Gillian Harper

07/05/2012

Come to St Kitts and listen to the soulful strains of Roberta Flack … the reggae beat of Damian Marley … and the rhythms of soca artist Machel Montano. That’s right. The sounds of St. Kitts will come alive when these artists headline the 16th annual St. Kitts Music Festival from June 28-30, 2012 in Bassaterre.

In celebration, the Ocean Terrace Inn is offering special “Sweet 16” packages that will be music to your ears:

Rates are per room per night with a two night minimum stay.
$ US 91 Single Occupancy with Continental Breakfast
$ US101 Double Occupancy with Continental Breakfast

$ US101 Single Occupancy with Full Breakfast
$ US111 Double Occupancy with Full Breakfast

Rates are per room per night inclusive of VAT, Service Charge and IET.

Book your package now, while there’s still time. Call 869-465-2754 or go to www.oceanterraceinn.com. Then come discover the Ocean Terrace Inn and the St. Kitts Music Festival. It’s an experience like no other.

30/01/2012

Spanair Shuts Down after the Withdrawal of State Funding

Spanair SA's collapsed on the weekend after the withdrawal of state funding suggests Europe's debt crisis may spark airlines from the Mediterranean to the Baltic to consider mergers or risk failure.

Spanair has left more than 20,000 passengers stranded after running out of financing options. The Barcelona-based airline has ceased operations leading to 647 flight cancellations.

25/01/2012

25/01/2012

20/01/2012

PRESIDENT OBAMA - CASTLES IN THE SKY!

President Barack Obama went to Disney World in Orlando yesterday to announce the new initiative to boost the economy and jobs through travel and tourism.
He might perhaps have considered a backdrop other than the castle in the sky, the iconic gateway to Fantasyland!

However this is political season, and Obama’s opponents were quick to suggest that his speech was as much about his reelection campaign (Florida will likely be a swing state)!

“I want America to be the number one tourist destination in the world,” Obama said. "I have directed my administration to send me a new national tourism strategy focused on creating jobs.” “We’re going to see how we can make it easier for foreign tourists to find basic information about visiting America. And we’re going to see how we can attract more tourists to our national parks. We want people visiting not just Epcot Center, but the Everglades, too. The more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work. It’s that simple.”

The president said the new tourism strategy is part of his job-creation plan. Another goal is to ensure that the US is the top tourist destination in the world. He announced efforts to expand the Global Entry Programme, which makes it easier for frequent - who've undergone a background check - to travel in and out of the country.

He told the audience that his administration would add additional nations to the list of those whose citizens are allowed to visit America without a tourist visa.

18/01/2012

Now, if we amplify our voices, we can put an end to the most powerful Internet censorship threat that the world has ever seen.

18/01/2012

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR MICHAEL O'LEARY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF RYANAIR......

A FRIEND SENT ME THIS EMAIL JOKE TODAY..enjoy!


Arriving in a hotel in Dublin, he went to the bar and asked for a pint
of draught Guinness. The barman nodded and said, "That will be one
Euro please, Mr. O'Leary."

Somewhat taken aback, O'Leary replied, "That's very cheap," and handed
over his money.

"Well, we try to stay ahead of the competition", said the barman. "And
we are serving free pints every Wednesday evening from 6 until 8. We
have the cheapest beer in Ireland"

"That is remarkable value" Michael comments

"I see you don't seem to have a glass, so you'll probably need one of ours.
That will be 3 euro please."

O'Leary scowled, but paid up. He took his drink and walked towards a seat.
"Ah, you want to sit down?" said the barman. "That'll be an extra 2
euro. - You could have pre-book the seat, and it would have only cost
you a Euro."

"I think you may to be too big for the seat sir, can I ask you to sit
in this frame please"
Michael attempts to sit down but the frame is too small and when he
can't squeeze in he complains "Nobody would fit in that little frame".

"I'm afraid if you can't fit in the frame you'll have to pay an extra
surcharge of €4.00 for your seat sir"

O'Leary swore to himself, but paid up. "I see that you have brought
your laptop with you" added the barman. "And since that wasn't
pre-booked either, that will be another 3 euro."

O'Leary was so annoyed that he walked back to the bar, slammed his
drink on the counter, and yelled, "This is ridiculous, I want to speak
to the manager".

"Ah, I see you want to use the counter," says the barman, "that will
be 2 euro please." O'Leary's face was red with rage.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Of course I do Mr. O'Leary,"

"I've had enough, What sort of Hotel is this? I come in for a quiet
drink and you treat me like this. I insist on speaking to a manager!"

