CaribPR Wire

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, April 29, 2011: The countdown has begun to the inaugural Investing in Paradise power breakfast, set for June 9, 2011 in New York City. The Invest Caribbean forum, presented by Hard Beat Communications and The Caribbean Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Industry & Commerce, is set for the New York Marriott Marquis from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The son of Barbadian migrants and vice president at Goldman Sachs, W. Dave Dowrich, will deliver keynote remarks at an event that will be attended by several Caribbean ministers of government, directors of tourism, investors and entrepreneurs.

 “Investing in the Caribbean is really an excellent choice for an emerging market investor given its tax incentives, established tourist market, available land and year round amazing weather and beauty,” commented Hard Beat’s CEO Felicia Persaud. “This event is also perfect for those persons seeking investment information or looking for investors as well as for Self Invested Personal Pension investors who do not feel they are getting enough out of their pension plan, and would prefer to manage their own fund, switching their investments as they see fit,” added Persaud. Seats are going fast. To reserve your space register now at: www.investcaribbeannow.com.

Sponsors to date include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, The Bahamas Weekly, and News Americas Now.

– Puerto Rico’s largest carrier will add to its 27 daily departures from San Juan this summer by launching an eighth non-stop destination this fall –

 NEW YORK, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU), the largest carrier in Puerto Rico in terms of capacity, is making it even easier to travel between San Juan and neighboring Caribbean islands with the announcement of plans to launch nonstop daily service to St. Maarten (SXM), subject to receipt of government approval. This new route will be the value airline’s eighth non-stop destination out of San Juan and its third out of St. Maarten.

 (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110404/NY76997LOGO )

 Flights between San Juan and St. Maarten will go on sale at www.jetblue.com soon, with service to begin November 17. The new service will be JetBlue’s second intra-Caribbean route, with existing service between San Juan and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 ”We are thrilled to announce further growth to our San Juan focus city,” said Robin Hayes, Chief Commercial Officer for JetBlue. “The support of the Puerto Rican community has been remarkable and we look forward to continuing to provide them more options for travel throughout the Caribbean region.”

 ”Increasing air access to Puerto Rico is essential for our tourism industry, commercial development, and homeport cruise market,” added the Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, Jose R. Perez-Riera. “We are grateful for the support that great airline partners like JetBlue have given to our market. This new service strengthens our position as a hub of the Caribbean and is the result of a successful working relationship that we have maintained with our partner airlines.”

 This summer, JetBlue will have 27 daily departures from San Juan and 34 daily departures from Puerto Rico, including Aguadilla and Ponce. This new route will provide convenient connections to St. Maarten from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), Boston’s Logan (BOS), Orlando International (MCO), and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) airports. The new service follows the recent addition of flights from San Juan to both Tampa and Jacksonville.

 ”It is of high importance to improve regional air access in the Caribbean for the benefit of all the economies of the region,” said Jaime A. Lopez-Diaz, Chief Development Officer of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico. “This new JetBlue service is a perfect example of how working together, the region can increase the supply of air traffic.”

 ”The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is enthusiastic about JetBlue’s new service from Puerto Rico to St. Maarten, as it provides essential access to and from the Dutch/French Caribbean, one our top ten markets in the region,” said Mario Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “Visitors from St. Maarten/St. Martin visit Puerto Rico for diverse reasons like shopping, medical, and sports and cultural events, among others. This market generated an average of 1,900 room nights in calendar year 2010, principally in small and medium hotels. This new service strengthens Puerto Rico’s position as the main connecting point to numerous destinations within the region.”

 ”I am pleased to learn of JetBlue’s decision to begin servicing the SJU - SXM route,” said the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs and Transportation of St. Maarten, Honorable Franklin Meyers. “Following our recent discussions in New York, JetBlue has proven to be a valuable partner since its initial entry into St. Maarten in 2008, providing daily service from New York as well as servicing St. Maarten from Boston. I am confident that together we will grow the San Juan – SXM route. This new service will open up the possibility for potential visitors from key source markets besides Puerto Rico, namely, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Boston, to come to the destination.”

 ”The JetBlue, St. Maarten partnership has changed the landscape of tourism in St. Maarten,” said Director of Tourism of St. Maarten, Regina LaBega. “The airfares from key source markets, for example, have become more affordable, therefore resulting in a larger volume of visitors to the destination as well as a higher visitor expenditure on island. The new SJU-SXM service by JetBlue, using the famous Embraer aircraft will certainly boost traffic in both directions, consequently contributing positively to our economy.”

 Service to St. Maarten will be operated by JetBlue’s Embraer E190 aircraft, offering two-by-two, comfortable all-leather seating. The airline’s customers also enjoy a first-checked bag free (a), award-winning customer service and unlimited, complimentary snacks and drinks.

 About JetBlue Airways

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. In 2010, the carrier ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America” by J.D. Power and Associates, a customer satisfaction recognition received for the sixth year in a row. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 64 cities with more than 700 daily flights. Later this year JetBlue plans to introduce service to Anchorage, Alaska, and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information call +1 800 538 2583 from the U.S.A., TTY/TDD +1 800 336 5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.

 (a) Baggage weight and size limits apply

- Low Cost Leader Celebrates New Nonstop Flights from the National Capital Region to Bermuda -

 BALTIMORE and WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today began new nonstop service between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and L.F. Wade International Airport in St. George’s, Bermuda.

