Invest Caribbean Now 2012, which will honour world renowned business leader, Sir Richard Branson, is now just 33 days away and tickets are in going fast for the June 6, 2012 emerging market meeting, set for 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Marquis Ballroom of the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, organizers say.

The power forum, a partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the regional tourism arm and digital media company, Hard Beat Communications, will see panellists addressing the question: “Is The Caribbean, The Next China, India Or Brazil?”

Invest Caribbean Now comes as Chinese investment in the Caribbean continues to boom in this free trade region that is politically stable and boosts attractive tax incentives, a highly literate work force and an established tourism market, and which the International Monetary Fund and World Bank forecast will see a 3.5 percent growth into 2013, higher than those of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and similar to those of East Asia.

“If you are  a private equity investor, investment banker, financier, real estate developer, hotel chain executive, lawyers, architect or entrepreneur, looking to grow your money and do business in an emerging market that is on the up and up, then this is a can’t miss event,” said Felicia Persaud, co-convener of Invest Caribbean Now and CEO of Hard Beat. “To book last minute seats to the event log on now to InvestCaribbeanNow.com.”

Panellists for the annual power forum this June include feature Chairman of Blue Equity, Jonathan Blue; President and co-founder of Solamon Energy Corp, Jay Yeo and Lisa Lake, the chief development director of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean; Hon. Ricky Skerritt, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism & International Transport of St. Kitts & Nevis and an official of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

Blue, who already invests in the Caribbean, commented: “Our initial entry in the Caribbean market has led us to more progressive and larger scale opportunities in which we are investing or are continuing to evaluate.  We look forward to expanding our Caribbean presence in the very near future.”

“The Caribbean region is rich in entrepreneurial spirit and in opportunities to grow the economy. Tourism has sustained this region for many years. We now need to develop and add diversity to the market by investing in the skills of entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and to help them scale their businesses and employ people while to competing in a global market,”    Lake added.

The forum will also include an interactive question and answer segment as well as a one hour match making/networking session to allow for attendees to do business.

For exhibitor and additional sponsorship opportunities email Joe Bernstein at joe@investcaribbeannow.com.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors include La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM) and One Caribbean Television while supporting sponsors are the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc., The Museum of American Finance and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas.

Additional information on the event can be found at InvestCaribbeanNow.com, the event’s pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Invest-Caribbean/100002110419705 and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InvestingCarib. When tweeting about this event, use #InvestCarib.

“On this golden occasion Hotelogix wants to extend CHTA its world class cloud based Hotel Platform. I believe this can significantly help CHTA members to see the positive impacts of cloud system in hospitality business. With this Hotelogix aims to help CHTA member hotels in fostering excellence in hotel operations, and at same time help hotels increase revenues by providing online connectivity and global exposure, Hotelogix has extended CHTA members a free full system trial for two weeks and a discounted subscription,” says Deepak Chauhan, Director Products, Hotelogix.

Hotelogix, is the leading cloud-based SAAS (Software as a Service) offering for the small and mid-sized hospitality industry, it is easy-to-adapt and very cost efficient solution.

Hotelogix is a solution to help manage their operations in a simplified way, giving world class services. Offering customers a unified approach for their business needs like Reservations, Front-desk Operations, Housekeeping, Restaurants etc., the system further offers modules that let you extend your global reach and generate higher revenues from the online channels and stay integrated with the external stakeholders of their hospitality business.

About Carbo TTC:

Carbo Trust Trade Consultancy Ltd. is a multidisciplinary and result oriented advisory service dealing with strategy, marketing, business organization, interim management, and change project management in the hospitality industry. Carbo TTC, represent Hotelogix in Caribbean region and till date has successfully implemented solution in many properties.

About Hotelogix:

HMS Infotech was incorporated in 2008, and is headquartered at New Delhi NCR, India. Hotelogix (Hotelogix.com), by HMS Infotech, is an end-to-end cloud solution for small and mid-size hotel properties worldwide.

For offer details, visit: (CarboTTC) http://www.hotelogix.com/lpage/carbos.html

Caribbean nationals in North America who may have traveled home to the Caribbean or Caribbean nationals who may have travelled to North America for cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, weight loss - gastric bypass/stomach stapling/LAP- band surgery, cataracts/refractive surgery/LASIK or joint replacement surgery or may be contemplating doing so, are being invited to be a part of the survey.

