Travel Agent - August 6, 2007 - (Page 36)

Destinations Caribbean & Bahamas the Year award, and has served as vice president of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives. Meet the U.S.V.I.’s Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty on passport issues and a new commissionable package BY DAN BUTCHER dbutcher@questex.com passport regulations affected travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands? We’ve seen an escalation in our numbers, especially last-minute travel, as there is apparently an eight-week passport backlog at the moment. The new requirements have had a positive impact on the destination as a whole. We’ve also seen an increase in family travel to the islands. Four or five people getting passports, as opposed to one or two, is a chore and adds to the cost of travel. What are travelers looking for nowadays? Our research has shown that today’s travelers are seeking more than just a beach vacation. They are looking for real experiences; they want to connect with a destination and create lasting memories. In the U.S.V.I., we not only offer sunny weather and blue waters, but also a rich culture and history that are wholly unique to our islands. B everly Nicholson Doty, a St. Thomas native, came to her current position as commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Island’s department of tourism after 14 years at the helm of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association. Nicholson Doty, who spearheaded the successful “No Passports Required” initiative, is a recipient of the Caribbean Hotel Association’s Executive Director of What U.S.V.I. hotels and resorts appeal to luxury clientele, and why? There are many hotels and resorts throughout the U.S.V.I. that cater to high-end travelers—including The How has the Department of Homeland Security’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Celebrate Barbados’ biggest promotion at Barbados’ best resorts.8 Visit during the Best of Barbados promotion and receive*: • 20% off your vacation • 7th night free • $200 air credit per person** At Almond Beach Village, Almond Beach Club & Spa and, soon, Almond Casuarina Beach, guests can enjoy the remarkable service, gourmet cuisine and luxurious amenities that bring our For you. About you. philosophy to life. From top-shelf cocktails and tropical beaches to water sports and world-class accommodations, a premium all-inclusive vacation at Almond Resorts captures the Best of Barbados like nowhere else. For you. About youW or u Call your Travel Professional or Almond Vacations at 866-343-1173. www.almondresorts.com/bestbarbados ALL- INCLUSIVE R ESORTS: Almond Morgan Bay, St. Lucia • Almond Beach Village, St. Peter, Barbados • Almond Beach Club & Spa, St. James, Barbados NOW OPEN: Almond Smugglers Cove, St. Lucia • OPENING SOON: Almond Casuarina Beach, Barbados *Book by 8/31/07 for travel 9/1 – 11/15/07. Offer valid at Almond Beach Village and Almond Beach Club & Spa for new bookings only. Minimum 7-night stay required. Based on double occupancy. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. **Max. of 2 air credits per room. Interested? Request #014. 36. TravelAgent August 6, 2007 http://www.almondresorts.com/bestbarbados http://www.almondresorts.com/bestbarbados

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - August 6, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Cover Story - Passports and Visas: What Clients Should Know About Them EUROPE: Capella Debuts Two Properties This Year LAS VEGAS: The De-Theming of Luxor HAWAII: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Renovates CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: Cruising the Panama Canal Lavishly CARIBBEAN & BAHAMAS: Bahamas’ Grand Isle Resort & Spa News and Notes Meet the U.S.V.I.’s Tourism Commissioner CRUISES: Defining Regent Seven Seas HOTELS: InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore Agent Exchange Luxury Travel Expo Update Ad and Edit Index Classified Marketplace People & Places

Travel Agent - August 6, 2007

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