 To mark the first flight, the airline proclaimed today “Bermuda Shorts Day” in the Baltimore/Washington area. As part of this special occasion, AirTran Airways gave one lucky winner and a guest a free trip to Bermuda and $25 discount ticket vouchers to anyone who wore Bermuda shorts to Arundel Mills Mall. Passengers on today’s first flight were regaled with colorful Gombey dancers, a steel drum band and island-themed food and drinks during a celebration at the airport. 

 ”We are excited to add Bermuda to our list of ‘island paradise’ destinations,” said John Kirby, AirTran Airways’ senior director of planning. “Reaching the famous pink sand beaches and unique culture of Bermuda has never been easier or more affordable.”

 In addition to this new service from BWI, next month AirTran Airways will add flights to this world-famous destination from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it operates the world’s largest low-cost carrier hub.

 ”We are all very excited that AirTran Airways is making it easier than ever for Baltimore/Washington area residents to get to Bermuda’s world famous pink sand beaches in just two hours,” said Honorable Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Acting Minister of Business Development & Tourism. “The Mid-Atlantic region is very important to Bermuda and there is no doubt that our visitors, as well as Bermudians, will enjoy AirTran’s outstanding service.  We appreciate AirTran’s commitment to our destination and look forward to a strong partnership.”

 The following nonstop flights between Baltimore/Washington and Bermuda are now available:

 Nonstop Service Between Baltimore/Washington and Bermuda

     From        To      Flight  Departs Arrives Frequency

    —-        —     ——  ——- ——- ———

 Baltimore/

  Washington  Bermuda      1811 12:55pm  4:15p     Daily

             Baltimore/

   Bermuda   Washington    1812  5:05pm  6:40pm    Daily

AirTran Airways is a Fortune 1000 company and has been ranked the top airline in the Airline Quality Rating study twice in the past four years.  AirTran is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet. Our low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit airtran.com.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Delegates from all over the world and every facet within the private and public sectors, along with roughly 100 cruise executives, began to gather in Santo Domingo on Monday, October 25th for the FCCA Conference & Trade Show.

 The start of the Conference was marked by the FCCA Golf Classic, which brought together some of the key players of the cruise industry and its destination partners in teams of four to discuss the latest trends and gather business advice over a friendly game of golf. The day also allowed for the attendees to situate themselves and for the Trade Show participants to prepare their booths for the crowd composed of nearly 1,000, while the FCCA Platinum Members had a chance to start their one-on-one meetings.

 Tuesday was the official grand opening for the Trade Show, with the audience gathered to see some of the best offerings from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and more. It also marked the beginning of the one-on-one meetings and workshops that continue all the way through the Conference’s close. It also officially commenced the event with the Conference Opening Ceremony, which sparked enough interest in the Dominican Republic to reach its president, Leonel Fernandez, who was able to listen to the speeches of the Honorable Francisco Javier Garcia, minister of tourism; Michele Paige, president of the FCCA; Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman of the FCCA; Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises; and the winners of the FCCA Foundation’s Essay Contest. The ceremony also commemorated the Dominican Republic’s culture with song and dance from Carnival and a welcome party at the Museo de las Casa Reales.

 Wednesday brought together the CEOs, presidents and ministers for private meetings to foster further communication and relationships between the cruise lines and the destinations’ governments, while continuing with the one-on-one meetings, workshops and Trade Show. The day culminated at the decadent Dominican Republic Night Extravaganza at the Sans Souci Cruise Terminal.

 Thursday was another successful day, as the attendees concluded their meetings and workshops and began to make plans to pursue the relationships formed throughout the event and possibly to attend next year’s event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking place from October 3-7, 2011. The night closed with a cocktail reception and a closing party to make the participants completely comfortable as they finalized this year’s discussions and prepared for the times ahead.

 www.f-cca.com

DR Ministry of Tourism welcomes 17th annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference

 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ — The Dominican Republic (DR) located in the heart of the Caribbean, is the center for all things cruise this week as the DR Ministry of Tourism welcomes the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference in Santo Domingo Oct. 25-29. The Caribbean’s leading tourism destination, the DR will welcome the cruise industry’s best and brightest executives, marketers and government leaders to share their vision to accommodate the ever-increasing demand to cruise to DR ports during workshops, meetings and trade shows in the historic capital city.

“Santo Domingo’s world-class port and modern cruise terminals have a privileged geographic location at the city’s marine entrance on the Ozama River, just steps away from the ancient Colonial City. The Port of Santo Domingo is also the gateway to our vast country with over 1,000 miles of coastline,” said DR Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia. “The DR’s location at the center of the Caribbean is very well-suited for flexible itinerary planning and easy transfers throughout the country,” he added.

 Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association President Michele M. Paige said, “The FCCA annual conference provides a superb forum to cruise industry leaders and partners to exchange information, share ideas and cultivate valuable business relationships. Our conference in Santo Domingo is the most important conference of the year for the Caribbean cruise industry. Attendees will experience first-hand why Santo Domingo is so popular with cruise passengers who crave an exciting cultural and historic destination that offers a multitude of opportunities to interact with authentic Dominican culture.”

