Congressional travel to Cuba surged last year - Raul Castro demands U.S. pay back Cubans for "damages," return Guantanamo - OPINION: Five ways Obama could make Castro pay Cuba"s $6 billion debt to Americans

Travel by members of Congress to Cuba shot up last year ahead of President Obama’s December executive action normalizing relations with the island nation.

Thirteen Democratic House members traveled to Havana in 2014 on at least three separate trips sponsored by nonprofit outside groups, according to travel reports members are required to file with the House Ethics Committee.

One of the trips, in which at least seven lawmakers participated, ended just one day before Obama’s Dec. 17 announcement of a détente with the Castro regime.

The visits coincide with a furious behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign from longtime advocates for normalizing relations with Cuba and pressing Obama last year that the time was right to make a bold move and ease sanctions and lift travel restrictions.

Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com

View the original article here

Congressional travel to Cuba surged last year - Raul Castro demands U.S. pay back Cubans for "damages," return Guantanamo - OPINION: Five ways Obama could make Castro pay Cuba"s $6 billion debt to Americans

TUI Travel pins hopes on Jamaica, Mexico

International Travel Group, TUI Travel, says increased demand for long haul flights to Jamaica and Mexico will help it to realize its profit forecast this year.  
The company had projected earnings to grow in the region of  7-10%. It said recent developments mean its earnings will reach the upper end of  the forecast.      
TUI said bookings on its airline for the upcoming winter are up 2%. It said the demand has been driven by the addition of  long haul leisure destinations such as Jamaica and Mexico, out of  the UK.  

View the original article here

TUI Travel pins hopes on Jamaica, Mexico

US PR firm expands to travel sales

Jennifer Sena

NEW JERSEY, United States, Monday July 14, 2014 - Marketplace Excellence (MPE), a full service public relations, marketing and media company, is expanding its services to provide sales support to travel-related companies.

MPE President Bevan Springer said in addition to core public relations services currently being provided to an array of clients – from destinations and hotels to airlines and small businesses – MPE would now provide sales and marketing services for travel-related clients.

“In these rapidly evolving travel and tourism markets, we are witnessing a strong demand for effective representation not only in the marketplace but also in local markets where businesses ply their trade,” he asserted.

Springer reported MPE was partnering with sales executive Jennifer Sena, of SENA Sales and Marketing, who will interface with travel agents, tour operators and meeting and event planners, providing specialized support for clients at trade shows and other events.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

“Jennifer, whose sales and marketing experience flourished in the New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia markets where she promoted a wide-range of hotel products – from airport hotels to large convention properties, is a respected and goal-oriented sales executive and we welcome her to the MPE family,” said Springer.

He noted Sena added to MPE offerings her award-winning sales experience from major hospitality brands, including Marriott International where she was named the 2004 Northeast Sales Rookie of the Year.

In 2010, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau recruited Jennifer as a National Sales Manager, representing hotels with more than 14,000 rooms and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) focused on clients in New Jersey, the West Coast market, and Canada.

MPE specializes in converting the gifts, talents and abilities of clients and team members into excellence and value in the marketplace; and delivers outstanding products and services to markets in the Caribbean, North America and across the globe.

View the original article here

US PR firm expands to travel sales

Travel issues put the brakes on Jamaica's U17 cricket match

The National Under 17 cricketers match against Windward Islands on Tuesday’s opening day the WICB regional competition was postponed until further notice due to travel problems.

The Jamaican team departed the island on Monday and would have played back to back matches Tuesday and Wednesday.

The WICB announced Tuesday morning that the schedule for the tournament had been revised with only two matches to be played on Tuesday’s opening day, Guyana vs Windward Islands at Bon Accord, and Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago at Louis D’or.    

According to the board, the change was necessary following complications with the travel arrangements for the Jamaica team and the late arrival of luggage for the Leeward Islands team.

A revised schedule of matches will be distributed later.  

Calls to the Jamaica Cricket Association for further explanation, went unanswered.

View the original article here

Travel issues put the brakes on Jamaica"s U17 cricket match

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Haiti anti-riot soldier (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock)

OTTAWA, Canada, Saturday June 28, 2014, CMC – The Canadian and United States governments have warned their nationals about traveling to Haiti in light of what they view as an increase in crime in some parts of the earthquake-ravaged, French-speaking Caribbean country.

“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Haiti. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tensions,” said Canada in a statement, warning against non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area, “as the security situation is particularly unstable and dangerous.

“The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

“In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted,” the government said in the statement.

It said that the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area “continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity,” adding that local authorities lack the “capacity to ensure order.

“Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas, and it is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall,” it said.

The Canadian government also said that the security situation is “hazardous and very unpredictable.

“Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate,” it said.

“There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince,” it said, noting that in most cases the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles.

“Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” Canada said, noting that murder, kidnapping, armed robberies, burglaries and carjackings have been known to occur even in daylight hours.

The Canadian government said the general Haitian population, regardless of social class, ?can be considered at risk of being kidnapped.

In issuing a similar travel advisory, the consular section of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said it has “noted a recent increase in the number of travelers who have been victims of robbery shortly after departing Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

“In most cases, victims report that they were followed by armed individuals on motorcycles shortly after leaving the airport and robbed of cash and other portable valuables,” the statement said, urging Americans to ensure that they are picked up at the airport by their host.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said 73 people have been murdered so far this month, compared to 54 in May, 66 in April, and 45 in March.