To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and have spent or be willing to spend $3,000 for the eye-related procedures and over US$5,000 on any of the other above mentioned procedures.  All information provided for the research will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Participants must have Internet access.

 Interested persons are asked to email chris@caribpr.com.

“Tobago is an undiscovered paradise,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions.  “But it is a destination that should not be underestimated.  There is huge potential in Tobago and we are proud to be working with them to make their goals a reality.”

“We looked at all of our options,” said Duane Kenny, Chairman of Tobago’s Marketing Committee.  “Nobody brings the simplicity, experience, and level of knowledge that Regatta does.  Their business model is based on performance alone and that speaks volumes.”

About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.

Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).  DMOs that use Regatta to book travel on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership and participation for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.com for more details.  Regatta Travel Solutions is an Alliance Partner of DMAI.

Jennifer Baldwin, Research Fellow, Energy and Environment, Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), Inter-American Development Group.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mar. 16, 2012: Caribbean businesses have great potential to cut high energy costs by investing in renewables.

That’s according to Jennifer Baldwin, Research Fellow, Energy and Environment, Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), Inter-American Development Group, and one of three panelists who will address delegates at the inaugural “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum, part of this year’s Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 13^th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference.

The CTO is partnering with Invest Caribbean Now, the brand founded by Felicia Persaud, the Guyana-born CEO of the New York-based digital media company Hard Beat Communications, to present the inaugural green forum – set for April 18, 2012 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

“Significant cost savings and new entrepreneurial opportunities can be created if businesses invest in quantifying and managing their environmental impacts,” said Baldwin. “The Multilateral Investment Fund has over 10 years of experience helping tourism businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce their energy and water use and to increase their stewardship of natural resources. I will share several success stories of businesses that profited from reducing their environmental impact through efficiency, renewables, and building a green brand around conservation. I will also share our newest projects on these topics in the Caribbean.” 

Currently, renewable energy provides less than two percent of the Caribbean region’s commercial electricity.

Other presenters of the April 18^th forum will include Tony Fiddy, President of the Waste to Energy Division and Regional Vice President for Europe and Africa, Naanovo Energy Inc. who will discuss Naanovo’s focus on helping the Caribbean region move away from fossil-fuels and into alternative energy.

Partnership and exhibitor opportunities to be a part of the historic Green Forum are available by calling 1-646-820-5694 or emailing Joe Bernstein at joe@investcaribbeannow.com.

To attend STC 13, log on to http://www.caribbeanstc.com/register Partners to date for the April 18^th Green Investment forum include One Caribbean Television, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.

“We are thrilled about adding Anguilla to our portfolio of Caribbean destinations,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions.  “Our existing clients continue to see production levels that they never thought possible and other destinations are catching on.”

“After hearing from other destinations in the Caribbean about the success they have had with Regatta, we invited Mr. Kamlani to Anguilla to meet with us and our hotels,” said Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association.  “The model is so simple, and makes perfect sense.  We love that it puts the control back in the hands of the hoteliers and produces real, measurable results.  Our members can’t wait to get started.”

About the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association
First established in 1981 as a small organization representing the interest of a few of the island’s accommodation properties, the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association AHTA is today recognized as Anguilla’s largest and oldest trade association with a growing membership representing all facets of Anguilla’s tourism industry. 

About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.
Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).  DMOs that use Regatta to book travel on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership and participation for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.com for more details.  Regatta Travel Solutions is an Alliance Partner of DMAI.

                                                                      Book on February 29^th for a $29 Room Night

CaribPR Wire, New York, NY (February 29, 2012) – True savings only come once every four years. This Leap Year, on February 29^th only, visitors can save on their hotel stay when they book travel to Barbados at over 25 participating hotels and attractions. This one time Leap to Barbados special gives travelers a chance to leap away to the sun-drenched island to experience an unforgettable vacation retreat.

