“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.

FG Worldwide has teamed with Cadaques Caribe and award winning ReMax Metropolitana Realtors to offer 1/12 fractions of 36 condominiums in the resort for use as a second home or vacation property.

 As a rare opportunity not commonly found in fractional real estate sales, up to 80 percent financing is being offered to virtually all buyers.

Each two-bedroom, two-bath, 1000 sq. ft. (90 sq.m.) condominium comes fully furnished, and each has either a balcony or a patio with views of the property, the bordering national park, or the sea.

 Cadaques Caribe is a mixed use, 4 star resort located in the coastal town of Bayahibe, D.R. Modeled after the village of Cadaques, Spain, it offers whole- and fractional- ownership properties as well as a boutique hotel. It boasts a spectacular beachside locale and European charm, complete with on-site water park, lagoon pools, a swimming pier, restaurants and bars, concierge service, and more.

 ABOUT FG Worldwide

Established in 2008, FG Worldwide is a luxury real estate and development company focused on enhancing lifestyles through unique real estate offerings, products and brands. They also consult with hotel owners and developers in both U.S. and international markets on developing, positioning and marketing fractional real estate. Visit www.FG-Worldwide.com for more information.

ABOUT ReMax Metropolitana

Since owner/broker Melido Marte opened for business in 1998, ReMax Metropolitana has grown from 10 agents to 47 partners and 62 associates. It has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Top Office/ Most Transactions in 2001, 2003 and 2007, and Top Office Sales Volume in 2007. It was classified as one of the Top Brands in the Dominican Republic in 2008. To learn more, visit www.ReMaxrd.com

LANDOVER, Md.,  Oct. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation launches its final mission of coral reef research in the Bahamas, concluding the first year of its ambitious Global Reef Expedition. Having completed research in Cay Sal Bank, Hogsty Reef, and the Inaguas earlier this year, the Foundation now turns to Andros and Abaco islands to study sites that were last surveyed more than a decade ago.

The Global Reef Expedition is the first world-wide mapping and research assessment of coral reefs. The chairman of the Living Oceans Foundation, Prince Khaled bin Sultan, said an expedition of this scale “will greatly assist the world in understanding coral reefs, their health and critical role in the environment. Our research will produce maps of previously uncharted areas and provide management recommendations urgently needed to preserve these valuable ocean resources. We are involving local scientists in all of our research and exploration. ”

Andros contains the longest barrier reef in the Bahamas and the third largest in the world. The Foundation’s science team, joined by Bahamian researchers, will identify the abundance, size, and health of reef building coral species as well as discovering how the reef has recovered from coral bleaching events in 1998.

The Foundation’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Andrew Bruckner, said “Our research will lead to improvements in existing habitat maps and will help recent efforts to develop a land and sea use plan for the entire island including zoning of sensitive areas.”

The Foundation will survey unstudied sites around the central Abaco islands as well as some that were last surveyed in 1999 which will yield important time-change information.  The reefs of central Abaco are near areas of high population density and high user pressure which contrasts sharply with other reefs the Foundation has surveyed in the Bahamas, helping to further understand human impacts on reef health.

Commenting on the six months of coral reef research in The Bahamas the Foundation’s Executive Director Captain Philip Renaud, USN (ret), said, “The successful and productive coral reef survey and mapping missions we have accomplished during our first year of the Global Reef Expedition could not have been possible without the committed support for our work from the Minister of the Environment, the Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas National Trust, and The Nature Conservancy.”

Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director added “The Bahamas, as a nation, is extremely fortunate to have been chosen as the first country in the world-wide study of the health of coral reef environments by the Living Oceans Foundation.  Young Bahamian scientists from the Department of Marine Resources , Bahamas National Trust and College of The Bahamas have had the opportunity to join the Living Oceans Foundation research team – a once in a lifetime experience.  The final leg of the Bahamas Voyage will assess the Andros Barrier Reef and the reefs of the Abaco’s.  Both of these areas are critical for the health of Bahamian Fisheries and our larger marine environment.  The information generated from the Global Reef Expedition will feed directly into the management of our national parks and marine protected areas.”

Bahamian researchers include: Indira Brown, Jared Dillet, Agnessa Lundy, Lindy Knowles, Olivia Patterson, Krista Sherman, and Tavares Thompson.

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

Founded by HRH Prince General Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was incorporated in California as a 501(c)(3), public benefit, Private Operating Foundation in September 2000. With its headquarters in Washington DC, the Living Oceans Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of oceans of the world, and champions their preservation through research, education, and a commitment to Science Without Borders®. For more information, visit http://www.livingoceansfoundation.org

Science Without Borders® is registered to the Foundation for financial sponsorship of marine conservation programs and scientific research and to promote public awareness of the need to preserve, protect and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources.

This annual event presents the best chance for entities doing business or wishing to do business with the cruise industry to increase their contact base with the dozens of cruise executives in attendance from the operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursion departments; gain insight on what the cruise lines look for in terms of shore excursions, products, services and ports of call; and establish a clear vision that will map the road to success in future dealings with the cruise industry. There will be formal meetings with the cruise executives and informal events that foster communication between the attendees and executives.

Delegates who wish to pre-arrange meetings with cruise executives are urged to register as soon as possible. Meeting information will be available in early September for those pre-registered delegates. Space is very limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, it is strongly recommended that interested delegates register by August 15th.

The FCCA Trade Show is the best way to ensure exposure to this prestigious audience of decision makers and prominent professionals throughout the industry. It will be the largest to date, with more exhibits than ever before, including specialized pavilions that are designed for destinations to come together as one entity to display their numerous products to the crowd of cruise executives and industry professionals or for large companies that want increased publicity.