 ”Santo Domingo offers so much to cruise lines and passengers. Dominicans express their unique ancestry through their music, food, art, architecture and friendly hospitality. FCCA delegates and visitors alike will discover much expression of Dominican culture in Santo Domingo,” added Garcia.

 With cruise tourism to the DR increasing each year, the Dominican government has a long term strategy that includes new ports and reinvesting in existing ports to ensure more cruise lines and passenger demand for the unique Dominican experience in the decades to come. 

 In 2009, 500,000 cruise ship passengers visited the Sans Souci and Don Diego Terminals in Santo Domingo, the Port of La Romana on the Southeast Coast; and the Samana Peninsula on the Northeast Coast. During their exploration of the DR, passengers and crew from over 400 ships spent a total of $80 million dollars in 2009. The DR Ministry of Tourism expects a five percent jump in cruise ship arrivals for 2010 due to the increasing awareness of the DR as a unique destination engaging visitors in vibrant Dominican culture, arts, history, music and gastronomy.

 The Dominican Republic (DR) is closer than you think with fourteen international and national airports, three major seaports and world-class marinas making travel to the Caribbean’s second largest island a breeze. Rich in history and culture, today the DR has developed into a sophisticated destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to over 3.9 million visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the DR boasts 25 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The DR features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the DR Ministry of Tourism’s official website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Sept. 22, 2010: A Caribbean-owned, U.S.-based company is on the search for a hostess for a cooking show.

 Officials say they are seeking a `stunning, sexy, young hostess to host a Caribbean cooking show.`

 No media experience is necessary, but executives say the ideal candidate must be visually appealing on camera with an electric personality and   speaking voice and know her way around the kitchen.

 Former Caribbean beauty queens are welcome to submit demos as the best entrant will get the opportunity for international exposure as host of a cooking show in addition to other exciting prospects

 Interested entrants must submit entries via digital links showing you hosting your own cooking show to [email protected].

Cost Controls Mitigate Decline Relative To U.S. Properties

 ATLANTA, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ — The Caribbean lodging industry felt the full negative impact of the recent global recession in 2009, but to a lesser degree than the U.S. hotel industry.  During the year, Caribbean hotel revenues and profits experienced double-digit declines.  While the results may be disappointing for Caribbean hotel owners and operators, the fall off in net operating income was much less severe than what was experienced by U.S. properties.  These findings are reported by Colliers PKF Consulting USA (PKFC) in the recently released 2010 edition of Caribbean Trends® in the Hotel Industry, the only published research available that focuses exclusively on Caribbean hotel profits, revenues, and expenses.

 ”It is evident that Caribbean hotels and resorts suffered one of the worst declines in profitability during 2009,” said Scott Smith, MAI, senior vice president in the Atlanta office of Colliers PKF Consulting USA.  “Being a global destination for leisure and incentive group travelers, as well as intra-regional commercial demand, the worldwide recession resulted in significant declines in hotel performance.  It may still be hurricane season in the Caribbean, but fortunately we are starting to see the stormy economic seas begin to calm in 2010.”

 Fewer Guests, Less Revenue

 In aggregate, the hotels in the Caribbean Trends® survey sample reported an 11.9 percent decline in total revenue from 2008 to 2009.  Leading the dollar decline in revenue was the 13.6 percent fall off in rooms revenue, the result of a 3.7 percent drop in occupancy and a 10.1 percent decline in ADR.

 ”With fewer guests staying at the Caribbean properties, all other sources of revenue posted declines as well,” Smith noted.  “Food and beverage revenue fell 13.7 percent from 2008 to 2009, while the revenue from other operated departments (golf, spa, retail, casinos) declined a relatively modest 5.3 percent.”

 Costs Controlled

 Facing declines in revenue, Caribbean hotel managers responded by cutting costs an impressive 10.5 percent.  Unfortunately, this was not enough to overcome the 11.9 percent fall off in revenues.

 ”Due to climate, population, natural resources, and government involvement, Caribbean hotel managers have some unique operational advantages, and disadvantages, compared to their U.S. counterparts,” Smith said.  “In general, labor costs and property taxes tend to be less in the Caribbean.  However, the cost of supplies, insurance, and utilities are frequently higher than in the U.S.”

 Despite relatively low wage rates, labor costs are the single biggest item of Caribbean hotels’ expenses.  Therefore, operators had to implement staffing cuts and salary/wage reductions in order to keep departmental expense ratios in line.  In total, labor related expenditures were reduced by approximately 11.0 percent from 2008 to 2009.

 The largest expense reduction was achieved in the utility department.  “In past issues of Trends® we reported that many hotels in the Caribbean were implementing ‘green’ sustainable energy practices in an effort to control utility costs.  By using energy-efficient light bulbs, toilets, sinks, and showers, Caribbean hotel managers were able to cut their utility costs by 21.2 percent in 2009,” Smith observed.

 The only expense item to rise in 2009 was insurance costs.  During the year, insurance premium payments increased 5.3 percent.  “Despite a relatively calm hurricane season in 2009, insurers still fear the threat of hurricanes,” he added.

 Future Profits

 With Caribbean hotel revenues declining at a greater pace than expense cuts, net operating income in the Trends® sample declined 18.2 percent in 2009.  While this is a significant decline, it is considerably less than the 35.4 percent drop in profitability reported in the 2010 edition of U.S. Trends® in the Hotel Industry.