"Here is his E mail address, or if you wish, you can contact him
between 9 and 9.10 every morning, Monday to Tuesday at this free phone
number. Calls are free, until they are answered, then there is a
talking charge of only 10 cent per second"

"I will never use this bar again"

"OK sir, but remember, we are the only hotel in Ireland selling pints
for one Euro".

12/01/2012

AirAsia X to pull out of Europe in March! Blames weak demand, high fuel prices and UK Taxes

AirAsia X began flying to London in March 2009 then switched service from Stansted to Gatwick in October 2011 and now its last flight from London will operate on March 31, ceasing flights from Gatwick and from Paris to its hub at Kuala Lumpur.
The carrier blamed falling demand in Europe, the high oil price and the added costs of UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) and the European emissions trading scheme (ETS). Passengers with advance bookings from Gatwick will be offered the choice of a full refund or switch to an alternative carrier.

Chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said: “Weakening demand for air travel from Europe brought about by the current economic situation, together with exorbitant government taxes, have placed cost pressures on operating long-haul low-cost flights. “The emissions trading scheme and escalating APD, which will rise again in April, have forced our decision to withdraw services to Europe. The decision by AirAsia X is clear evidence that the burden of additional taxation is a material consideration for long haul airlines flying to the UK.”

09/01/2012

SEAFRANCE HAS GONE INTO LIQUIDATION - UP TO 1,000 JOB LOSSES!

SeaFrance has gone into liquidation with up to 1,000 job losses - 127 in the UK.
The Tribunal de Commerce court in Paris made the decision to liquidate the ferry operator today after finding that none of the other options were financially viable.
Provisions have been made to guarantee all customers with pre-existing bookings will get refunds and should contact the following number 0845 458 0666.
The French ferry operator SeaFrance suspended all services between Dover and Calais on 15 November last yea

16/12/2011

Bahamas Launches New $12 Million Nassau Straw Market Today!

A new $12 million straw market will open to vendors, tourists and residents in Nassau, Bahamas, today, Friday, Dec. 16, following 10 years at a temporary site. The new facility will be operated by the Bahamas government.

Vendors had been working at the temporary facility, located under a tent on downtown’s Bay Street, since the original market was destroyed in a 2001 fire. The temporary site was itself damaged in August by Hurricane Irene, leading vendors to set up shop under hastily built tents on Prince George Wharf. The straw market, which will now house up to 500 vendors, has long been a popular attraction for Nassau visitors and residents.

28/11/2011

November 26th - Fort Lauderdale Set New Record for number of Cruise Passengers

Eight ships and approximately 53,500 cruise passengers arrived or departed on Saturday, November 26th as Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, smashed its own world record set on March 20, 2010 although with bigger ships, it did it with a fewer number of vessels.
The ships involved on Saturday, all sailing for the Caribbean were:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Carnival Miracle
• Grand Princess
• Crown Princess
• Eurodam
• MSC Poesia.

The vessels arrived between 4 and 6 a.m. and sailed again between 4 and 7 p.m.

Also busy, was Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with an estimate of 500,000 travelers passing through from Monday to Monday during Thanksgiving week.

Taxis too, enjoyed a busy day, according to Port Authorities, as about 555 cabs picked up passengers at terminal 18, another 350 at terminal 29 and more than 400 at terminals 21 and 25 combined.

11/11/2011

Airfare tax disclosure rule applies to Twitter posts, DOT says

The US Transportation Department’s enforcement unit put airlines, tour operators and travel agents on notice that some of their tweets and social media postings fail to include the appropriate disclosures about aviation taxes and fees.

In a notice, enforcement chief Samuel Podberesky said that even Twitter postings, with their 140-character limit, must comply. The notice states that if an airfare is mentioned and if any taxes and fees are not included, there must be a hyperlink “adjacent to the stated fare” that “takes the viewer directly to a place on a separate screen where the nature and amount of taxes and fees are prominently and immediately displayed. Likewise, if a round-trip purchase condition applies to an advertised each-way fare, this must also be disclosed in the tweet.”

He added that links taking the user to “a page or a place on a screen that requires scrolling or further clicking on links to be able to view the explanation of taxes and fees do not comply.”

26/10/2011

Airline ancillary revenue soars in 2011. This includes baggage fees, on-board food and beverages.

