News and Press Releases
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BWIA Celebrates Diamond Jubilee Year

December 8, 2000, New York, NY.....At a reception held in New York last evening, Thursday 7th December, BWIA West Indies Airways celebrated its 60th anniversary of operations. The gala event at the Picnic House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn was well attended by representatives of the Caribbean Islands served by BWIA from the United States, industry supporters and well wishers. The evenings' entertainment was provided by the BWIA Invaders Steel Orchestra. 

     Among the individuals paying tribute to the airline were Trinidad and Tobago's Consul-General, Hon. Terrence Walker and Director of Tourism (USA) for Barbados, Mr. Hugh Riley. Both provided the audience with a history of the airlines development since the beginning of operations back in 1940. 

     David A. Fernandez, Director of Tourism (USA) for Antigua and Barbuda gave the closing remarks and vote of thanks. In his summation, Mr. Fernandez thanked the employees of BWIA, especially those of the New York office, with whom his office has enjoyed a close working relationship, for their "unwavering support and loyalty to the Caribbean Community and especially to Antigua and Barbuda". Mr. Fernandez also thanked the airline for their dedicated commitment to serving the Caribbean and "for the special help BWIA has given to the region in times of crisis, demonstrating their good corporate citizenship time and time again."

     In closing, Mr. Fernandez, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community and especially the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda, wished BWIA continued success in its endeavours and conveyed congratulations to the airline on its 60th anniversary. 

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DATES ARE SET FOR THE  27TH ANTIGUA TENNIS WEEK

Antigua, West Indies, December 4, 2000 . . . Dates of May 6-13, 2001 have been announced for the 27th Antigua Tennis Week at Curtain Bluff. Grand Slam Legends Fred Stolle, Owen Davidson, Ross Case and Kathy Rinaldi will again be the star hosts, with Steve Contardi from The Club at Harpers Point in Cincinnati as Tournament Director for the fourth consecutive year. Curtain Bluff’s Head Tennis Pro, Rennie George, and the hotel’s two assistant pros will participate with them in clinics and pro- ams. The nearby Carlisle Bay Club is allowing use of its ten tennis courts to supplement the four at Curtain Bluff. 
     Full-color leaflets on the event may be obtained by calling toll-free (888) 289-9898 or in New York City (212) 289-8888. Beachfront double room rates start at $3,995 for the seven-night stay and include all meals, all bar drinks, water sports (even scuba for the certified and deep sea fishing), the week’s tennis and social activities, tax and gratuities. The rate for attached nights for participants arriving before May 6th will be the Antigua Tennis week price prorated.
     Sponsors are Abbott’s Jewellery/Omega, American Airlines, American Express, Nike and Penn Racquet Sports.
     From around the world, Antigua Tennis Week attracts repeat and new players of all levels who gather at Curtain Bluff to enjoy the international cuisine, the caring hospitality and the comprehensive sports facilities.

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HAWKSBILL BEACH RESORT ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE MAYERS AS DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, NORTH AMERICA. 

St. John's, Antigua, West Indies (November 30, 2000) - Hawksbill Beach Resort announced the appointment of Antiguan Steve Mayers as its Director of Sales and Marketing, North America. In his position, Mayers is in charge of the implementation of Hawksbill new sales and marketing strategies. He is also the primary liaison between the hotel and the tourism industry. 
Mayers brings to Hawksbill Beach Resort many years of experience in the Tourism and Hospitality business. He started his career at Sandals Antigua where he graduated to the post of Junior Assistant Manager. He also worked with Sandals US representative, Unique Vacations, as Account Executive. Mayers' most recent post was with Boykin Hospitality of Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as Senior Sales Manager for the Radisson Hotel, Mount Laurel.
While at Sandals, Mayers was awarded a $70,000 scholarship for studies in the United States. He holds a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Hocking College in Ohio and a Tourism and Hospitality degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For further information and reservations call 1 866 HAWKSBl.

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Antigua Vacations Limited (AVL) Cruises Miles Ahead

St. John's, Antigua… August 23, 2000…..Antigua Vacations Ltd, (AVL) - a premier cruise agency on the island of Antigua, was recently commended in Dreamworld Cruise Destinations 2000 - a magazine widely circulated in the cruise industry. Cruise industry members choose AVL as one of the most outstanding companies providing "service and efficiency" of the highest order to cruise ship passengers. In fact, AVL was amongst only ten other private companies selected in the world, one of two in the Caribbean and the only company on the island of Antigua and Barbuda.

"We take great pride in tailoring our services to meet our clients' needs," says Managing Director, Elma Pigott-Humphreys.

AVL has certainly established itself as a leader and innovator in the industry. Specialising in port services, tour operations, ground handling and cruise sales, it has also introduced a new enthusiasm towards group travel. In just four years of operation, it has sent over two hundred Antiguans to destinations world-wide. Furthermore, AVL is now the tour operator for over six cruise ship companies. It is also the first company to introduce trained English-speaking tour guides on buses to assist driver-guides.

With such an ambitious record, this company is sure to go far in stamping Antigua and Barbuda on the cruise tourism map.