 Fortunately, things are beginning to pick up in 2010.  The peak season results as reported by Smith Travel Research indicated a comeback in the demand for lodging accommodations in the region.  “As with the United States, we are clearly in the beginning stage of what should be a period of improving operating performance for the Caribbean lodging industry.  Our estimates of demand and ADR growth are strong through 2013.  However, one cannot ignore the depth of the 2009 recession and what was occurring in the real estate and financial markets.  This is going to be a protracted revival for hotel operators and an even longer recovery for property owners,” Smith concluded.

 To purchase a copy of the 2010 Caribbean Trends® in the Hotel Industry report in PDF format, please visit the firm’s online store at www.pkfc.com/store, or call (866) 842-8754.  The report contains several data tables that allow Caribbean hotel owners and operators to benchmark the financial performance of their property based on room count and ADR groupings.

 About Colliers PKF CONSULTING USA

 Headquartered in San Francisco, Colliers PKF Consulting USA (www.pkfc.com) is an advisory and real estate firm specializing in the hospitality industry.  Colliers PKF Consulting USA is owned by FirstService Corporation and is a subsidiary of Colliers International.  The firm operates three companies: Colliers PKF Consulting USA, Colliers PKF Hospitality Research, Colliers International Hotels.  The firm has offices in New York, Boston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Asheville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Bozeman, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

 Colliers PKF Consulting USA offers hotel appraisal and hotel valuation services, hotel market studies, hospitality litigation support, and hotel advisory services. Colliers International Hotels offers hotel brokerage and hotel transaction services. Colliers PKF Hospitality Research produces Hotel Horizons^®, an econometrically based hotel forecast, Benchmarker(SM), a customized comparative hotel benchmark report, and Annual Trends^®, a historical hotel financial publication featuring rich hotel statistics, as well as hotel research  services.

 About Colliers International

 Colliers International is a global leader in real estate services with more than 15,000 professionals operating out of 480 offices in 61 countries.  As a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (Nasdaq: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), Colliers offers the stability of a strong financial partner and significant local ownership providing clients with accountability and enterprising real estate solutions.  Colliers provides a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide including: global corporate solutions; sales and lease brokerage; property and asset management; project management; hotel investment sales and consulting; property valuation and appraisal services; mortgage banking and insightful research.  The Lipsey Company and National Real Estate Investor magazine ranked Colliers International as the world’s number two commercial real estate brand.

Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster, WIN Group, join to develop much-needed hotel

 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Sept 13 /PRNewswire/ — Argentine entrepreneur Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster, President & CEO of Basic Energy Ltd., as well as numerous other diversified entities, along with Haiti-based WIN Group, one of the country’s largest enterprises, today announced an agreement to develop a 240-room hotel with conference facilities directly adjacent to Port-Au-Prince’s Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport.

 The property, scheduled to break ground by the end of 2010, has an 18-month construction window and will be Haiti’s first airport hotel. The hotel, which is yet to be named, will be independently operated.

 The fully-enclosed, $33 million project will be developed on a 5.3 acre parcel (2.14 hectares), and will be completely self-contained, with on-site power plant, water treatment, sewage, and related facilities.

 Construction will be achieved through a combination of standard construction methods and pre-fabricated processes.  The site allows for future development, specifically commercial office and retail outlets.

 The amenity-rich, seven-story property is being designed by OBM International, a 70+ year-old full-service design-consulting firm with vast experience in the hotel industry.  The property will feature full conference facilities with capacity to accommodate up to 400 individuals for a single event.  It will also include numerous break-out rooms, expanded food and beverage outlets, work-out center, swimming pool, spa facilities and lounges, all within lush, tropical landscaping, and will be built to meet or exceed all international earthquake standards.

 ”We recognize the importance of having facilities that can house individuals during the rebuilding process,” said Gonzalez-Bunster, whose holdings include energy investments in neighboring Dominican Republic.  “It is currently extremely challenging to secure accommodations since so much of the infrastructure was decimated by the earthquake.”

 ”This is such an important project on so many levels,” adds WIN Group Managing Partner Youri Mevs.  “Not only will it provide badly-needed hotel and conference facilities, but will employ hundreds of local workers in desperate need of generating revenue to support themselves and their families.”

 ”We are pleased with the opportunity to be part of such an integral project,” states Douglas A. Kulig, AIA, CEO of OBM International.  “The hotel will be elegant, with a distinct Creole feel, as well as provide an all-inclusive element for its guests from the moment they pass through the property’s entry-gate.”

 ”Our goal is to encourage long-term sustainable investment in Haiti,” notes President Bill Clinton, UN Special Envoy to Haiti and co-chair of the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission (IHRC).  “An adequate network of hotels is crucial to the country, and this venture is one example that the numerous facets needed to rebuild Port Au Prince are slowly getting under way.”

 For additional information about the project, please contact Edmund Miller at 305.987.0995.

 About Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster

Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster is President & CEO of Basic Energy Ltd., an international electrical power company. Mr. Gonzalez-Bunster is engaged in diversified agribusiness and is currently a principal in several projects in Argentina, Paraguay and Dominican Republic. He is a partner in Remington Realty, a Texas based commercial real estate holding company and AquaCube, a Scottish manufacturer of portable water treatment and purification plants. Gonzalez-Bunster is a Trustee of the William J. Clinton Foundation and a member of the Clinton Global Initiative.