View the original article here

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Haiti anti-riot soldier (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock)

OTTAWA, Canada, Saturday June 28, 2014, CMC – The Canadian and United States governments have warned their nationals about traveling to Haiti in light of what they view as an increase in crime in some parts of the earthquake-ravaged, French-speaking Caribbean country.

“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Haiti. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tensions,” said Canada in a statement, warning against non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area, “as the security situation is particularly unstable and dangerous.

“The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice.

Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)

“In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted,” the government said in the statement.

It said that the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area “continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity,” adding that local authorities lack the “capacity to ensure order.

“Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas, and it is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall,” it said.

The Canadian government also said that the security situation is “hazardous and very unpredictable.

“Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate,” it said.

“There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince,” it said, noting that in most cases the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles.

“Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities,” Canada said, noting that murder, kidnapping, armed robberies, burglaries and carjackings have been known to occur even in daylight hours.

The Canadian government said the general Haitian population, regardless of social class, ?can be considered at risk of being kidnapped.

In issuing a similar travel advisory, the consular section of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said it has “noted a recent increase in the number of travelers who have been victims of robbery shortly after departing Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

“In most cases, victims report that they were followed by armed individuals on motorcycles shortly after leaving the airport and robbed of cash and other portable valuables,” the statement said, urging Americans to ensure that they are picked up at the airport by their host.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said 73 people have been murdered so far this month, compared to 54 in May, 66 in April, and 45 in March.

View the original article here

Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime

Local travel start-up focusing on vacation interests, not dates

THE founders of Jamaican start-up travel company, Antullia, believe their firm could one day be a leading Caribbean-based business that serves the world.

The founders of the search engine that focuses on leisure travel, Christopher Whitfield and Marlon Gichie, plan to jet off to the World Summit in Ireland where they will show their prototype to some of the largest technology companies and investors.“Our goal is to showcase our travel search prototype to investors and experienced tech entrepreneurs who can give us feedback and make us better entrepreneurs,” said Whitfield, the company’s managing director.Antullia seeks to capture the market of travellers who have no idea where or when their next getaway will be. It will provide visual search results with contextual travel information based on people’s interests.This represents roughly 50 per cent of discretionary travellers in developed markets and nearly 66 per cent in emerging markets, according to Whitfield, who learned about these findings from PhoCusWright, a travel, tourism and hospitality research company.Rather than allowing users to search for hotel rooms based on a particular date, Antullia will go even further to show travellers the kinds of activities that are happening in or around the area that are within their budget.“When we present people with the right information they will book with us,” Whitfield reasoned.The company aims to earn income from contextual video advertising and commissions on hotel room bookings and in-destination tours.The available travel agencies and search engines options don’t produce the information that travellers want, according to Whitfield.“If a leisure traveller goes to Google and searches for “luxury Caribbean resorts”, the search results they get are usually based on which resort has the best search optimisation campaigns,” Whitfield explained.Moreover, actual travel websites focus primarily on price, limiting their decision to cost rather than value.“Those are problems that are causing well documented frustration among travellers,” he said.Though Whitfield knows the company’s idea is feasible and there is a demand for user friendly search engines that turn specific results, there is still much more to be done before the site is put to market.“We’ve spent just about two years on whiteboards and writing code to develop our first prototype. There are a number of steps between prototype stage and taking it to market but we will go to the summit with it,” he said.For now, the founders of Antullia are more concerned with forming relationships and building the right product rather than seeking investments.“Our aim for the programme is not initially financial. The travel industry is extremely complicated and fragmented and even if we were to have an investment of US$1 million tomorrow, it wouldn’t necessarily mean we’d be successful,” he said.The company got into the Alpha Programme of the Web Summit, which gives early start-up companies a chance to exhibit their products and services.Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, PayPal and EBay are previous attendees.Following the gathering in Dublin, Whitfield will attend the World Travel Market in London to make contacts in the travel industry.Rather than allowing users to search for hotel rooms based on a particular date, Antullia will go even further to show travellers the kinds of activities that are happening in or around the area that are within their budget.

View the original article here

Local travel start-up focusing on vacation interests, not dates

Bahamas issues travel advisory for citizens going to Miami

Latest News

Thursday, August 01, 2013 | 11:14 AM

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas government has warned nationals travelling to the United States to be careful about their possession as they embark upon shopping expeditions in the North American country.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this “is the traditional season for Bahamians to shop before back-to-school and while shopping may not be paying particular attention to their documents and possessions. “We are asking them to take particular care because of reports of opportunistic theft of Bahamian passports and travel documents through break-ins in cars in the parking lots of shopping malls. We are advising all Bahamians travelling in the Miami area to be aware of their surroundings. Be sure that you are not followed.”Most importantly, nationals are being urged “not come out of cars if you are bumped at traffic lights” and that placing passports and other important documents in glove compartments and the trunks of your cars are strongly discouraged.”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all citizens to contact the Bahamas consulate in Miami if their documents are stolen.The government also warns that Bahamians could be charged with grand auto theft, if they are unable to return their rented vehicles within the stipulated time on the contract.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

View the original article here

Bahamas issues travel advisory for citizens going to Miami