In celebration of Leap Day, those who book a minimum 5 night stay at any participating property pay only $29 for the first night. This fantastic cost savings is the perfect reason to escape to this lush Caribbean island – offering travelers a destination rich in history, culture, food, music, and a passion for living life to its fullest. 

Additionally, travelers have the chance to complement their hotel stay in Barbados with an extraordinary underwater experience at Atlantis Submarines, offering $29 off the full price for the first person in each party. Moreover, Island Safari is offering $29 off per couple on the 4×4 Adventure Safari with Full Day Lunch Tour.

Planning a Leap to Barbados vacation is as easy as:

• HURRY: Reservation lines and online booking window opens at 12:01am and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 29^th, 2012
• SAVE: Book 5 nights at any participating Barbados at season rate with promo code “LEAP” and pay only $29 for first night (minimum 5 night stay)
• LEAP TO BARBADOS: Travel window is through December 20^th, 2012

Book your stay on February 29^th, 2012 for travel through December 20^th, 2012 by visiting http://Bookings.BookBarbadosNow.com using promo code: LEAP and start saving. Early checkouts are not permitted.

Participating Hotels and Attractions Include:

• Ocean Two
• South Beach Barbados
• Tamarind Cove
• Colony Club
• Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
• Divi Heritage Beach Resort
• Atlantis Hotel
• Little Good Harbour Hotel
• All Seasons Resort
• Rostrevor Hotel
• Pirate’s Inn
• South Gap Hotel
• Bougainvillea Beach Resort
• Mango Bay
• Island Inn
• Sunswept Beach
• Plum Tree Club
• Sweetfield Manor Historical Bed & Breakfast
• Beach View
• Ocean15 Hotel
• Golden Sands Hotel
• Yellow Bird Hotel
• Angler Apartments
• Coconut Court
• The Crane
• Coral Mist Beach Hotel
• Blue Orchids Beach Hotel
• Atlantis Submarine
• Island Safari

Getting There:

Major US airlines offer easy and convenient services for travelers to Barbados from all major US gateways.

American Airlines offers a daily non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and two daily from Miami International. Non-stop service is also available from Dallas Fort Worth International.

American Eagle also offers a non-stop from San Juan with connections from most US gateways. Visit www.aa.com for reservations.

JetBlue Airways offers a daily non-stop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown, Barbados with some connections from their key gateways. Visit  www.jetblue.com for reservations. 

US Airways offers weekly non-stop flights from Charlotte and offers travelers convenient connections from points within the U.S. to the island. Visit www.usairways.com for reservations.

###

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes.  Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers.  Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is an ideal stage for world-class events and in collaboration with American Express Publishing Corporation, Barbados has hosted its first annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival in November 2010.  The country has also hosted numerous athletic championships, including the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Jet Blue and American Airlines, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

“We expect to have nine destinations in the Caribbean using Regatta by April,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions.  “Once these projects are all fully operational we will have much more inventory in the Caribbean than any major Online Travel Agency.  This will open the door for Regatta to get involved in more high level projects which focus on the Caribbean as a whole.”

“Many have tried to do for years what Regatta has accomplished here in the Caribbean over the last twelve months,” said Neil Forrester, General Manager of the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association.  “Their technology and services provide the hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas and activity providers a new and powerful way to attract bookings.  We look forward to working with them to replicate the success they have seen in other destinations here in Antigua, and are excited to be a part of their future endeavors in the Caribbean region.”

www.bookantiguanow.com was recently launched, and the accommodations providers are now in the process of getting their properties online.

About the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association

The Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association is a non-government organisation and the representative voice of the local tourism private sector with a membership which comprises hotels, airlines and nearly 50 other tourism-related entities.  Visit antiguahotels.org for more details.

About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.

Founded by Ashwin Kamlani, Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).  DMOs that use Regatta to book travel on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership and participation for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.com for more details.

 LIMA, Peru, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Best Western International, Inc., THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY®, announced today that members of its Best Western Rewards® frequency program can now earn 250 LifeMiles, the frequent flyer points from Avianca and TACA Airlines,  for every qualified stay at any Best Western hotel around the world.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120113/MM35506LOGO-a )

In addition, between January 16, 2012 and March 31, 2012, Best Western Rewards members who have chosen LifeMiles as their earning preference will be awarded an additional 250 bonus miles for qualified stays at Best Western branded hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, or the Caribbean. For complete terms, conditions and limitations, click here and to adjust earning preferences, register for promotions and manage accounts, Best Western Rewards Members please visit www.bestwesternrewards.com.

