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Newsletter 57 -

29th July 2016




 

Advancing Hospitality through Tourism Alliances
AHTA News
Curtain Bluff announces Upgrades for the 2016-2017 Season
Antigua’s luxury, all-inclusive landmark and resort, Curtain Bluff, has just announced new renovations for the 2016-2017 season. The resort, located on 20 acres on the south coast of Antigua, is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Part of the refresh includes upgrading and re-introducing the resort's signature Hulford Suites, as well as the debut of new on-property services.
The property houses four signature “Hulford Collection” suites, named after the resort's owners and founders. Each suite will come equipped with a private, infinity-edge plunge pool on a terrace overlooking the sea. In addition, The Terrace Suite will undergo a complete makeover, with new furnishings, soft goods and luxury spa bathrooms. Also included in the Hulford Collection are the Grace and Morris Bay Suites and Cliff Suite.
New for the upcoming season includes the launch of Curtain Bluff’s Beach Concierge service, available to guests using the resort's beaches to get them whatever they may need. This includes setting up activities and water sports, placing drink orders, sourcing the ideal beach chair or hammock for the day and more.
Curtain Bluff will welcome guests for the 2016/2017 season beginning October 22, 2016.
Sandals Grande Antigua hosts Canadian radio station

A taste of Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, attractions and festivities entered the homes, workplaces and commutes of Toronto, Canada residents this week, as popular radio station Jewel 88.5 FM broadcasted live from Sandals Grande Antigua.
Jewel’s morning programme, ‘Gary and Stacy Live,’ was aired as part of the Radio Remote promotion organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Sunquest Vacations. Set up in the tower above the Sandals Grande Antigua Mediterranean Pool, with 360 degree views of the beautiful Dickenson Bay Beach, the radio show snagged interviews with several tourism and culture officials.
Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority Colin James, General Manager of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) Neil Forrester, Alison Sly-Adams of Antigua Sailing Week and Director of Culture Vaughn Walter all paid a visit. More here
The AHTA relaunches website www.antiguahoteljobs.com
A totally rebuilt version of www.antiguahoteljobs.com was recently relaunched by the AHTA. This platform acts as an interface between tourism stakeholders and those seeking a new job in the industry. Tourism related businesses are able to advertise vacant positions whilst job seekers are able to review open positions and apply online through the site and also have the ability to leave their resumes on the site for consultation by registered employers.
We would like to encourage all members to sign up and use the site, to post or supply us with all vacant positions and when necessary review the resume bank when recruiting.
The site is open to all and we hope it will become an important resource within the local and sub regional job market. Current visitation to the website is good and growing monthly and this is supported by a Facebook with already 3,600 fans increasing week by week.
For more information please contact the AHTA office.
New Member Profile - 3 Martini Beach Hotel/Apartments
The 3 Martini Hotel/Apartments offers accommodations in Crab Hill on the south side of the island. The hotel has 6 ocean view rooms with private deck.
The hotel's restaurant & bar is cooled by the trade wind breezes and hosts a daily celebratory sunset happy hour. The 3 Martini restaurant borders the courtyard full of tropical plants and overlooks Crab Point Beach.  For more see here
Last minute deals in the UK
Brighter, the ABTA's UK PR Agency in the UK is issuing last minute deals on a weekly basis every Monday. If you have any deals that you would like them to promote on your behalf please contact Amelia at amelia.birtwistle@brightergroup.com
National News
Special Industry Rates from British Airways for WTM 2016
British Airways is pleased to announce special travel rates for our Tourism and Travel industry partners in the Caribbean.  These special rates are only valid for Tourism and Travel industry Partners who are registered to participate at the WTM Trade Show in the UK in November 2016. Proof of registration with the Ministry of Tourism/Tourism Authority or Board/Hotel & Tourism Association may be required.
 The fares are valid for travel from all British Airways gateways in the Caribbean to London Gatwick and London Heathrow. The special fares are available in the following cabins and at the amounts shown.  Please note that taxes, fees and surcharges are additional.
World Traveller              - USD350 / USD500
World Traveller Plus       - USD700
Club World                    - USD1500 / USD2200
 
These industry rates must be booked by e-mailing caribbean.sales@ba.com with your details and preferred travel dates. Payment by credit card is due on confirmation.
Selling period: July 28 – September 16, 2016
Travel period: for outbound travel between October 25 – November 04, 2016 and all travel to be completed within 30 days.   
How Important Is the GDS Revenue Channel for Independent Hotels?
Global Distribution System (GDS), as a revenue channel, refers to the reservation tool used by travel agents to make hotel, air and car rental reservations on behalf of their customers. The four distribution channels that make up the GDS are Sabre, Amadeus, Worldspan and Galileo.
Every year I hear the same come comments from some hoteliers in our industry –
“The GDS is out-dated and old… it is losing relevance as a channel.’’
“Travel agents are a dying breed… everything is booked through OTA’s now.’’
These comments are often rooted in a misunderstanding of what the GDS is and how it works. Here’s why GDS is still as important today: Read more
CHTA News
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/travel/airbnb-hotels.html?smid=fb-nytimestravel&smtyp=cur&_r=0
To find out what is going on in Antigua check out the Events Calendar on www.antiguahotels.org

For industry related events check out the Events Calendar on www.members.antiguahotels.org
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Copyright © 2016 Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Island House. Newgate Street
PO Box 454
St John's
Antigua
Tel: (268) 462.0374 Fax: (268) 462.3702
E-mail: ahta@candw.ag

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