ST. GEORGES, Grenada, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) and the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) have jointly launched a new, and improved, booking engine on their respective websites www.grenadagrenadines.com and www.gogrenada.gd  which, it is expected, will bolster the island’s tourism industry. 

The implementation of Regatta allows hotels, villas and other activity providers in Grenada to use the websites of the tourism board and hotel association to exhibit control as to exactly how they are promoted. It also comes with the capacity to attract a much higher volume of bookings through the various channels that are available.

“We have every intention of maintaining close relationships with our Online Travel Agency (OTA) partners as well as our hotels,” commented Simon Stiell, Director of Tourism for Grenada.  “But we are seeing impressive results from other Caribbean destinations that have implemented Regatta and this change in our online sales and marketing strategy makes perfect sense for us.  Regatta’s powerful booking engine and destination marketing expertise is an attractive combination for any destination.”

Commenting on this development, Executive Director of the GHTA, Mrs. Pancy Cross noted that “Our hotels are very excited about this project.  Regatta has made itself very accessible and we are pleased about having a partner that can finally help us reach consumers at a reasonable cost.”

President of Regatta Travel Solutions Mr. Ashwin Kamlani stated that “There is much potential in Grenada where the tourism industry is hungry for growth and waiting to take advantage of all of the new marketing tactics that are available on the internet.  We are proud to have been chosen for this project.”

About Grenada Board of Tourism

The Grenada Board of Tourism’s objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, tour operators, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada, contact the Grenada Board of Tourism at 416-595-1339, email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

About Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association

The Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association’s purpose is to advocate and lobby on behalf of its members.  In addition, the association assists members with the marketing of their businesses through its website and its printed medium, the Grenada at a Glance magazine.  For more information on the GHTA call 444-1353, email mail@ghta.org or visit www.gogrenada.gd

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 on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.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.

MIAMI, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has endorsed the recent launch of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association’s OTA (Online Travel Agency), and has implemented the Regatta booking engine on VisitBarbados.org, the official government sponsored destination website for Barbados.  The Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) announced the launch of the OTA Software on May 31st and has seen an increasing number of bookings since.

“It just makes perfect sense,” said David Rice, President & CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority.  “It is a huge added convenience to our visitors, the hotels and attractions love it since they retain more of the net earnings from bookings, and it helps the economy of Barbados.  It’s a win-win all around.”

 ”We are excited that the BTA is collaborating with us on this important project,” said Sue Springer, Executive Vice President of BHTA.  “The hotels are very enthusiastic, VisitBarbados.org has a high amount of targeted traffic, and Regatta has been wonderful to work with.  It’s the perfect recipe for success.”

 Since launching on May 31st, Regatta has released a new layout of the booking engine that includes their innovative Concierge tool which allows customers to find their perfect hotel by selecting their desired criteria.  In July, they will launch Activities allowing customers to search and book a variety of tours and attractions.

About the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA)

The BTA’s mission is to provide leadership in the sustainable development of  Barbados’ tourism industry through the formulation of policy, the provision of timely and quality research; the development and maintenance of industry-wide standards and the facilitation of appropriate product development whilst ensuring maximum economic benefits to  Barbadians.

About the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA)

The Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association was established in 1952.  Their mission is “Bringing people, research knowledge and technology together to resolve challenges of business and to stage a world class experience and performance.” 

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 on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership for their organizations. Visit www.hotelinternethelp.com.

HYANNIS, Mass., June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Beginning on December 22, 2011, Cape Air’s service to Anguilla will be augmented by a new third round trip flight to and from San Juan on peak days. This 29% increase in capacity complements Cape Air’s existing two daily flights.

