Caribbean
Back in the game
Last September the Caribbean was hit by the region’s most destructive hurricanes in a century. Some islands escaped virtually unscathed while others suffered longer- term effects. But most are welcoming back
tourists and some are using WTM London to push that
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (CA350)
The BVIs are running an “open for business” message with a BVI Reborn video celebrating their progress.
Charter yacht companies returned swiftly to these popular sailing islands, while the islands’ regatta took place as usual this spring. Some, including Dream Yacht Charter and The Moorings have reinvented their offering, with a “book by the cabin” option to entice a new, more budget- conscious, market.
Hotels have taken longer to come back, but several are welcoming visitors once more. Scrub Island, Cooper Island and Anegada Beach Club all re-opened early this year, the latter with a new glamping option. Oil Nut Bay is relaunching, with new suites and a marina village available from December. Necker Island’s Great House has been booking from October, with the rest of its accommodation opening in 2019. Meanwhile, Bitter End Yacht Club and Rosewood
72 05.11.2018 Jamaica message. Debbie Ward reports Cuba
The Bahamas
DOMINICA (CA260)
and Norwegian Cruise Line this autumn.
Little Dix Bay expect to reopen in late 2019. Others, including Peter Island and Biras Creek, have yet to confi rm dates.
On its own stand at WTM London, the BVIs will launch the “villa bible”, highlighting other accommodation options available to tourists.
Despite signifi cantly raised project costs, an airport runway extension will be going ahead to enable the island to attract larger aircraft.
Cruise calls resumed at Tortola Pier Park in late 2017. Disney Cruise Line returned this summer
“We are expecting a remarkable 2018/19 cruise season with projections of more than 200 calls and 400,000 passengers at Tortola Pier Park and Road Harbour alone,” says Sharon Flax-Brutus, director of tourism. “As of August 15, there were 769 rooms on land and 2,930 berths available throughout the Territory. By winter season, that number will rise to more than 1,000 rooms and 3,200 berths.
“For those looking to offer their support to the BVIs, the most vital way to help is by booking a trip and patronising our local hotels and businesses.”
All but three of the island’s 45 tourist sites and more than half of its pre-hurricane rooms are ready for visitors, while major new openings are helping boost confi dence. Secret Bay and Citrus Creek
Plantation are expected to relaunch in the last quarter of 2018, while Fort Young Hotel, already partly open, plans to expand from 73 to 103 rooms by October 2019. Some 544 of Dominica’s hotel and guest-house rooms (57% of the previous total) are back on sale. Next year the island will welcome new Jungle Bay resort and Cabrits Resort Kempinski. The former will open in March 2019 and the latter in October 2019 near Portsmouth. Anichi resort, under Mariott’s Autograph collection, is due to debut in early 2020.
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