The historic charm of Charlotte Amalie (and its buzzing new boutique hotel). Sparkling white-sand beaches like Lindquist and Magens Bay. World-class eateries like Blue 11.  It’s no surprise that the USVI’s island of St Thomas is one of the most popular places to visit in the Caribbean right now, and now it’s risen right to the top of the Caribbean market.  St Thomas is the top trending destination in the wider Caribbean for summer travel, according to a new report from travel giant Expedia.  Magens Bay. St Thomas is the top trending summer getaway in the region based on hotel an ..read more

Continuing its Caribbean expansion out of San Juan, ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is set to debut a new route between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.  The new route, which kicks off June 14, will connect San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport with Cibao Airport in Santiago.  The flights will be operating three times per week, according to the carrier.  The beach at the Caribe Hilton hotel in San Juan. “From the beautiful white sand beaches to the country’s vibrant culture and traditions, there are countless reasons to visit the Dominican Republic ..read more

The Bahamas’ Perfect Day at CocoCay has been one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise stops in the Caribbean in recent years.  Until now, though, Celebrity Cruises itineraries didn’t visit the port.  That just changed this week with the first-ever Celebrity call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, with guests on both Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond stopping on the private island in The Bahamas.  It’s part of Celebrity’s expanded “short Caribbean itinerary” cruises out of South Florida.  Laura Hodges, president of Celebrity Cruises, said the shorter itineraries were ins ..read more

As part of a continued push to the Caribbean for the upcoming winter, American Airlines is adding another daily nonstop route, Caribbean Journal has learned.  American Airlines is transitioning to daily nonstop service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands in December.  “That’s big news for the winter season,” Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Mrs. Rosa Harris told Caribbean Journal. “And we’re excited about that.” The pool at the new Hotel Indigo, opening soon in Cayman. The new flight comes as tourism continues to show resilience in the Cayman Islands, w ..read more

US Virgin Islands tourism is off to a very strong start this year, according to data provided by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.  Overseas arrivals in the USVI were up 21 percent in the first quarter of 2024, as compared to the first three months of 2023.  Projections are also strong for the second quarter, with a forecast of 12 percent growth for 2Q, according to the report.  The new Buoy Haus resort in St Thomas. The data was provided during a session at the CHRIS conference in Coral Gables, which is being held this week.  The data was sourced from air analyt ..read more

The newest resort in Turks and Caicos has launched bookings ahead of its debut early next year, Caribbean Journal has learned. Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa in Turks and Caicos, has launched bookings on its new Website ahead of its February 2025 debut. “As our opening date draws closer, we are thrilled to share Salterra’s website with future guests,” said Michael Tibbetts, CEO of JEM Worldwide, the company spearheading the new property. “We’re looking forward to welcoming travelers to this piece of paradise, where carefully crafted experiences, a focus on sustainability, and unp ..read more

Divi Resorts has a growing portfolio of resorts in the Caribbean, from its popular adults-only resort in St Croix to the new Oceans brand in both St Croix and St Maarten.  The company also has a robust relationship with travel agents, and some special programs going on right now.  To access this content, subscribe now. Choose from two tailored subscription options: Caribbean Journal Invest for comprehensive investment news or Caribbean Journal Travel Advisor for targeted content for travel agents and advisors. Subscribe today to unlock this article and receive our biweekly newslett ..read more

In an effort to motivate its advisor partners, many top-notch Caribbean hotels are offering special perks for travel specialists who show initiative through bookings. “Incentives are not only great to earn, but once you use them, it helps in business growth,” said Dilworth Daley, a Caribbean travel specialist and owner of Daley Destinations, “which is such a win-win for us as travel advisors.”  To access this content, subscribe now. Choose from two tailored subscription options: Caribbean Journal Invest for comprehensive investment news or Caribbean Jo ..read more

With almost 20,000 votes, the winners of the Caribbean Green Awards 2024 Presented by E-Finity have been crowned.  From state-of-the-art marine conservation projects to hotels that are redefining sustainability, the Green movement has never been stronger in the Caribbean.  “This year’s winners are a testament to the growing focus in the wider region on sustainability,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal. “It’s heartening to see the depth and diversity of the stakeholders who are not just giving lip service to “green,” but making it a foundation of their ..read more

Mazatlan has been one of the fastest-growing destinations in Mexico in recent years, with a booming hotel pipeline and continued flight growth, out of the United States and Canada.  Now, it’s the newest home of Hyatt’s quickly-expanding Dreams all-inclusive brand.  The company has officially opened its new Dreams Estrella Mazatlan resort, an all-suite hotel that’s Hyatt’s first-ever property in the destination.  “We are thrilled to introduce guests and World of Hyatt members to the pearl of Mexico’s pacific coast. The opening of Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Re ..read more