 Enhanced Anguilla – San Juan Schedule effective December 22, 2011

 Anguilla to San Juan

                                       Days of

  Depart       Arrive    Flight #     Operation

                                      Mon, Fri,

  8:30 AM      9:50 AM     1454*       Sat, Sun

  9:45 AM     11:05 AM        1450      Daily

  3:05 PM      4:25 PM        1452      Daily

 San Juan to Anguilla

                                   Days of

  Depart    Arrive   Flight #     Operation

  1:25 PM  2:45 PM       1451      Daily

                                  Thu, Fri,

  3:55 PM  5:15 PM     1455*      Sat, Sun

  5:55 PM  7:15 PM       1453      Daily

   *denotes new flight

 Cape Air inaugurated Anguilla service on December 22, 2010 and it was an immediate success. “The Cape Air model of high-frequency flights and easy connections with the mainland is a needed service on Anguilla,” said Andrew Bonney, Cape Air’s Vice President of Planning. “We are thrilled to be at a point already where it makes economic sense to add capacity on Anguilla. With a fleet of 66 aircraft Cape Air can add as many seats as Anguilla needs, in an economically rational and sustainable way,” he added. Cape Air’s Anguilla service neither needs nor receives subsidy.

 Cape Air’s partnerships with JetBlue and Continental Airlines have allowed for widespread distribution, increasing access to Anguilla as a tourism destination. Customers can book flights to Anguilla on the website of San Juan’s largest airline, JetBlue Airways. Cape Air’s codeshare with Continental Airlines puts Anguilla on Continental’s route map. In addition, Cape Air has for more than a decade interlined with American, Continental, Delta, US Airways and United.

About Cape Air:

Now in its 22nd year, Cape Air is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the United States annually flying over 650,000 passengers to destinations around the world including New England, New York, the Caribbean, Florida, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest and Micronesia. With a fleet of sixty-four Cessna 402s and two ATR-42s, the employee-owned company operates up to 600 flights per day. Based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Cape Air also operates flights under the Nantucket Airlines brand. Cape Air is a codeshare partner with Continental Airlines in the Caribbean and American Airlines in the Midwest. In Micronesia Cape Air operates as Continental Connection or United Express. In addition, Cape Air has ticket and baggage agreements with most major airlines. Cape Air’s unique brand of customer service, MOCHA HAGoTDI,* has earned the airline accolades as ‘Best Airline’ on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and in the United States Virgin Islands. The airline has been recognized for outstanding philanthropy in the communities it serves and Founder/CEO Dan Wolf was recipient of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award.

 * Make our Customers Happy and Have a Good Time Doing It
866-CAPE-AIR
CAPEAIR.COM

Plans call for new jetties and increased depth, along with state-of-the-art container terminal facilities to be jointly developed

 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, March 16 /PRNewswire/ — Responding to the desperate need for new and expanded port infrastructure to serve earthquake recovery efforts, as well as to address the long-term shipping needs of the country, Haiti-based WIN Group and South Florida-based Sante Holding today announced having reached an agreement to re-develop Terminal Varreux, S.A. in Port-Au-Prince, the largest privately-owned shipping terminal and port facility in Haiti.

 The fourth generation WIN Group is one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates, with stakes in multiple industries.  Sante Holding is headed by Charles Towsley, former director of the Port of Miami, and one of the maritime industry’s most respected professionals.

 Sante’s team is partnering with the Rovirosa family, well renowned marine port operators, who currently operate terminals in the Port of Miami and Port Everglades, Florida.  The Rovirosa’s will ensure that all areas of expertise are represented in this new U.S.-Haiti private sector partnership, and will develop, manage and operate the new modern container shipping terminal facility at Terminal Varreux. 

 Terminal Varreux currently consists of multiple berths connected to liquid and dry bulk pumping pipelines. The facility was damaged during the recent earthquake, but quickly repaired in order to allow crucial tanker shipments of fuel to Haiti, as Terminal Varreux receives and stores more than 70% of Haiti’s fuel.

 The redevelopment plans include a new port, additional jetties and a state of the art 150 acre terminal open to all maritime lines looking to efficiently service Haiti.  The expansion will include a modern container and break-bulk shipping terminal and ancillary facilities to service both the short and long-term shipping needs of Haiti.  The agreement also includes remediation and expansion of existing piers. 

 Under the terms of the agreement, WIN Group will retain control of the dry bulk, liquid bulk and petroleum operations, while the new facilities will be operated by the new joint venture.  Feasibility plans are currently being completed with specific project time-frames due to be announced shortly.  

 ”Once completed, this project will not only support Haiti’s ongoing relief efforts, but lay the foundation for the overall modernization of the country’s shipping industry,” said Youri Mevs, managing partner of WIN Group.

