JetBlue Vacations is inviting travelers to save up to $300 and score special perks when they book through its Insider Experience program this spring.The program connects customers with a specially trained team of local Insiders throughout their stay at no extra charge and comes standard with flight and hotel packages to a handful of popular destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Bahamas and Jamaica advisories spark concern, not cancellations
22.02.2024 - 18:08 / travelweekly.com
Travel advisors and suppliers said that updates to U.S. State Department travel advisories citing crime in Jamaica and the Bahamas did not cause cancellations but did prompt concern and outreach from clients.
In both cases, the U.S. did not raise the level of the advisory -- Level 2 "exercise increased caution" for the Bahamas and Level 3 "reconsider travel" for Jamaica -- but called out criminal activity in both countries. In Jamaica's case, the advisory said that sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts, but did not specify any resorts at which crimes had occurred or give any details about dates or frequencies.
Pleasant Holidays and sister brand Journese said there were no cancellations or requests to revise travel dates or change destinations for trips to either country. Similarly, Ultimate Jet Vacations said that while it received an "influx of calls from travel advisors," their concerns were mostly eased once they were given context about where crimes tend to occur compared with the places tourists usually go and where resorts are.
- Related: Jamaica's U.S. ambassador speaks out
"In a few cases, to offer additional reassurances, we involved the resorts themselves so that they could provide additional perspective on the location and proximity to the places specifically mentioned in the advisories," said David Solis, head of business development at Ultimate Jet Vacations, adding that "business is holding steady to Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Caribbean at their usual pace."
John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group, said last week that advisors hadn't reported any cancellations or changes. He suggested advisors and clients call resorts directly to ask if they have enhanced security, especially in Jamaica since all-inclusives were specifically identified in the travel advisory, something Lovell said he "found a little bit concerning."
Fernando Mulet, executive vice president and chief investment officer for Playa Hotels & Resorts, which manages five all-inclusive properties in Jamaica (a Hilton, two Hyatts and two Jewels), said that while the advisory could still impact bookings, safety protocols at Playa's properties there remain robust.
"We have normal operations at our resorts, and none of these issues are impacting our areas or our hotels specifically," Mulet said. "Our properties have strong protocols and their own security teams, and if you're not a guest at one of our all-inclusive resorts, you cannot access the resort."
This isn't the first time a travel advisory has caused concern in one of its markets, he said, citing the news frenzy around the 2019 tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic that prompted widespread safety concerns.
"Sometimes we see groups
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
travelpulse.com
12.03.2024 / 19:35
Christina Aguilera To Headline Atlantis Paradise Island's Music Making Waves Concert Series
Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera will headline Atlantis Paradise Island's Music Making Waves series on July 13th, 2024.
thepointsguy.com
08.03.2024 / 18:55
This is the highest-rated cruise destination in the world — and it's not what you think
What's the highest-rated cruise destination in the world?
forbes.com
08.03.2024 / 18:48
Top Wildlife Lodges, The Ultimate Barbie Resort, And More Travel News
For those looking for a wild adventure on their next vacation, the editors of Forbes Travel Guide have rounded up some of the best lodges where guests can enjoy exotic animals in their natural habitats. From Tanzania to Texas, here are 14 luxury wildlife hotels featuring giraffes and jaguars—and a Noah’s ark of creatures.
breakingtravelnews.com
08.03.2024 / 10:33
Jamaica Awarded Global Destination of the Year
Jamaica has been named Global Destination of the Year at the renowned travel trade show, ITB in Berlin. The award was presented yesterday by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA). The PATWA is a nonprofit international media organization of travel writers founded in 1999 and the awards seek to recognize organizations, destinations/brands and individuals achieving the highest standards in their field. In accepting the award on behalf of the destination, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said, “Jamaica is known for its food, music and indeed love so we are humbled to be recognized for these experiential offerings to our visitors that provide meaningful memories.”
breakingtravelnews.com
07.03.2024 / 19:23
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Named Global Icon at ITB Berlin
The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.
forbes.com
07.03.2024 / 15:15
Mattel Is Bringing Barbie To Atlantis Bahamas This Summer
Sometimes, even Barbie needs a break from Malibu Beach. Flush with cash from her $1.4 billion blockbuster eponymous movie released last summer, she’s taking her first-ever Caribbean vacation—and she’s chosen the splashiest, pinkest resort she could find.
nytimes.com
05.03.2024 / 22:07
U.S. Warns Spring Breakers Headed to Mexico, Jamaica or the Bahamas
Don’t wander off the resort after dark. Keep the flashy clothing and jewelry to a minimum. Stay aware of your surroundings. Those are some of the travel rules that Ginger Moore, a retired logistics analyst from Panama City, Fla., adheres to on her solo trips throughout the Caribbean.
travelpulse.com
05.03.2024 / 19:29
Sea Cloud Announces 2025 Florida and Bahamas Sailings, Brightline Pre-Cruise Option
WHY IT RATES: Sea Cloud Cruises is offering a new round-trip Miami itinerary for 2025, allowing travelers to enjoy a fun private yacht-style cruise onboard a brand-new, three-masted ship unlike any other. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse
travelpulse.com
05.03.2024 / 19:27
Disney Cruise Line Debuts Jordin Sparks’ Song for New Disney Treasure Ship
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Treasure now has a signature song: “Live the Adventure,” performed by Jordin Sparks.
traveldailynews.com
04.03.2024 / 07:47
Cunard announces new voyages to Barbados in 2025 and 2026
Queen Elizabeth will sail to Barbados in October 2025.
thepointsguy.com
28.02.2024 / 19:05
Yet another giant Royal Caribbean ship is switching to short cruises
It's official: Short cruises on giant ships seem to be the flavor of the month in the cruise world.