20/10/2011

Trump Toronto to open Jan. 31, 2012 - It will be Canada’s tallest residential building with 65 storeys


Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is set to welcome guests Jan. 31, 2012, marking Trump’s second international hotel and first foray into Canada. Towering over 270 metres above the city, Trump Toronto will be Canada’s tallest residential building with 65 storeys, proving a dramatic addition to the city’s skyline. Located in the heart of the financial and entertainment district, the Toronto hotel will be a natural retreat for business and leisure travellers.

The hotel will offer 261 guest rooms and suites, all outfitted with the latest in business and entertainment technology, including wired and wireless, high-speed Internet access, flat-screen LCD IP televisions, and high-tech conveniences such as bedside touch-panel controls for window coverings and lighting. Other features include fine dining on the 31st floor signature restaurant, STOCK, a 1,620-square-metre spa and wellness facility, and ballroom and meeting facilities.

16/10/2011

The Royal Navy unearthed a staggering 61 bombs after a two days sweep of a nudist beach.

22/09/2011

DISNEY ANNOUNCES THAT AVATAR IS COMING TO IT'S PARKS

01/09/2011

FOREIGN OFFICE IN THE UK WARNS RUGBY FANS OF THE DANGERS IN NEW ZEALAND

The Foreign Office has provided information and advice for those travelling to New Zealand for the International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011, which takes place between 9 September and 23 October 2011.

Their information includes Local Laws and Customs and reminds travelers that it is illegal to import most foodstuffs (meat and meat products, honey, fruit, dairy produce etc) and strict penalties are handed out to those breaking these rules.

New Zealand has very strict bio-security laws. Take care when bringing in food, wood products, golf clubs, shoes/boots, camping equipment (may have soil and dirt attached), animal skin (e.g. crocodile handbags)
Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced and random breathalyser tests are carried out. New Zealand cities have alcohol free zones which are strongly enforced. Take care and note inner city signage and that it is illegal to drink alcohol on public transport including taxis.

New Zealand does not have an extensive public transport system outside its main cities - so do your research.
In rural areas there can be large distances between service stations so plan ahead. Petrol stations are mostly self-service. An amber light means STOP (if you can do so safely!). Outside of cities and towns there is little or no street lighting. Watch out for livestock wandering onto roads.

You can send updates about your location and travel movements via your mobile in NZ by texting 7233 (SAFE). These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed by NZ Police if necessary
New Zealand is subject to earthquakes and weather conditions which can quickly become treacherous.

In case of poor mobile phone reception make sure friends and family know your plans/whereabouts. If you intend to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, ensure that your travel insurance covers these types of activities

21/08/2011

Why are school summer holidays so long compared with other breaks?

19/08/2011

PRESIDENT OBAMA SAID THE INTERNET WAS REPLACING TRAVEL AGENTS. OUCH! WHAT WAS HE THINKING!

Obama blames the internet for the high unemployment rate at the Town Hall meeting in Atkinson, Ill and now is getting flack from travel agents regarding his remarks. It evident that the president does not understand the travel business.

In his talk, Obama said, “one of the challenges in terms of rebuilding our economy is businesses have gotten so efficient that........when was the last time somebody used a travel agent instead of just going online? A lot of jobs that used to be out there requiring people now have become automated.”

In an effort to educate the President, ASTA sent a letter informing the president that today, the U.S. travel agency industry has nearly 10,000 U.S. travel agency firms operating in 15,000 locations with an annual payroll of $6.3 billion and that the travel businesses produce full-time employment for more than 120,000 U.S. taxpayers.

Further, the U.S. travel agency industry processes more than $146 billion in annual travel sales, accounting for more than 50 percent of all travel sold, according to ASTA. This includes the processing of more than 50 percent of all airline tickets, more than 79 percent of tours and more than 78 percent of all cruises. It also helps more than 144 million travelers get where they want to go each year.

09/08/2011

HIGH WIRE ACT OVER NIAGARA FALLS? WILL AMERICA SAYS 'YES' BUT CANADA SAY 'NO'?

High above the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, daredevil Nik Wallenda would traverse the airspace between the U.S. and Canada, with only a 2-inch-wide steel cable standing between his feet and the gorge below.

At least, that’s the idea. But much of Wallenda’s proposal depends on yet another critical balance, this one political: Whether New York State and Canadian officials will sign off on the legality of the tightrope act in a venue where many have risked – and some lost – their lives in other public stunts.