 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, and WINECO, the largest liquid bulk storage facility, 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 OBM International

For over seven decades, OBMI has been the premier full-service design-consulting firm in Bermuda and the Caribbean.  Today, with seven multinational offices, projects throughout the world and a diverse team of experts, OBMI is a global leader in architecture, master/town planning, interior design and project management with landmark projects in the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and the Arabian Peninsula. OBMI currently has design offices located in Antigua, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Madrid, Miami and Trinidad and Tobago, a strategic alliance in the Bahamas and in Muscat, Oman. For more information visit, www.obmi.com.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — If you want to showcase your destination, company or product to cruise executives, destination governments, tour operators, ship agents and all facets of the industry spanning the globe from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, then the 17th Annual FCCA Conference & Trade Show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is the place you need to be from October 25-29, 2010.

 This is the event and opportunity you have been looking for, one that provides the chance to increase your cruise industry contact base with the dozens of cruise executives from the operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursions sectors and the more than 1,000 industry partners from destinations’ ministries of tourism, tour operators, ports, ship agents and many more segments of the industry.

 These are the people you want to talk to if you are looking to gain insight on what the cruise lines are looking for in terms of shore excursions, products, services and port of call, along with displaying your products and services.

 This is where you can establish a clear vision that will map the road to success in your dealings with the cruise lines and the only event where the top decision makers from the 15 FCCA Member Cruise Lines come together for four entire days to share ideas, discuss industry trends and even have some fun. After all, providing events, functions and trips that will foster business and personal relationships between members and cruise executives is the FCCA’s specialty, along with offering crucial information about the industrial trends, and these events and resources are open to Platinum and Associate Members.

 So don’t miss this opportunity to meet with and develop business and personal relationships with some of the cruise industry’s top executives and most powerful players within the destinations.

 FCCA is a trade association composed of 15 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn Cruise Line. It was created in 1972 by the Member Lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters, in order to discuss and exchange views on issues relating to: legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

 For more information on the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, please contact Terri Cannici at (954) 441-8881 or [email protected].

 HYANNIS, Mass., July 19 /PRNewswire/ — Cape Air adds a new island destination in the Caribbean with two daily flights between the Island of Anguilla and San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning on December 22, 2010. “This is our 13th year of providing inter-island service in the Caribbean and all of us at Cape Air are excited about our newest destination,” says Cape Air President Dan Wolf. “We have ensured that our Anguilla flight schedule allows for easy connections with major carriers arriving in San Juan and our convenient ticket and baggage agreements with almost all of the major carriers mean you can book your entire trip on one itinerary and check your bags through to your final destination.” 

 (Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100719/NE37192 )

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100719/NE37192 )

  Hon. Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Tourism stated, “Anguilla is a unique destination and Cape Air will compliment its product offerings. Our Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport and staff are ready and anxious to have Cape Air on Anguilla. This will add a new dimension to our destination and I am happy to be part of this.”

 Merlyn Rogers, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism says, “We are looking forward to a great season here in Anguilla. With Cape Air’s new island service from San Juan and convenient connections with the other major airlines, access to an Anguilla vacation is easier than ever before.”

 This new Caribbean route complements Cape Air’s existing Caribbean service for San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tortola, Vieques, Mayaguez and Ponce. Tickets can be purchased on Expedia or Travelocity or at 866-Cape-Air where there is never a booking fee to talk with a Cape Air agent. Anguilla’s airport code is AXA. 

Schedule-Daily service, year round

 From San Juan   To Anguilla         From Anguilla   To San Juan

————-   ———–         ————-   ———–

    9:45 AM       11:05 AM             12:52 PM        2:12 PM

    ——-       ——–             ——–        ——-

    2:35 PM        3:55 PM              5:30 PM        6:50 PM

    ——-        ——-              ——-        ——-

 About Cape Air:

Now in its 21st year, Cape Air is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the United States annually flying over 610,000 passengers to destinations around the world including New England, New York, the Caribbean, and Florida, the mid-Atlantic, the mid west and Micronesia. With a fleet of sixty-two Cessna 402s and two ATR-42s, the employee owned company operates up to 575 flights a 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 Micronesia, with JetBlue Airways in New England and American Airlines in the Midwest.  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 Cape Air President Dan Wolf was recipient of the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award.

 Capeair.com    866-Cape-Air

 * Make our Customers Happy and Have a Good Time Doing It

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., April 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is proud to announce today it has named Kevin Sheehan as Chairman of its Executive Committee. Sheehan, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, replaces Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corp., who steps down from the FCCA Chairman’s post following 10 years of distinguished service. The FCCA is the cruise industry’s primary association and liaison for legislation, tourism development, ports, safety and security across the Caribbean and Latin America.

 ”I certainly have very big shoes to fill given the incredible job Micky Arison has done as Chairman,” said Sheehan. “With the strong leadership of FCCA President Michelle Paige and Micky’s stewardship, the FCCA has been successful in bringing cruise lines together with governments, ports and various private/public sector representatives. I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working with all the cruise lines and partners.”

