CaribPR Wire

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
 

Wanda Fisher, founder of the Caribbean Association of Wellness & Spas and brand, strategist and partnership marketing specialist for SkyCue Marketing & Productions Inc. and wellness advisor for the National Association of Black Females Executives in Music & Entertainment, is set to help host a wellness and Spa retreat for celebrity moms in Antigua & Barbuda.
Fisher says she was inspired to establish annual retreats for the entertainment industry after recognizing the level of stress seen in the syndrome of  a “”Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”" behavior created from some executives and talent in music, film, and television having to please so many people and depending on them to always be perfect. Derede Whitlock-Samuels, director of tourism USA , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Ministry, is hosting the first Annual Celebrity Mom Retreat for the celebrity moms of the National Association of Female Executives in Music & Entertainment.  
Samuels saw the value of inviting the entertainment industry to Antigua and Barbuda for a haven of relaxation, peace, and mental rejuvenation.  Properties in Antigua & Barbuda are continuing to specialize in spa services not available on any other island. Mothers to Billboard artists Alicia Keyes, Grammy winners and film stars Common, Ludacris and Mos Def are participating in this year’s retreat.   In memory of NABFEME sister and celebrity mom, Donda West, a special planting of seeds ceremony is set to be held at Antigua & Barbuda Government House hosted by General Dame Louise Lake-Tack.
West was a key reason for Fisher to create a platform for NABFEME to host their celebrity moms in a peaceful and natural setting to stimulate balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Fisher insists she will continue to work with Whitlock’s vision to help reinforce the destination’s commitment to becoming the entertainment center of the Eastern Caribbean and garner the support of the wider entertainment community to increase the likelihood of establishing stronger ties with support groups and organizations throughout the United States .
`We hope to attract the attention of the celebrity mom’s children and the media to address some of the critical issues that families face today,` she added. The Celebrity Moms will be hosted at Jumby Bay and will attend events at other properties including Sandals Spa and Blue Waters.  Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda has created a magical day of authentic Caribbean 8 course meal, charter flight, and concierge room service to provide special services requested by each celebrity mom.

CaribPR Newswire , NEW YORK , NY , Tues. Apr. 8, 2008: Reggae singer Cocoa Tea is joining an all-star cast later this month for the inaugural Team Jamaica Bickle Reggae Concert. The event is set for April 20 th at the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center, 2900 Campus Road Brooklyn ,  New York 11210 from 7 p.m. Its goal is to assist athletes from Jamaica who participate at the Penn Relays annually.
Cocoa Tea, who recently made national headlines with his new song, “Barack Obama,” is set to thrill fans with his Obama lyrics and more.   Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Calvin George Scott says that he is donating his time because “whenever there is a charity event that supports Jamaica , I always want to be apart of it.”
Cocoa Tea reiterated that fans should support the event because, “This event helps the Olympic team.   Funds are limited and whatever we can do to support Jamaica and the Olympic team we should do it.”
Other acts scheduled to perform at the inaugural Team Jamaica Bickle event include Richie Stephens, Etana and Duane Stephenson.   Stephens is best known for his dancehall singles

CARIBPR , NEW YORK , NY, Fri. Dec. 14, 2007: Grammy winners and 2008 Grammy nominees are set to rub shoulders and thrill music fans in Montego Bay , Jamaica next month. Three of the 2008 artists set to perform at January 24-26th Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica have just picked up nominations for next year’s 50 th Grammy awards. While two others on the bill already hold the prestigious statuettes. Grammy winner Jill Scott, newcomer Ryan Shaw and Spyro Gyra all been nominated for next year’s 50th Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Scott, who already holds two Grammy’s, has been nominated three times for the 2008 awards. She’s up for ‘ Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ,’ for ‘ Hate On Me ,’ ‘ Best Urban/Alternative Performance,’ for her collaboration with Lupe Fiasco on ‘Daydreamin’ and ‘Best R&B Album’ for the ‘ The Real Thing.’ Shaw has received his first nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for ‘I Am Your Man,’ while Spyro Gyra has gotten the nod in the Best Pop Instrumental Performance   category for ‘Good To Go’ off the album, ‘Simple Pleasure’ as well as for Best Pop Instrumental Album of the year. Shaw is a 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Decatur , Georgia who recently launched his debut album, ‘ This Is Ryan Shaw ‘ on the One Haven/Columbia label. Working with player/producers Jimmy Bralower and Johnny Gale, Shaw gave overlooked classics by obscure artists like the Combo Kings and the Sharpees along with more familiar songs made famous by Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, and Bobby Womack, a new life. While his original tunes – “”Nobody”" (the first single), “”We Got Love,”" and “”Over and Done”"

Thirty speakers from around the world as well as several top regional ministers, are gearing up for the 5 th Annual Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation conference.
The forum is set for the prestigious Ritz Carlton Resort, Rose Hall, at Montego Bay , Jamaica from September 24 th to the 26 th with organizers touting it will be the most important multinational ICT event ever held in the Caribbean .
Eighteen nations will be represented by speakers and already ICT ministers, heads of regulatory bodies and CEO-level representatives from the private sector have all confirmed their participation. They include Ransford Smith, Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth; Minister Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Science and Technology, Jamaica; Minister Dr Jerrol Thompson, Minister of Telecommunications, Science, Technology & Industry, St Vincent and the Grenadines ; Neletha Butterfield, J.P.M.P, the Minister of the Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Bermuda ; Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General, CTU; Noor-ud-Din Baqai, Member (Telecom), IT & Telecom Division, Ministry of IT, Government of India ; Engr Ernest C Ndukwe, EVC and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission and Paris Mashile, Chairperson, ICASA, South Africa.
For more information contact Andrea Hooker at 0044 208 834 1589 or email

  Hardbeatnews, TORONTO , Canada , Mon. July 9, 2007: When Frances Anne Solomon

CARIBPR , NEW YORK , NY, Fri. June 29, 2007: Hip Hop legend, LL Cool J and R &B