 ”The creation of the new port facilities will greatly increase the capacity of Port-au-Prince to accommodate the on-going demand for relief and recovery cargo into Haiti,” adds port development expert and Sante Holding CEO & Chairman, Bruno E. Ramos, AIA.  “Long-term, this is an ideal facility to serve projects such as the West Indies Free Zone, WIN Group’s $45 million industrial park to be developed along with the Soros Economic Development Fund near Port-au-Prince’s impoverished Cite Soleil neighborhood, a project temporarily halted because of the earthquake.

 ”We are extremely pleased to have entered into this agreement with Sante Holding,” concludes Mevs.  “WIN Group’s localized expertise, coupled with Sante’s vast experience in port development and operations, along with the pro-business, pro-private sector movement orchestrated by the Haitian government and encouraged by international finance institutions, creates the ideal launching pad for addressing Haiti’s long-term infrastructure needs.” 

  About WIN Group

The Haiti-based, Mevs family-held WIN Group is one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates with stakes in diverse industries such as warehousing and storage, port operations and ethanol processing. WIN’s holdings include SHODECOSA, the largest privately-owned industrial and commercial park in Haiti , Varreux Terminal, the largest privately-owned general cargo shipping terminal, WINECO, the largest liquid bulk storage facility and now, the under-construction West Indies Free Zone, a $45 million, 1.2 million square feet manufacturing park in northern Port-au-Prince , among other enterprises. The fourth generation family has always had a significant impact on the country through its social service-based endeavors, and actively supports numerous organizations providing both immediate relief, and long-term infrastructure development. For additional information, visit www.wingrouponline.com.

 About Sante Holding Corp.

Sante Holding Corp., a Florida based company, along with its subsidiaries and affiliate companies  are  a diversified marine transportation company. The company services and operations encompass expertise and experience in port design, development, management and ship operations at major port facilities world wide. Their container shipping company Sante Shipping Lines offers quality container shipping services for our customers while following established port requirements and maintain dependable transit schedules. Customer satisfaction is our first priority, realizing this can only be accomplished by conducting our business with reliable service, attention to documentation and security. We also regard the protection of the environment as a guiding principle.

Comfort Inn Hotel Will Be First Global Hotel Brand for Haiti in More Than a Decade; Island will Also Be Home to Ascend Collection Member Hotel

 SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — While hotel development across the globe has slowed, leading lodging company Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is pleased to announce the future addition of two new Caribbean hotels to its portfolio of more than 6,000 franchised properties worldwide. The new Comfort Inn hotel and Ascend Collection member hotel mark the first-ever Choice-brand properties for the island of Haiti, further expanding the great Choice Hotels lodging options for travelers across the Caribbean. The Comfort Inn hotel which will open in 2010 will mark the first global hotel brand that the island of Haiti has hosted in more than a decade.

“Choice is extremely proud to take a leadership position in revitalizing Haiti’s tourism product,” said Brian Parker, vice president of emerging markets and new business development for Choice Hotels. “We are equally excited to work with a company the caliber of SIMACT to bring two of our brands to the island.”  

 Both hotels will be located in Haiti’s historic township of Jacmel, known as the island’s cultural center thanks to its popular carnival festivities and arts, music and film festivals. The Comfort Inn hotel will feature 32 guest rooms with breathtaking views of the shores of the Caribbean Sea, featuring all the amenities travelers can expect from Comfort Inn hotels, including free breakfast and free high-speed Internet access.

 The newly-built luxury Ascend Collection member hotel will offer 120 elegantly-appointment guestrooms and is planned as part of the area’s new Belle Rive development project, which will also include a residential community, retail, dining, entertainment, recreational and marina facilities. This Ascend Collection member hotel will be the second Caribbean location for the membership program after its first location in the region — Le Consulat hotel of San Juan, Puerto Rico — opened in late 2008.

 ”Our Ascend Collection program is an excellent membership opportunity for upscale independent hotels and we are thrilled that the Caribbean is at the forefront of our international expansion,” said Kevin Lewis, brand president of upscale and extended stay for Choice Hotels.

 ”The new collaborative relationship between Choice Hotels and SIMACT will have a significantly positive impact on the burgeoning tourism industry of the southeastern coast of Haiti,” said Lesly Kernisant, president of SIMACT, owner of the new Comfort Inn hotel and Ascend Collection member hotel.