 Sheehan added he is also excited to assume the Chairman’s position in time to preside at the FCCA’s 17th annual Cruise Conference and Trade Show in October and is also excited to work with the FCCA on all its programs and events, specially working directly with all FCCA Platinum/Associate Members. “I see this as a great opportunity to continue to foster the ongoing relationships that the FCCA has and I hope to develop new partnerships on behalf of the cruise industry,” added Sheehan.

 Sheehan, who assumes his new post immediately, joined Norwegian in November 2007 as Chief Financial Officer, taking the helm as CEO in 2008. Before joining Norwegian, he served as Chairman and CEO of Cendant Corp.’s Vehicle Services Division. Prior to joining Cendant Sheehan served in leadership positions at STT Video Partners LLP and Telemundo Group, Inc. He also spent two and a half years consulting to private equity firms and lecturing at New York’s Adelphi University as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Accounting, Finance, and Economics. Sheehan is a graduate of Hunter College, and the New York University Graduate School of Business, and is a Certified Public Accountant. 

 FCCA is a trade association composed of 15 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn Cruise Line. It was created in 1972 by the Member Lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters, in order to discuss and exchange views on issues relating to: legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Fifty cruise executives will serve as hosts for an evening that features the unique opportunity to interact with some of the cruise industry’s top decision-makers.

 Sponsored by the Port of Miami, the 16th Annual FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at The Miami Beach Convention Center and is a premier social event.

 Guests can purchase tickets to sit at tables hosted by the cruise line executive of their choice, each representing the member lines of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. Companies that purchase an entire table with an executive will be recognized as a sponsor in event publications and with a plaque presentation during the dinner.

 ”This is an exceptional opportunity for our destination partners to further develop strong cooperative relationships with key cruise executives in a social setting,” says Micky Arison, Chairman & CEO, Carnival Corporation and FCCA Chairman. “Plus, those who purchase an entire table will have the advantage of having the executive all to themselves!”

 The Gala will benefit the FCCA Foundation, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the non-profit, charitable organization. Created in 1993, the Foundation funds humanitarian causes in the Caribbean and Latin America. Numerous worthy projects receive funding each year through the FCCA Foundation; most recently, the FCCA Holiday Gift Project brought smiles to the faces of nearly 7,000 underprivileged children throughout the Caribbean and Latin American region.

 To purchase tickets and for more information about the 2010 FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza, please contact Terri Cannici at (954) 441-8881

 FCCA is a trade association composed of 15 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn Cruise Line. It was created in 1972 by the Member Lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters, in order to discuss and exchange views on issues relating to: legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ — The Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism assures visitors that all of its cities, tourism and resort areas are conducting normal business operations. Also, the DR government, consulates and embassies are working diligently with the international community on Haiti earthquake relief. Millions of Dominicans have donated time, money, supplies and expertise to help Haiti in these critical hours of need.

 All of the tourist areas, hotels, resorts, airports and seaports are open and receiving visitors. The DR experienced no damage from the quake or its aftershocks. Major tourism regions Punta Cana and La Romana on the East Coast, as well as Samana and Puerto Plata along the North Coast are welcoming winter season tourists from all over the world.

 The southern region of the DR has been a stable staging area for the Haiti relief effort and a reliable alternative route into Haiti. Three key airports and a roadway in the DR’s southern region are being used to receive international relief supplies through mostly rural areas of the DR not frequented by visitors. The DR government has stationed military, police and immigration officials along the DR border reinforcing relief efforts to help Haiti. The DR has strong border control permitting only crossings for humanitarian reasons, while also sending critical supplies, equipment, medical experts and millions of dollars for food and relief kitchens directly to Port-au-Prince.

 The DR shares the eastern third of the Island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Punta Cana, the major global tourism destination in the DR is located approximately 400 miles (633 kilometers) east of Haiti’s capital, or a 10-12 hour drive, with numerous mountain ranges separating the two countries.

DR Tourism Update:

• All of the DR’s eight international airports are open and receiving commercial flights. All flights in/out of the DR are running smoothly.
• All of the DR’s cruise terminals, seaports and marinas are open, operating effectively and receiving visitors.
• All of the DR’s beaches, hotels, resorts and tourism businesses are conducting normal business operations.
• The DR is providing some space at strategically located key airports however this is not disrupting commercial flights.
• The DR did not experience any damage from the secondary aftershock that occurred Thursday morning.
• The DR has strong border control with military, police, medical and international aid officials helping Haitians.
• The DR’s security, health, communication and transportation systems are all operating normally and effectively.

For more information on the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, La Romana, Samana and Puerto Plata, visit: www.GoDomincanRepublic.com.

Travelers Donate $250,000 Following Grand Circle Foundation’s Pledge to Match

 BOSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Alan Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Corporation, which owns Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel, today reported that $400,000 has been raised by Grand Circle Foundation and travelers to support International Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. 

 In less than 24 hours, 2,000 travelers donated $150,000 after an email from Grand Circle Foundation invited travelers to give to the International Red Cross through the Foundation to receive a match during a given time frame.  The Foundation will match the $150,000 donations from travelers and also will give an additional $100,000 to the International Red Cross in traveler donations made following the end of the matching period. 

 ”We are simply amazed, but certainly not surprised by the speed and generosity of our older travelers,” said Lewis, whose travel companies serve some 115,000 Americans over 50 each year.  “We have always believed that we serve America’s greatest generation, and this recent outpouring from our travelers only confirms it.  We are saddened by the destruction of lives and property in Haiti and pray that our contribution will make a significant difference to those who have lost so much.”