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COCOBAY OPENED JULY 5, 2000
SPECIAL $100 INTRODUCTORY RATES INTRODUCED AT
ANTIGUA'S NEWEST ALL-INCLUSIVE RETREAT

VALLEY CHURCH, Antigua (July 5, 2000) - This summer, discerning travelers will have another all-inclusive option on the island of Antigua. Cocobay is certain to hail as one of Antigua's finest; a masterpiece of understated elegance and classic West Indian charm offering a welcome getaway for the hassled, the harried and the anxious. In celebration of the resort's opening, travelers may enjoy a special rate of $100 per person, per night based on double occupancy for travel from July 5-October 31, 2000, a $50 per person savings off the normal summer rate.

A colorful collection of West Indian-style cottages, Cocobay crowns a statuesque bluff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on the sunset side of the island. The epitome of gracious Antiguan charm, guests at Cocobay are met with impeccable service and unpretentious, simple accommodations; the 50 pastel-colored cottages modeled on traditional West Indian architecture are raised on stilts, perched on the hillside with stunning views of the bay below. Hand-carved furnishings and local island art reflect the beauty and splendor of the natural surroundings.

A simple aura surrounds Cocobay where every guest feel like they have found their true sandy sanctuary. The resort encourages the art of relaxation by offering a variety of simple and sophisticated pleasures, including a horizon swimming pool, hillside bars and lounges, a gourmet restaurant, water sports, a "plug-in room" for internet access, hammocks, and, naturally, the beaches for which the island is known. An exercise studio, "mind healing" workshops, and a wellness cottage will open in November 2000.

Regular summer rates will range from $300-$780 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. These rates will be effective after the introductory rate period from November 1-December 15, 2000. Winter rates will range from $450-$980, effective from December 16, 200-April 11, 2001. Rates are fully inclusive and feature accommodations, all meals and beverages, cocktails and wine by the glass, water sports, use of all resort facilities, taxes and gratuities. Spa treatments are additional.

Cocobay is owned and operated by Coco Valley Ltd., headquartered in Antigua, West Indies. The company also operates Cocos in Antigua, a restaurant and inn at Jolly Bay. To make reservations or to find out more information about Cocobay, call the resort directly at 268-562-2400; fax: 268-562-2424; e-mail: cocobay@candw.ag  or contact your travel professional.

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HURRICANE DEBBY PASSES ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA WITHOUT INCIDENT.

August 22, 2000.....New York, New York......Antigua and Barbuda's Minster of Tourism and Environment, Hon. Molwyn Joseph is happy to announce that Hurricane Debby passed Antigua and Barbuda on Monday night without incident.

Minister Joseph said that "Debby missed us completely, leaving the island with some well needed and appreciated rain. Everything is normal. Our beaches are fine, all roads are clear, the hotels are fully operational and report no damage. The port and airport are open and it is business as usual in our little paradise."

He further stated that the island was prepared for any eventuality. "We feel that it is better to be prepared and nothing happens, than to be unprepared."

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HAWKSBILL BEACH RESORT ANNOUNCES TRAVEL AGENT SPECIAL

St. John's, Antigua, West Indies…. August 4, 2000 - Hawksbill Beach Resort announced today a special travel agent rate of US$50 per person, room only effective August 4 to October 31, 2000. Not included is 8.5% government tax, 10% service charge and a US$20 government departure tax.

For further information and reservations call 268.462.0301 or fax 268.462.1515.

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EXPERIENCE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 2000

July 10, 2000…New York, NY - The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism together with American Airlines and the Antigua Hotels and Tourist association have launched Experience Antigua and Barbuda 2000 - A series of 3 and 4 night familiarization trips for travel agents which will start on September 04 thru October 30, 2000 with departures every Monday and Thursday during that period.

Open to IATAN agents only in the 48 contiguous United States and Canada, the 3 night fam trip is offered at US$234 per person and the 4 night at US$279 and includes airfare, accommodations, all meals, hotel inspection tours and an educational seminar. Agents will be guests at a number of participating hotels which include, Allegro Pineapple Beach, Blue Waters, Galley Bay, Hawksbill Beach Resort, Rex Halcyon, Sunsail Club Colonna, St. James's Club and The Royal Antiguan Beach and Tennis Resort. No spouses are permitted, and there is a limit of 2 agents, per agency.

David Fernandez, Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda, USA noted that "this is a wonderful opportunity for agents to get to know our twin islands." "Following the successful re-branding of our destination as 'The Caribbean you've always imagined,' and a number of product improvements, we know that agents who participate in Experience Antigua and Barbuda 2000 will be equipped to sell our destination."

Agents wishing to participate should contact the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism at 888. 268.4227 or 212.541.4117 or via fax at 212.541.4789 for additional details.

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CURTAIN BLUFF ANNOUNCES ANTIGUA TENNIS WEEK DATES

Antigua, West Indies… Date of the 26th Antigua Tennis Week, hosted by Curtain Bluff, will be May 7 to 14, 2000.