 To register and learn more about the conference, please visit the FCCA website, www.f-cca.com; print the registration form; and fax it to the FCCA at 954-441-3171.

For more information on the FCCA Conference & Trade Show, please contact Terri Cannici at 954-441-8881.

 Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, John Lynch, has called the initiative “a significant achievement with enormous benefits for Jamaica’s tourism industry.” He congratulated Myrtle Dwyer, Glamour DMC’s Director of Sales, Marketing & Customer Relationship Management, on the new partnership and pledged the Jamaica Tourist Board’s “full support.”

 Evelyn Smith, President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) was also very upbeat about the launch of BookJamaicaNow.com which she said, “represents a significant marketing boost for JHTA members.”

 Pointing to Regatta’s successes in other parts of the Caribbean, Ms. Dwyer said that the project is “ideally suited to Jamaica”.  She noted that traditional OTAs typically demand a 25-30% commission from industry partners, while Regatta offers free registration to Jamaican companies and a much lower commission.

 Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions, a division of Hotel Internet Help, said that all suppliers in Jamaica will benefit from Regatta OTA Software.

 ”We are proud to bring Regatta to Jamaica; the country has so much to offer but so many suppliers in the destination have yet to find their full potential via the internet. Traditional OTAs and Tour Operators have dominated many destinations in the Caribbean for years and for the first time, Regatta provides these destinations with a voice of their own,” Mr. Kamlani declared.

About Glamour Destination Management Company

Glamour is the Caribbean’s foremost destination Management Company, with over two decades of experience and a proven record of satisfying clients from all over the world. Services include ground transportation, handling meeting and incentive groups, event management, concierge, receptive services, tour operators, travel agents, cruise excursions, tours, private jets, travel consortia, airline charters and yachts and special services. Glamour has been in operation since 1987 and boasts its own fleet of luxury vehicles, experienced and well- trained staff and programmes fit for individuals, meeting and incentive groups or special interest groups. For more information on Glamour DMC, please visit www.glamourdmc.com.

 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.hotelinternethelp.com for more details.

 Hosted by Travel + Leisure’s Features Director & Special Correspondent Nilou Motamed, the Festival includes a wide variety of chef demonstrations, tasting events and interactive sessions. Culinary masters at this year’s events include Tom Colicchio, Marcus Samuelsson, Ming Tsai along with Barbadian culinary sensation, “The Rhum Chef” Paul Yellin as well as Food & Wine wine expert Anthony Giglio. International chefs include Mark McEwan and Tom Brodi of Canada, Bruno Loubet from the United Kingdom and Brazilian chef Vitor Gomes who bring their expertise to the Caribbean.

 Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival event highlights include: 

• NEW to this year’s line-up is an authentic Bajan lunch expertly prepared at a historic plantation house hosted by Travel + Leisure’s Nilou Motamed.
• Indulge in a Bajan style fiesta while Barbadian renowned Chef Paul Yellin demonstrates how to prepare local dishes while the kids enjoy their own interactive cooking demonstration.
• Tom Colicchio, Ming Tsai,  Marcus Samuelsson, Bruno Loubet and Mark McEwan showcase their delectable skills using special cooking techniques and tricks in intimate settings at some of Barbados’ leading hotels and restaurants.
• Wine Expert Anthony Giglio shares tips on entertaining along with his favorite holiday wines for pairing.
• Legendary Chef Tom Colicchio brings his creativity and innovative culinary style to one of the most gorgeous seaside settings, The Cliff restaurant for an evening amidst candlelit conversation, sumptuous cuisine, crashing waves and a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea.
• Chef Tom Brodi hosts an afternoon of cruising on the world famous “pirate” ship, the Jolly Roger while feasting on locale fare and endless “pirate brew.”
• Explore and savor one of the most iconic and charming rum distilleries in Barbados at the historic St Nicholas Abbey.

For a full schedule of events and information on purchasing tickets for the Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival please visit www.foodwinerum.com or www.visitbarbados.org.

“This is just another example of how a Destination Marketing Organization can significantly increase the amount of revenue that they produce for their destination by using Regatta OTA Software on its website,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions.  “As more hotels in Puerto Rico join the effort we will certainly see further improvement in performance.”

 ”Our members are thrilled,” said Clarisa Jimenez, President of PRHTA.  “Regatta has been great to work with and we have already surpassed the number of bookings with Regatta that we used to do in an entire year.  Even the larger chain hotels are getting involved now.”

 About The Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association

The Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association was established in 1950 in San Juan as a not-for-profit organization.   It is made up of more than 570 corporate members such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, tour and car rental companies, cruise lines and suppliers of goods and services to the tourism industry.  The Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) represents, protects, promotes, informs and educates its members to enable them to achieve their business objectives.

 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.hotelinternethelp.com for more details.

with Hon. Richard L. Sealy, MP – Minister of Tourism, Barbados

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 15, 2011:  One of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 30 million records and 100 million singles sold, Rihanna has signed a multi-year deal with The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) to exclusively promote her hometown island of Barbados as a tourist destination.  The three-year partnership officially kicks off in Bridgetown, Barbados on August 5, 2011 with a full-length concert of her current “Loud” tour produced by the BTA and Roc Nation.

 “Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people,” said Rihanna.  “I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians.”

As an ambassador for the island of Barbados, over the next three years, Rihanna will exclusively promote the destination through advertising campaigns, promotional appearances and via her social media presence.  In addition to her concert in Barbados this summer, Rihanna will promote travel to the island from Brazil during her appearance on tour in September.

“In the hearts of every Barbadian, Rihanna is known as the girl down the road, but to the world she has become a musical sensation and social phenomenon,” said Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Richard L. Sealy.  “She is a great source of national pride to Barbados and we are thrilled to enter into this formal partnership to promote Barbados as a leading tourist destination.”

 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.

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