 Lewis and his wife, Harriet, established Grand Circle Foundation in 1992 as a way to give back to the countries through which Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel customers travel.  Since then, the Foundation has pledged or donated more than $47 million worldwide to support the education of young people and the preservation of cultural treasures and traditions.  Currently, the Foundation supports more than 80 schools and educational institutions serving youth in more than 60 countries.

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.

Leading Global Firm Unveils Final Design Concept



MIAMI, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ — OBMI, the leading international architectural design and consulting firm specializing in master planning, hotel and resort design, announced its appointment as lead architects for The Ritz-Carlton Cairo, Palm Hills in Egypt. As principal designers, the company revealed the final design concept of the 160-room luxury hotel, featuring magnificent uninterrupted views of the great pyramids of Giza.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091117/FL12388 )

True to OBMI’s signature approach to sustainable design, the firm’s architects drew inspiration from Egypt’s rich heritage and cultural influences, to create a modern resort capturing the regions’ mystical aura and unique architecture. Regarding the firm’s design program, OBMI’s CEO Doug Kulig, expressed, “”It is our privilege to lead such a remarkable project in one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Egypt offers a perfect canvas for us to create a timeless yet contemporary resort that greatly incorporates regional materials and historic traditions. Our holistic approach reflects the principles of sustainability as well as our dedication and attention to the sensitivity of local customs.”"

According to Kulig, OBMI’s vision will be seen throughout various architectural elements such as the hotel’s metal columns, designed to resemble the structural elegance of the papyrus plant, and the introduction of various water systems, inspired by ancient irrigation canals settled along the famous Nile Basin. Reinterpreting the aesthetic of the Egyptian architecture, the firm included different courtyards and semi enclosed outdoor spaces positioned in sequence, designed to provide guests with a sense of intrigue as they explore the resort’s multiple passages.

OBMI’s design also calls for accommodations with views of the Egyptian skyline and a 1,390 square meter spa, in addition to a Golf Club House. Exclusive privileges at the signature Golf Club will include concierge service, meeting rooms with elegant dining rooms, lobby lounge, poolside grill and two specialty restaurants featuring exquisite menus and stylish interiors.

Set to open in 2012, the hotel will also include a state-of-the art 840 square meter grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and a boardroom for conferences and receptions. Additional hotel features include two swimming pools, a health club and a Shisha Terrace.

In recent years OBMI has experienced significant growth by expanding its global reach into emerging markets such as the Middle East/North Africa MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa and China. The company already maintains an extensive portfolio of master planning, hotel and resort projects in the Caribbean, The Americas and Europe. For more information visit, www.obmi.com .





CONTACT: Kristy Stewart, AMPR, +1-917-499-6311, [email protected], or Andria Mitsakos, AMPR, +1-212-320-3677, [email protected]

Hundreds of leaders convened on St. Lucia to grow the regional cruise market.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Caribbean and Latin American leaders, including Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez, committed to strengthening cruise tourism efforts throughout the region as nearly 1,000 industry experts from around the world convened in St. Lucia for the 16th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Conference & Trade Show.

“”In times of economic downturn, those that remain aggressively in the forefront of the marketplace are those who are best positioned to prosper as our economy recovers,”" FCCA President Michele Paige told delegates.

The record turnout in challenging economic times underscores the need for regional partnerships, Paige said. “”Now, more than ever, we have to work together to get ahead.”"

Delegates from 42 Caribbean and Latin American destinations attended the event. Participants also came from as far away as Spain and Dubai.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez made a special appearance to confer with cruise line executives. Also at the conference were port officials, tour operators, tourism agencies and suppliers, and approximately 100 cruise executives from among the association’s 15 member lines.

Delegates attended standing-room-only workshops led by member-line executives and expert guest speakers. Topics covered marketing strategies in the recession; keeping up with trends, and developing innovative tour operations. They also sat in on private meetings with cruise executives to present tourism products, analyze industry trends and discuss developing issues.

In addition, more than 75 players raised funds at St. Lucia Golf Club for the FCCA Foundation at the conference’s annual golf tournament, which was sponsored by Rak Porcelain.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association is composed of 15 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn Cruise Line. It was created in 1972 by cruise lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters to foster legislation, tourism development, and cooperation on ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

New Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Study Cites Higher Destination Spending

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Cruise spending is up in a down economy in destinations visited by cruise line-members of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

Cruise tourism boosted revenues for ports and businesses in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean in one of the gloomiest financial years since the Great Depression, according to an FCCA-commissioned study from Business Research and Economic Advisors.

BREA reported that FCCA-regional cruise tourism in 2008-2009 generated more than $2.2 billion in direct expenditures, 56,000 jobs and $720 million in employee wages among 29 destinations surveyed.

“”This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn’t surprise me,”" Michele M. Paige, FCCA president, told association members attending the 16th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s Conference and Trade Show in St. Lucia. “”FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities — not obstacles.”"

