Car 12-13 28/8/09 17:22 Page 57
ttglive.com
caribbean knowledge
Casino tourism
The Caribbean’s on
a winning streak
The flashing lights and clinking slot-machines of a Aruba
casino might not be every client’s cup of tea, but
Joanna Walding, the UK director of the
certain UK holidaymakers are increasingly interested
Aruba Tourism Authority, says: “The
increasing mainstream profile and consumer
in having a flutter. Philippa Jacks reports popularity of gambling makes it likely that
“casino tourism” will be a growth sector in
O
dds are, you won’t have had The Caribbean is a popular destination for the months and years to come. The majority
many requests from your clients such events. It might not rival Vegas for size of clients won’t be regular gamblers but will
about gambling in the Caribbean. and quantity of casino, but it does offer a see the casino as a fun way to spend an
Casino hotels have traditionally beautiful setting, and the chance to combine evening or two during their trip.”
targeted the American market, and gambling with some beach time. The Aruba Tourism Authority holds its
gambling culture has even been avoided
UltimateBet.com holds its eighth annual first casino-themed agents’ night at the end
by some UK holidaymakers. Aruba Poker Classic next month, and expects of the month (see below to win one of 10
But the tables are slowly turning. The UK 550 players to compete for multi-million places to attend). Agents will have chance to
Gambling Commission says that gambling dollar prizes. “No other poker tournament find out about some of the island’s 12 casinos,
in the UK, both in casinos and online or lets you bounce from the intense tables to including the swanky Crystal Casino at the
mobile phone, is on the increase. Online the tranquil beach in seconds,” its website Renaissance Aruba, where Aruba Classic is
poker is a global phenomenon, and claims. being held, and Stellaris Casino, the island’s
internet gamblers are increasingly meeting Tourist boards have not actively promoted largest, located at the Aruba Marriott.
face-to-face in massive international casinos to the UK market in the past, but are
tournaments. beginning to open up to its potential. The Bahamas
The Atlantis Casino at Atlantis Paradise
Island is the biggest in the Caribbean; it has
1,000 slot machines and 78 tables of games,
and if you don’t have the first clue about
gambling, you can take lessons there. The
casino hosts major tournaments such as the
Poker Stars Caribbean Adventure, and is
great for celebrity-spotting – Goldie Hawn,
Kurt Russell and Michael Jordan like to
gamble there. Clients in the Cable Beach
area could give the Crystal Palace at the
WyndhamNassau Resort a try. Turn to 58
FEELING LUCKY?
WIN
Win tickets to Aruba’s Agent Casino Night!
To celebrate Caribbean Month this September
the Aruba Tourism Authority is giving agents the chance
to win tickets to an exclusive Aruba Casino night on
September 23 at the Marriott Hotel Marble Arch from
6pm. Agents will be able to try their hand at a range of
games, and enjoy Caribbean food and punch. To enter the
draw, email
aruba@saltmarshpr.co.uk with your full
details. Winners will be chosen at random and notified
by September 7. See
ttglive.com/caribbeanmonth
for details of more events and competitions.
British gamblers are increasingly combining gambling with the beach at resorts such as the Westin Aruba
04.09.2009 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80