 Choice Hotels currently boasts 9 Caribbean properties, a total of 815 guestrooms, in the Bahamas, Cayman Island, Curacao, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ascend Collection is an elite network of Historic, Unique and Boutique member hotels that made its debut at the end of 2008 and now has more than 30 hotels throughout the United States, Canada and now, the Caribbean. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit choicehotels.com.

About SIMACT

SIMACT, Inc. is a New York-based company with a range of investment interests that are focused upon the Republic of Haiti. SIMACT (Societe Immobiliere d’Agriculture, de Commerce, et de Tourisme) was founded in 1996 by a group of Haitian professionals, initially focusing upon real estate development opportunities. The company, which began with six investors, now has 51 shareholders. It has expanded the original vision of the founders and now encompasses investment and ownership in several key areas of enterprise – tourism, mining, financial services, and agriculture. With a capitalization investment in excess of $5,000,000, the company is now poised to take full advantage of its position as one of the most dynamic and progressive American companies engaged in business undertakings in Haiti. SIMACT is currently engaged in several exciting new initiatives in the areas of tourism, mining, and financial services that are based upon the platform of development and success that the company has experienced to date.

 About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 485,000 rooms in the United States and more than 35 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2009, more than 700 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 59,000 rooms, and more than 100 hotels, representing approximately 9,400 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

 Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

 Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

(C) 2009 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

- Offers the latest possible afternoon pick-up times available in the industry

- Latin American trade with the USA and Europe increased by 12.9% and 10.2% respectively

PLANTATION, Fla., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, introduces faster morning delivery choices as early as 9:00 a.m. to major business centers in Europe with DHL’s exclusive money-back guarantee(1). The new DHL EXPRESS 9:00 service, with deliveries by 9:00 a.m. to European destinations, compliments existing DHL EXPRESS 10:30 service to the USA and DHL EXPRESS 12:00 service to Europe, USA and intra-Latin America.

“The digital influence on international trade drives quicker decisions, impatience and subsequently extra emphasis on earlier deadlines. Customers can relax knowing that DHL has in-house customs expertise to expedite such mission-critical deliveries, which fly ‘first class’ on our airplanes to keep important projects on tight deadlines,” said Roger Crook, CEO of DHL Express Americas.

According to statistics from the Latin Business Chronicle magazine, both Latin American imports and exports from and to the United States and Europe grew by double digits during 2008.   The United States continues to be the primary trade partner of the region, increasing exports to Latin America by 18.5% and imports by 9%.   European exports and imports to the region also grew, increasing 11.6% and 9% respectively.

DHL Express guaranteed(1) morning delivery services are available in Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean. The service offers customers the latest possible afternoon pick-up times in the industry, increased visibility and control of time-definite delivery times, real-time web tracking, proactive delivery and status notifications via e-mail, with the security and safety reliability that has become synonymous with DHL service.

For more information, visit http://www.dhl.com or contact your local DHL office.

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and 310,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 54 billion euros in 2008.

(1) DHL’s money back guarantee terms and conditions apply

SOURCE   DHL

– Company’s innovative services play an active role in growing global trade



– Strong customer focus key to industry-leading solutions



– Spirit of innovation to see the company through to the next decades



PLANTATION, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Citing the company’s pioneering spirit, strong customer focus and critical role in facilitating global trade, Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL, recounted the secret of DHL’s success as the world’s leading express and logistics provider marked its 40th anniversary on September 25, 2009.

“”In 1969, three men set out to do the impossible and conquered the moon. A few months later, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn founded DHL and made the world a little smaller,”" Appel said. “”DHL pioneered the international express industry, making it possible for documents to reach recipients overnight instead of a few days.”"

The express company quickly grew to encompass global forwarding and supply chain management, through the strategic integration of leading forwarder Danzas Air & Ocean in 2002 and supply chain/logistics expert Exel in 2005. DHL was thus able to offer a comprehensive suite of services through its unparalleled global network that spans over 220 countries and territories. Today, DHL is the leading industry provider in its various segments: No 1 in Air and Ocean Freight, No 1 in International Express, No 1 in Contract Logistics and No 2 in European Road Freight.

By initially offering a revolutionary service