FCCA Chairman Micky Arison agreed. “”No industry is recession-proof, but the cruise industry traditionally has been recession-resistant,”" said Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

The new study analyzed spending by passengers, crew members and cruise lines in destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and South America, said Andrew Moody, Ph.D., president of the Exton, PA-based research group. Among BREA’s findings:

CARIBPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 25, 2009: The world`s fastest man, Usain Bolt, will join the producers of the annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival next Tuesday for a New York City kick-off of the festival and an announcement of his 9.58 charity concert.

The working media-only event is set for a popular New York City Club on Tuesday September 29 th from 7-9 p.m. The triple Olympian will be joined by his manager, Norman Peart, to announce details of his mega-charity concert.

The two day series of activities will end with a one-of-a-kind Super Party on December 5, 2009 at Richmond Estate in St Ann, Jamaica. The party will be a way to raise funds for charity and community activities.

The event is also being produced by Turn Key Productions, the producers of the annual Jazz & Blues Festival. Turn Key’s Walter Elmore will discuss plans for the 2010 festival and reveal some of the artists set to perform at the January 28-30 th event in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Also set to attend the launch, presented by the Jamaica Tourist Board, are musicians, Jon Secada, Cat Coore and Monty Alexander.

The festival, which since its introduction in 1996 was known as the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, has attracted thousands of patrons from the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Jamaica. International artistes that have performed at the festival include Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, Norah Jones, Julio Iglesias, Roberta Flack, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Nancy Wilson, Earth Wind and Fire, Kenny G., Michael McDonald, Gladys Knight, Kool & the Gang, Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis, Brian McKnight Harry Belafonte, Babyface, Stephanie Mills, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, and many more. And to bring the Jamaican flavor, well-known names such as Ziggy Marley, Morgan Heritage, Third World, Toots Hibbert, Shaggy, Sean Paul Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Monty Alexander, Ritchie Stephens and many other Jamaican talents have made their mark on the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues stage.

This year the festival is again being presented by key title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board.

For press queries only email [email protected] .

CARIBPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Dec. 1, 2008: Jamaica`s Rose Hall development in Montego Bay is set to become a feast for the soul this January when the `new` Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival returns to the popular resort area from January 22-24, 2009.
Fans will be able to sing along to the soulful sounds of the famous O`Jays, Atlantic Starr, Lionel Richie, Lou Gramm of Foreigner fame and Maxi Priest among several others.
Many will remember the O`Jays for hits like `Lonely Drifter,` `Backstabbers,` Put Your Hands Together,` ` For the Love of Money ,` ` Give the People What They Want ,` `Let Me Make Love To You` and ` Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet Tender Love) .` Of course Atlantic Starr has thrilled many with ` Always ` and who could forget ` Secret Lovers ?` While Lou Gramm has lent his voice to Foreigner with ` I Want to Know What Love Is ` and `Waitin For A Girl Like You,` among others Lionel Richie` musical repertoire needs no introduction.
The Academy-award and Grammy-award winning singer returns to the festival with old and new hits, including   a sneak peak into this 2009 album, `Just Go.` The album’s lead single `Good Morning` was released to Urban AC radio on November 3, 2008 and features the writings of Akon and Ne-Yo . Of course there will be no ignoring of the classics like `Stuck On you,` `Endless Love` and `Three Times A Lady.`
While Maxi Priest is sure to spice things up with a glimpse into his `Wild World,` as he takes `Just A Little Bit Longer` to get `Close To You.`
Performances for the January event will also come from jazz singer, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Chicago, Estelle, Robin Thicke, Alto Reed’s Blues Entourage, Los Van Van, Tony Hendriks and young Canadian sensation, 13-year-old Nikki Yanofsky.
The 2009 festival is being presented this year by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which is the new title sponsor.   As such, the festival has been renamed the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. As executive producer, Walter Elmore of Turn Key Productions explains, the annual event has definitely become synonymous with brand Jamaica so renaming it makes sense.
`There`s Jamaican, run, Jamaican coffee and Jamaica jazz and blues,` he added, while urging fans to book early since as usual, there is a high demand for hotel and flights for the Caribbean`s best music festival.
Fans can book their entire package – flights, hotel rooms, and tickets on the festival`s website at http://jamaicajazzandblues.com/final/ . Tickets to the nightly festival this year are $US80 or a three-day pass can be obtained for $ $155. A season pass is $235. Log on directly to http://www.jamaicajazzandblues.com/final/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=8&Itemid=71 to buy tickets.
  The festival, which since its introduction in 1996 was known as the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, has attracted thousands of patrons from the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Jamaica. International artistes that have performed at the festival include Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, Norah Jones, Julio Iglesias, Roberta Flack, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Nancy Wilson, Earth Wind and Fire, Kenny G., Michael McDonald, Gladys Knight, Kool & the Gang, Al Jarreau,Branford Marsalis, Brian McKnight Harry Belafonte, Babyface, Stephanie Mills, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, and many more.   And to bring the Jamaican flavor, well-known names such as   Ziggy Marley, Morgan Heritage, Third World, Toots Hibbert, Shaggy, Sean Paul   Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Monty Alexander, Ritchie Stephens and many other Jamaican talents have made their mark on the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues stage.
This year the festival is being presented by key title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board along with Rose Hall Developments, Jamrock Magazine, Half Moon, The Jamaica Observer, Holiday Inn Sun Spree, The Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Courts Jamaica, CaribPR and Sky Writings Magazine.
For more information log on to: http://www.jamaicajazzandblues.com/final/ . CaribPR.com