If Wallenda gets the go-ahead, New York’s Niagara area tourism industry plans to be ready and welcoming. Canada on the other hand is still holding out before giving the green light. If Nik Wallenda's high-wire stunt gets off the ground, the walk will be scheduled sometime in the Spring or summer of 2012.

03/08/2011

TIANGUIS, MEXICO'S LARGEST TOURISM TRADE SHOW IS ON THE MOVE!

Held in Acapulco for the last 36 years, Tianguis is Mexico’s largest tourism trade show attended by international travel industry experts, travel agents, travel writers and press along with Mexico tourism officials.

However, Tianguis now moves to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for 2012 and then onto Puebla and Quintana Roo (Cancun-Cozumel-Riviera Maya) who will host the event in 2013 and 2014.

For those of us in the travel industry, we have fond memories of our annual jaunt to Tiaguuis in Acapulco. As for me personally, one year while on the trade show floor, I experienced my first earth quake (only 5.6 on the Richter scale) but it was quite a scare when it brought flimsy literature racks and trade show stands crashing down. I stood there thinking that a train was coming when a good Mexican Samaritan (hotelier) came to my rescue and flung me physically up against one of the pillars in the Exhibit Hall (in case the roof collapsed ) and stood and sheltered me there until the earthquake was over. I was so surprised that I don't remember even thanking him properly!

Then there was Tianguis 2009 when half the delegates cancelled because of the H1N1 outbreak. But business in Acapulco went on as usual with some folks on the trade show floor wearing masks and with hand sanitizer wipes at every booth which everyone used after each cordial 'hand shake' with a client. Not to mention that Jaz Roy (my colleague at Certified Vacations) and I were quarantined when we got home and they wouldn't let us back into the office for several days! The problem with that was that the H1N1 virus was still very new and laboratory diagnostic test for detecting the flu had not been developed, so we just had to sit and wait it out.

The biggest impact of the outbreak in 2009, however, was on the Mexican economy. One sector that suffered significantly from the H1N1 outbreak was tourism, which has been slow to recover. An explosion of drug-related violence in Mexico has contributed to the poor fortunes of the Mexican tourism industry, particularly in resorts like Acapulco. Adding to Acapulco's misfortune is the federal government's decision to move the Tianguis Turistico de Mexico which was held in the resort city for 36 years

21/07/2011

WILLS AND KATE WERE NOT AMUSED WHEN BRITISH AIRWAYS IN-FLIGHT MOVIES BROKE DOWN.

British Airways handed William and Catherine £200 of Duty Free vouchers after in-flight entertainment fails on way home from U.S.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge were given £200 in compensation after the in-flight entertainment system failed during the ten-hour transatlantic flight on their trip home from the U.S.

The two had decided to fly with a commercial airline back from the States to save the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds, nevertheless the First Class cabin seats reportedly set them back around £5000 each. They were left disappointed when they were unable to watch any of the films on offer throughout their journey.

A BA spokesman was reported as saying: "Unfortunately a fault with some parts of the aircraft's in-flight entertainment system couldn't be fixed before the aircraft took off from Los Angeles."

18/07/2011

DELTA CUTS FLIGHTS TO 24 SMALL CITIES - SOME FLIGHTS WERE SOMETIMES EMPTY

Delta Air Lines is reducing the number of flights to small cities in the USA’s midsection, saying it could not make money on flights that were sometimes empty.
The affected flights connect Delta’s hubs to 24 small cities in rural Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota. Currently some of the cities are served only by Delta.

Most of the affected flights are on Delta’s 34-seat Saab turboprops, which it is phasing out by the end of this year. Higher fuel prices have made it difficult to operate small planes profitably, because the fuel bill is divided among a small number of passengers. Even the next-larger option, the 50-seat regional jets flown by Delta and other airlines, is often unprofitable for the same reason. Delta is retiring many of those planes, too.

Delta said it was losing $14 million a year on these flights. Their occupancy averaged just 52 percent, compared with a systemwide average of 83 percent last year. The average occupancy out of Thief River Falls, Minn., was just 12 percent. The flight from Greenville, Miss., runs just 27.6 percent full. Some flights have been empty

14/07/2011

Travel Responsibly, Informed and Protected - HOW TO AVOID BAGGAGE THEFT FROM LUGGAGE CAROUSELS

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, mishandled baggage complaints, including theft, rank second only to flight problems as the most common consumer complaint, the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) says in a new consumer advisory.

Although actual baggage theft from luggage carousels and other pilferage may account for a small percent of mishandled bags in the U.S., it is still prevalent in some parts of the world.

