-the-sun vacation can choose from two Elite Island Resorts properties on Antigua. At the St. James’s Club & Villas, kids rule the roost. A new bouncy castle, race car set and outdoor playhouse were just a part of the property’s multi-million-dollar renovation, which also included 50 waterfront Royal Suites and an open-air beachside area for teens. At the nearby The Verandah Resort & Spa, families can choose to gather together in connecting suites or in one of six spacious villas. The resort also offers an 18-hole miniature golf course, a kids’ club and a new teens’ Pirate’s Den. 1-866-830-1557 / www.eliteislandresorts.com/agents
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PROTRADE INTERNATIONAL
Using Tecnhology to improve cash flow and profitability
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rotrade International has been providing properties in the Caribbean with energy-savings services since 2003. As a result, they have continued to grow as a company while servicing this area of everincreasing concern. Protrade International was formed in response to a growing need for competent energy engineering services within the region, where the cost of energy remains the highest. They provide these services for residential homes, high rise buildings, hotels, offices, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities throughout the region. Annual energy savings between fifteen (15) and sixty (60) percent can be attained by facilities which adopt various energy conservation strategies provided by Protrade.
“Protrade continues to be at the forefront of innovative and cost-effective energy saving solutions” President Stephen Prodgers says. “We are committed to quality customer care, well-established procedures for energy auditing, measurement and verification, and are continually working to apply appropriate technological and service solutions to our clients’ energy needs.” With commercial properties in the Caribbean, the cost of air conditioning and lighting alone can account for more than half of the monthly electricity bill. Needless to say, these costs bring a heavy burden to cash flow every month. And every month, these costs can threaten a property’s profitability.
windows, and the elimination of cooling losses, also contribute greatly and are an integral part of Protrade’s comprehensive approach. But perhaps even more interesting is that the actual savings from the electric bill can be tailored to pay for the cost of the energy-savings improvements. This way, the property can afford to take the important step of upgrading critical systems, such as air conditioning and lighting, to state-of-the-art efficiency levels without the need for capital outlays or by incurring any additional burden to cash flow.
“It doesn’t have to be this way” Prodgers states.
Whether your property is large or small, old or new, Protrade evaluates each property on a case-by-case basis and are glad to provide you with their recommendations. When you’re ready to attack your electricity bill, Protrade can help.
Protrade International uses available technologies to dramatically and specifically reduce the operating costs of air conditioning, lighting, pumps, motors, and the creation of hot water. Building envelope improvements, such as proper insulating, energy efficient doors and
For more information go to www.protrade-international.
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Paradise, Islands
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ntil the ‘50s, the island of Grand Bahama was sparsely populated, consisting of small fishing villages and little industry. My, how times have changed. These days, Grand Bahama Island is one of the most inviting islands in the Caribbean. But its development as a tourist attraction didn’t happen by accident. In fact, it’s the only island in the Bahamas developed from a master plan set in motion in the 1950s to create a tropical paradise for vacationers from around the world. As a result, Grand Bahama has modern amenities, as well as activities that run the gamut, from gaming and golfing to
exciting watersports. Ecological adventures are plentiful, too, and dolphin encounters, inviting coral reefs, secluded sandy beaches and the underwater cave systems are some of the most fascinating natural wonders a diver can experience.
the Bahamas, is a nation consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets
Indians and Pirates “Grand Bahama” is derived from a name originally given to the island by none other than Christopher Columbus. When he landed on its shores in 1492, he called the island “Gran Bajamar,” or “Great Shallows,” because of the shallow reefs surrounding the island. He found the island inhabited by a group of Indians known locally as the Lucayans. These native Indians arrived somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000
“For the eco-minded, Grand Bahama offers three national parks for excellent adventures.” Ruth and Barry
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proved the prohibition of alcohol in 1919. Smuggling flourished, and distilleries and warehouses sprang up across the island. When Prohibition was abolished, the economy once again deflated, leaving the island languishing. That is, until a visionary came forth to change the direction of Grand Bahama forever. That person, American businessman Wallace Groves, envisioned the island as a thriving port for tax-free goods - particularly timber to be shipped to the United years ago, following in sels. These marauders were States, and he believed that the footsteps of the firstskilled at “wrecking” - that the beautiful tropical island known settlers, the Siboneys, is, running ships aground could be transformed into an who migrated to the Caribin the shallows and leaving bean from South America’s the vessel helpless. It wasn’t alluring tourist destination. Groves was so determined to Amazon basin. until the 1720s that the Britbuild his dream that, in 1955, Soon enough, the Span- ish were able to squelch the he approached the Bahaish enslaved the Lucayans pirate raids, bringing a close mian government with the and transported them to to the Golden Age of Piracy. idea of developing a town work in Cuba’s gold and silDuring the time that folthat would cater to industry ver mines or Trinidad’s pearl lowed, Grand Bahama refisheries. When the Spanverted back to a quiet colony. as well as tourism. The result ish left Grand Bahama, the It remained that way for 200 was the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which paved island was virtually deserted. years, until the Civil War Ships sailed right past the erupted in the United States. the way for the city of Freeport, now the second-largest is land, believing it was too The Bahamians living city in the Bahamas and the treacherous to risk the reefs on the West End, a convencommercial center for the encircling it. In 1670, Great ient 52 miles (83 km) from island. Britain claimed the Islands of Palm Beach, Florida, took By 1962, Groves had proThe Bahamas, and, eventuadvantage of the Union cured the services of Canaally, many British colonists blockade of the Southern migrated to the islands states and began smuggling dian developer Louis Chester to build a tourist center in the seeking religious freedom. much-needed goods, such town of Lucaya, located only Unfortunately, the colonists as cotton and weapons, to 4 miles (6 km) from Freeport. were followed by pirates and the Confederacy. Once the Today, Lucaya is the heart privateers. The reefs that Civil War ended, the island’s kept the Spanish away made economy went from boom to of the tourism industry, with shopping complexes, megGrand Bahama an excellent bust. aresort hotels and a harbor location for pirates launchAnother boom arrived boardwalk lined with shops ing attacks on passing veswhen the United States ap-
