Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 90)

NEWS IMPACT Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold, New Flights to Cancun Launch MY FIRST THOUGHT AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE SALE OF CAP JULUCA WAS, “I hope this doesn’t affect my May press trip.” The visit might be up in the air, but at least the expert staff at the popular luxury resort in Anguilla will stay the same. This doesn’t mean there won’t be any changes to the property. In fact, $80 million guarantees that there will be. Cap Juluca (www.capjuluca. com) was developed in the 1980s. Since 1997, Dion Friedland, a private investor and entrepreneur, has owned the popular resort. But on April 9, we heard it had been sold to an investor syndicate led by noted travel industry executive Adam M. Aron. The new ownership’s plans include a massive investment of about $80 million to fully renovate the resort, including the addition of new guest amenities, as well as the sale of a limited number of residential villas at the property. The hotel’s existing employee force will remain in position before, during and after the renovation, which will be performed in phases (allowing the resort to remain open throughout the process). In addition, an all-new spa, retail shops and a resort pool will be created. No timetable for the project’s beginning or end was released as of presstime. Major investors in Cap Juluca Properties Ltd. also carry enormous success and prestige in the realm of global travel. Prominent among them is Silversea Investments and Participations Ltd., a Bahamian company. Fairmont into the DR We also hear that Roco Ki, a luxury residential and resort community going up in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic, has revealed that the Fairmont Roco Ki (www.rocoki. com/fairmont.html) will open in 2010, with 255 rooms and include Fairmont Residences—condominiums, villas and estate homes—and Fairmont Heritage Place, a private residence club, plus an expansive Willow Stream Spa. Joe Pike New Flights to Cancun Meanwhile, in Mexico news, Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, CT, and Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com) announced the launch of the airport’s first-ever non-stop scheduled service to Cancun. The seasonal service, which started April 12, will operate on Saturdays between BDL and Cancun International Airport (CUN). Delta flight DL497 will depart Bradley at 10:40 a.m. and arrive in Cancun at 1:47 p.m. Delta flight DL498 will depart Cancun at 2:40 p.m. and arrive at Bradley at 7:33 p.m. Delta will operate this service using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 16 Business Class seats and 144 seats in Coach Class. —JOE PIKE Meet the Executive Aron is widely known in U.S. travel and tourism circles. He formerly served as chairman and CEO of Vail Resorts, including its luxury hotel company RockResorts; president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line; senior vice president of marketing of United Airlines; and senior vice president of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. He currently serves on the board of directors of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Prestige Cruise Holdings, owner and operator of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. LEFT: Cap Juluca in Anguilla is set for a major renovation under its new ownership, led by Adam M. Aron 90 | TravelAgent April 28, 2008 http://www.capjuluca.com http://www.capjuluca.com http://www.rocoki.com/fairmont.html http://www.rocoki.com/fairmont.html http://www.delta.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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