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Archive for June, 2010

Azul Fives by Karisma – Riviera Maya – To Open in November Author: Hawaii Jun 25

Roughly two years after it was originally supposed to open, the luxurious Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma inPlaya del Carmen, Mexico will open its doors on November 5, Mandy Chomat, vice president of marketing and sales for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, told Travel Agent late Monday afternoon.

The news is so fresh, Chomat says, that Karisma informed its partnering tour operators shortly after Chomat spoke with us.

Reservations will be accepted after September 4. On September 4, a handful of promotions to celebrate the opening will also be announced and only Travel Agent will have that news as well.

Get more details here!

See the hotel here!

Contact me today to make your reservations at this exquisite new resort! linda@honeymoons inc.com!

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Jamaican Fugitive Captured as Officials Call for Calm Author: Hawaii Jun 24

Jamaican police arrested alleged drug and weapons trafficker Christopher “Dudus” Coke in Kingston on Tuesday, and officials were calling for calm after attempts to capture Coke triggered violent demonstrations that killed 73, and led to the closing of businesses, schools and government offices in the capital city of Kingston. Due to the violence, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert for Jamaica.

According to press reports, Coke was arrested without incident while he was en route to turn himself in at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Coke was sought after the government issued a warrant for his arrest and he faces extradition to the United States. Jamaica’s main tourist regions of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril did not experience disruptions during the Kingston violence, as tourists continued to arrive, stay in resorts and visit the cruise ports at Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Following the arrest, Jamaican Police Commissioner Owen Ellington said, “I would like to appeal to the family, friends and sympathizers of Christopher Coke to remain calm and to allow the law to take its course. I would also like to reassure the citizens of Jamaica that the situation remains normal, there is no need for alarm and they can get about their business in the usual way.”

The State Department Travel Alert, updated Monday, June 14, warned American travelers about “sporadic violence between government security forces and criminal gang elements in Kingston, Jamaica, and its surrounding areas.” The alert advised travelers to monitor local news and radio frequently when venturing from hotels in the Kingston area, to use the South Camp Road route and avoid the Mountain View Road airport route when traveling to or from Norman Manley International Airport, and to “exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile.” The Travel Alert expired on Wednesday, June 23. For more information, call 888-407-4747 or visit www.travel.state.gov.

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HAWAII NAMED “BEST VALUE DESTINATION” IN SMARTERTRAVEL EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2010 Author: Hawaii Jun 10

HONOLULU – Hawaii was recently named “Best Value Destination” in the SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice Awards 2010, beating out other contenders, including Las Vegas, Mexico, Australia, and Argentina.

According to the company’s website, Hawaii earned the title as this year’s best value destination based on sales and deals. The site also noted “With a three percent drop in overall year-over-year travel prices and a 10 to 15 percent decrease in premium hotel rates, plus four new air routes so far in 2010 and the likely addition of new low-cost carrier service from Allegiant, Hawaii was the obvious choice. While the summer peak season should be busy, last-minute deals may still be available, as will discounts for the rest of the year.”

“Value is measured by the total experience a visitor gets when they come to Hawai‘i,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). “It is an honor to have earned this award because it is also a reflection of our people, our culture and our place.”

John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) added, “We’ve always believed Hawaii has been a great value for travelers and it’s satisfying to see the editors at SmarterTravel agree. This recognition is the result of hard work and collaboration within Hawaii’s tourism industry. The mission has been to keep the destination competitively priced by providing travelers attractive deals without sacrificing quality in these tough economic times.”

SmarterTravel Editor’s Choice Awards named winners in 17 categories, including the best airlines, airports, reward/loyalty programs, providers, and reward cards among others. Overall, SmarterTravel gave the highest marks to companies that have remained focused on providing value and service for a great customer experience.

“Our editors follow the ins and outs of the travel industry every day and they have chosen the best of the best in each category,” said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel. “These winners are meeting the needs of today’s traveler.”

For more information on the complete list of winners, visit SmarterTravel.com.

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