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and restaurants. City Life, and therefore nightlife, in Grand Bahama is mainly focused on these two locations. Many visitors have passed through the red, lacquered Torii Arch, Japan’s traditional symbol of freedom, into the International Bazaar, one of the most popular places in Freeport for shopping and dining. One “must-do” stop at the center is a visit to Fragrance of the Bahamas - The Perfume Factory, where, for a small fee, visitors can choose from 35 different scents, such as floral and oriental, and blend
them to create their own fragrance. Guests can name their perfume blend, and they leave the Perfume Factory with a truly unique shopping experience. Likewise, the 12,000acre (4,800-hectare) Port Lucaya waterfront is teeming with vacationers. The Port Lucaya Marketplace is also filled with boutiques, artisans and vendors; it’s Straw Market has grown into one of the largest in the Caribbean, filled with authentic colorful straw wares, many of which are duty- and tax-free. Dining options are plentiful, too. Visi-
tors can experience casual or fine dining, including authentic foods of the Bahamians, such as conch salad and curried mutton, or one of the traditional favorites on the island, the spiny lobster, or “crawfish.” Following a delicious dinner, take in a concert at Count Basie Square; bands perform five nights a week, and on special nights local shows, including limbo and fire dancing, are performed. Elsewhere, each Wednesday, Smith’s Point hosts a fish fry, and on Friday nights a crab fest is held
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near the International Bazaar. Of course, one of the most relaxing ways to end an exciting day of activities is to enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise while watchinWnts throughout the year, including the annual Grand Bahama Sailing Regatta in June and the Pirates of Grand Bahama Dive Week in October, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Dive Association. The Dive Week includes day and night diving with evening ac-
tivities or entertainment. And Junkanoo, one of the most authentic events, is held in downtown Freeport; activities begin at 5 p.m. December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. Locals dressed in costumes parade through the street to the sounds of drums, horns and cowbells as they welcome in the New Year.
For the eco-minded, Grand Bahama offers three national parks for excellent adventures. The 100-acre (40-hectare) Bahamas National Trust Rand Nature Centre, only minutes from Freeport, is the largest park on the island. Park visitors are able to enjoy half-mile (1 km) self-guided tours over botanical trails, surrounded by 130 types of native plants, including examples of the more than 50 species of exquisite wild orchids.
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Destination X - Games
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ot only is the spectacle of the X Games, both summer and winter, a sight to behold, but both take place at great destinations at great times of the year. The Summer X Games are in Los Angeles, California in August while its frosty cousin, the Winter X Games, is set amidst the snow covered peaks of Colorado in Aspen in February. The Summer X Games take place over 4 days and feature jaw-dropping antics by the world’s best skateboarders, BMX bike riders, rally car drivers and moto-cross masters. High speed jumping, flipping, racing and spinning are the norm for this event and the
energy level draws a massive crowd year in and year out. Primarily a younger demographic attended in its early years, but the Summer event has recently invested in a Rally car segment that is one of the best on the continent, thus increasing the age of the average X Games attendee over the last 4 years. Outside of the event the endless beaches and cool blue draw of the Pacific Ocean is only a 15-minute drive away. The average temperature in the area is in the mid 80’s in August, so the beach is the perfect stop before, or after the event for a swim, surf, or to just take in the sights, sun and cool ocean breeze. Also within close proximity are Santa Monica, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, providing unlimited options of things to do.
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When Jack Frost comes around and you are looking to take in some turns on the slopes, incorporating the thrill of the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado into your travel plans is the perfect way to help stay warm. Truly the pinnacle event for all skiing and snowboarding events that don’t take place in skin tight racing suits, you can witness the high flying Olympians that have reshaped the way the International Olympic Committee looks at winter sports over the last decade. Half-pipe, slope-style and boarder-cross events keep these athletes traveling at high speeds, rarely on the ground and most certainly spending some time upside down. Much like the Summer X Games, the winter version added a number of motorized events, both racing and freestyle snowmobiling, to increase the size of the audience and expand it’s demographic, there truly is something for everyone. Set in beautiful Aspen, Colorado the choices of resorts to take in the 30 feet of annual snow in the region are abundant, and offer terrain for the first timer, all the way up to the full blown professional. World renowned for it’s restaurants, slope-side condos and sunny après patios, be sure to bring your appetite, and swim suit for the outdoor hot tub to soak those tired muscles to get ready for tomorrow. The X Games have grown into the most enjoyed and viewed, both live and via broadcast, action sports event in the world. The production quality is second to none and they provide the ultimate experience for anyone that comes through the gates. Even if you have never set foot on a skateboard, snowboard or driven a rally car, there is something that will turn your head and keep
you on the edge of your seat. Combine that with the locations that are already a destination for travelers from all over the world and you have an unbeatable combination.