Grand Slam Sports legends Fred Stolle, Ross Case and Owen Davidson, with Kathy Rinaldi, will form the star pro teams. Curtain Bluff’s Head Tennis Professional, Rennie George, and the Hotel’s two assistant pros will participate in the tennis clinics and pro-am tournaments. Steve Contardi, operating partner of The Club at Harper’s Point in Cincinnati, will be Tournament Organizer for the third consecutive year. The nearby Carlisle Bay Club is allowing use of its ten tennis courts to supplement the four at Curtain Bluff.

Beachfront double room rates for the hotel’s seven-night program are US$3,995 to include all meals, bar drinks, water sports (even scuba for the certified and deep sea fishing), the week’s tennis and social activities, Government tax and gratuities. Nightly rate for participants arriving ahead of the event will be the Antigua Tennis Week price prorated.

Sponsors are American Airlines, American Express, Jewellery by Paul Kutchinski, Nike, Omega and Penn Racquet Sports.

The Antigua Tennis Week program, Curtain Bluff brochures and reservations may be obtained by telephoning (212) 289-8888 or, toll-free, (888) 289-9898.

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CURTAIN BLUFF BUILDS JUNIOR SUITES ON BEACH

Antigua, West Indies, March 21, 2000… Curtain Bluff is building eighteen Junior Suites on the beach to replace the twelve Deluxe Rooms in the building next to the hill. This will bring to 70- the total number of units at the property.

Generously proportioned and attractively decorated, each suite will have a bedroom with kingsize bed and a lower-level livingroom with sliding glass doors opening on to a beachfront terrace. The marble bathroom will contain a walk-in shower, separate bathtub, two-sin counter and the usual amenities. There will be seven connecting pairs of Junior Suites to accommodate families. Andrew Goodenough, who has been responsible for all building design at Curtain Bluff since 1984, is architect for this project which will be completed, in readiness for the 2000/2001 season, during the hotel’s usual summer closing. 

Double rates will be $895.00 for the Junior Suite peak season and $725.00 off peak with other prices from $725.00 for a Deluxe Room on the beach to $1,075.00 for a bi-level Executive Suites on the bluff at peak times and from $555.00 to $850.00 off peak. Peak-season dates are December 19 through April 14; off-peak dates are October 28 through December 18 and April 15 to May 13. Rates are FAP to cover all meals, all bar drinks, tennis and water sports (which even include scuba for the certified and deep sea fishing). Gratuities of 10 percent and Government tax of 8.5 percent are additional.

American Express continues to be the only credit card accepted by Curtain Bluff. For Antigua Tennis Week May 7-14 those paying by American Express are entitled to a half-day sail on the hotel’s 47-foot Wellington ketch, Tamarind.

Next-season rate sheets, brochures and reservations may be obtained by telephoning in New York City (212) 289-8888 or toll free (888) 289.9898.

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SAIL INTO SUMMER AT SUNSAIL BEACH CLUB ANTIGUA
Sunsail Launches Spring/Summer 2000 Rates

Annapolis, MD - April 2000 - Sunsail Beach Club invites everyone to sail into summer with rates that are a breeze. Starting at just $95 per person, per night, guests can spring into summer with the wind at their backs.

Daily spring rates, starting at $95 per person, and weekly spring rates, beginning at $570 per person, include unlimited watersports, hotel taxes and service charges, airport transfers as well as inclusion in the Modified American Meal Plan. Appreciating that travelers enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive dining at the resort as well as the experience of sampling local restaurants, Sunsail adopted the Modified American Meal Plan, a dining program that provides guests with breakfast daily, two lunches and four dinners per week. The plan allows the freedom for guests to choose to dine at the resort or at a local restaurant for at least three dinners and five lunches during their week's stay. Spring rates are valid from May 1 - June 30, 2000. Summer rates, starting at $135 per person, per night, and weekly rates, beginning at $810 per person are valid from July 1 - September 8, 2000. To make it a breeze for the kids, children under two years of age, stay free in room with parents while kids, ages two to 12, sharing a room with parents, receive a special rate of $50/spring and $70/summer, per night.

Sunsail Beach Club offers a full range of high quality sailing and watersports equipment including windsurfers, dinghies, day cruising yachts, water skiing, scuba and snorkeling. On site, trained and professional instructors provide a series of beach clinics and three-day courses. With a few classes under their belt, guests can compete in friendly hotel competitions.

Guests can break from the adventure and recline poolside, lounge on the beach, sip cocktails at the bar, or head to town for a shopping and sightseeing excursion. In addition to special sailing instruction, kids ages three to 16 enjoy a complimentary Children's Club. Nannies and the Mini Club, a special program for babies from four months to two years old, are available for an additional fee.

Sunsail Beach Club, which debuted in November 1998, is Sunsail Sailing Vacations' first land-based resort in the Caribbean. Situated on the northern end of the island amidst several acres of lush tropical gardens, the resort has 75 guest rooms, 30 suites and 18 two- and three-bedroom villas. All are tastefully appointed in rich Caribbean colors and feature Italian tile, air-conditioning, satellite television, direct dial telephone, mini-fridge and in-room safe.

For more information or reservations, please call 800-327-2276 or visit www.sunsail.com .

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