“Avianca and TACA Airlines offers one of the most comprehensive networks in Latin America, and is an ideal partner for Best Western,” said Suzi Yoder, VP of International Operations for Best Western.  “We have hotels in nearly every Latin American country they serve, and LifeMiles’ over 4 million members will now have the advantage of earning miles for their stays at any Best Western.”

“In terms of distribution throughout Latin America, Best Western’s presence is very strong.  This partnership provides a huge added benefit for our frequent flyers, as they can earn LifeMiles for hotel stays in nearly every city we fly to in the region,” said Mauricio Angulo, LifeMiles’ Business Development Director.

Best Western Rewards is one of the industry’s most generous rewards programs and one of few that is truly international. With more than 4,000 locations in over 100 countries and territories, Best Western makes it easy for members to earn points that can be redeemed for global free room nights with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline miles and more. Rewards program members can book their award nights and purchase travel at www.bestwestern.com.

About AviancaTaca

AviancaTaca Holdings is a leading airline group in Latin America. With a modern fleet of 140 short, medium and long haul aircraft and an exceptional team composed of more than 15,000 Employees, Avianca and Taca directly serves over 100 destinations in America and Europe, which connect to over 750 destinations worldwide through agreements with partner airlines around the globe. With more than 4 million members in its loyalty program, the group recorded combined annual sales revenues of approximately three billion dollars. Its multi-hub operating model offers diverse and convenient passenger flight options through Bogota, Colombia, San Salvador, El Salvador, Lima, Peru and San Jose, Costa Rica. The group also offers a broad portfolio of air products and services, including air cargo, mail, courier, aeronautical support specialists and tourism packages. For more information about the airlines please visit www.taca.com or www.avianca.com

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 66 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts hundreds of thousands of guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world’s biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, racecar driver Michael Waltrip, and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

Hotel guests in the Caribbean, whether from North America, Latin America or Europe, expect entertainment in their rooms to be on par with the technology they have at home. In the Caribbean, this technology does not exist today for most properties. With more than 400,000 underserved rooms in the territory, hoteliers wish to provide their guests with compelling HD content, high-speed Internet and a platform for advertising to resort guests.

The initial focus for CITV will be on the southern Caribbean islands of Curacao, Aruba, St. Martin and Trinidad/Tobago, with expansion into the Caribbean at large during the next 24 months. CITV will also focus on South America in the near future.

CITV has already contracted a number of properties which will be installed late 2011 reflecting the clear need in the region for a flexible and reliable TV and broadband platform. CITV is working closely with a number of independent properties as well as virtually all international chains.

“CITV brings more than 50 combined years of executive level hospitality technology and entertainment experience, making it the ideal partner for Acentic to reach these markets,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Acentic. “The Caribbean and Latin American hospitality markets are very much underserved both for iTV and high-speed Internet access (HSIA). Virtually all properties need upgrades to an IP network along with HD televisions, providing guests with a unprecedented level of service in the region.”

“Acentic brings validity to the market place,” said Kelly Sides, president of CITV. “Acentic is a long established and dominant player in its market so there is no question about the stability of the company or its products. We know they will be there for us tomorrow and for the long term.”

“Acentic offers a well developed technology platform coupled with a wide variety of content,” said Chris Engels, senior vice president at CITV. “As Acentic is European based, the multi-lingual functionality is very important for hoteliers with guests coming from Spain, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany and France.”

 About Acentic Group

Acentic is an international provider of high-speed Internet access solutions, digital TV services and hospitality-focused mobile apps to hotels. Acentic’s digital content, technology, support and services deliver information and communication, as well as entertainment and revenue generation tools, via the hotel television, providing a unique communications system that meets the evolving lifestyles of guests. Acentic’s broadband and digital TV services are in many of the world’s leading hotel chains, including Accor, Dorint, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Maritim, Marriott, Movenpick and Starwood in more than 30 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. For more information, visit www.acentic.com.