In fact, the U.S. State Department, in its “Country Specific” pages, provides destination information on international airports where pilferage may be a problem. The US Travel Insurance Association, through its TRIP web site, offers the following tips to lessen the chance that your clients’ bags will do a disappearing act:

Use hard-sided luggage.
Pack valuables in your carry-on
Avoid luggage that looks expensive
Pack only items that are easily replaced or those you can live without
Use a TSA approved lock or plastic cable ties to secure your bags
Make your bags conspicuous by choosing eye-catching colors or distinctively colored straps

Go to he website developed by the UStiA. The TRIP acronym stands for “Travel Responsibly, Informed and Protected.” With a motto of, “Empowering you to travel safely,” the site offers useful articles, tips and links on various aspects of staying healthy, safe, and secure while traveling.

14/07/2011

GARRISON IN BARBADOS NAMED WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison in Barbados have been added to the World Heritage Site list maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Bridgetown’s Garrison dates from 1789, when British forces constructed it to defend their Caribbean colonies during the Napoleonic Wars from 1793 to 1815.

The Garrison served as headquarters for 2,000 soldiers and housed supplies, storage areas for rum, a theater, a prison, a hospital, a parade ground, forts and hundreds of cannons.

Today many of the buildings have been preserved and converted to other uses.

"Bridgetown and its Garrison are considered an outstanding example of British colonial architecture and tell a story that testifies to the spread of Great Britain's Atlantic colonial empire,” Unesco stated.

Along with Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, Unecsco selected Hiraizumi (site of temples and gardens in Japan) and the ancient beech forests in Hessen, Germany, as World Heritage sites

04/07/2011

AUSTRALIAN TIGER AIRWAYS GROUNDED! FLYING TOO LOW WAS THE LAST STRAW!

The competition watchdog says Tiger Airways may be guilty of misleading conduct if it keeps selling tickets without telling customers its flights are grounded and it is facing action from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

28/06/2011

TWO DAYS OF STRIKES - GREECE IN CRISIS

Greece’s communist-led trade union on Tuesday kicked off two days of anti-austerity strikes and protests in central Athens as parliament debated a controversial four-year economic package agreed with international lenders to prevent the country from

14/06/2011

AIRBUS REVEALS SEE-THROUGH PLANE

For flight passengers who battle with the feeling of being penned into aircraft cabins with little natural daylight, aviation designers may have found the perfect solution...a plane that is transparent.

The futuristic concept was unveiled in London by Airbus.The planes of 2050 could involve aircraft with 'intelligent' cabin wall membranes and interactive games.

The futuristic concept for travel in 40 years time with its 'intelligent' cabin wall membrane, has been unveiled in London by planemakers Airbus.

28/05/2011

THE WORLD BELOVED 8 FOOT TALL YELLOW BIRD IS NOW IN THE CARIBBEAN AT BEACHES RESORTS

There isn't a child in the world who doesn't adore Sesame Street®. And now parents can give their children the extraordinary gift of sharing their vacation with Elmo and friends. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts are the only Caribbean destinations where you'll find a colorful cast of characters including: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Bert and Ernie, Abby Cadabby, The Count and Big Bird.

Sesame Street Packages at Beaches Resorts include Storytime with Elmo, Bake with the Cookie Monster, Make Music with Bert and Ernie and much more. The Upgrade packages include Nite Nite Tuck-ins, Character Breakfasts, Character Photo Session and Character Birthday Parties!

19/05/2011

UNITED REVIVED THE 9/11 FLIGHT NUMBERS, THEN SAID THEY MADE A MISTAKE!

Call numbers 93 and 175 were mistakenly assigned to two flights by Continental Airlines, which has merged with United.

"We are taking immediate steps to remove them and apologize for the error," a United spokesman said.

United declined to explain how the numbers found their way back onto flights. Unionized flight attendants urged the company to permanently retire them, while pilots said the move was insensitive.

Flight 175, a Boeing 767, took off from Boston and was one of two planes flown into New York's World Trade Center. Flight 93, a Boeing 757, took off from New Jersey's Newark International Airport and crashed into a Pennsylvania field. Investigators believed the hijackers of that plane wanted to hit the U.S. Capitol or the White House.

Two other planes used in the attack were flown by American Airlines. Flight 11, a 767 from Boston, hit the World Trade Center, and Flight 77 from Washington Dulles, crashed into the Pentagon.
AMR Corp, parent of American Airlines, long ago retired those two flight numbers.