Travel Page 80 Claims Top Honors at World Travel Awards 2006 Destination Wins Four Top Awards at Event Travel With John Daye

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - September 21, 2006 - Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture, the Hon. Aloun N’dombet Assamba, last night accepted the island’s award for ’s Leading Destination at the 13th annual World Travel Awards which took place at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Minister Assamba also accepted the award Caribbean’s

2006 CARIBBEAN LIFE BROOKLYN/STATEN ISLAND EDITION 2006 CARIBBEAN LIFE BROOKLYN/STATEN Leading Tourist & Convention Bureau which was received by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Jamaica’s cruise facilities were the toast of the travel Oct. 3, industry when it was named World’s Leading Cruise Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination (Port Authority of Jamaica). This was the first time in the history of the awards that Jamaica was being voted World’s Leading Cruise Destination, an honour that solidified Jamaica’s position as a major player in the world cruise business. William Tatham, Vice President of the Port Authority of Jamaica was on hand to accept the prizes for World’s Leading Cruise Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination. The World Travel Awards are considered the most com- prehensive travel awards in which travel agents from 200 countries vote to recognize excellence in travel destina- tions, , hotels and cruise facilities from regions Pictured from left to right: William Tatham, Vice President of Marketing, Ports Authority of Jamaica; Dennis around the world. Morrison, Chairman, Jamaica Tourist Board; Hon. Aloun N’dombet-Assamba, Minister Of Tourism, This year, more than 167,000 travel professionals Entertainment and Culture, Jamaica; Paul Pennicook, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, ; world wide, including 110,000 travel agents, participated George deMercado, Senior Executive, Air Jamaica. Photo credit: Bill Cancellare, Jr. in the voting in which Jamaica took pride of place amongst the world’s leading tourist destinations. Commenting on Jamaica’s success in winning the four Minister Assamba also said, “While Jamaica was recog- declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Awards, Minister Assamba said, “Without the co-opera- nized as a destination, we are very proud to congratulate Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for 2006, tion of our partners throughout the industry and their the many hotel, and airport partners who domi- while Jamaica has earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s continued support, winning these awards would not be nated this year’s categories with nominations, including Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading possible. We extend our thanks and congratulations to Air Jamaica, Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise all of those whose hard work and excellence in service Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, Franklyn D. Destination. have proven to travellers and the travel industry alike, Resort, Half Moon, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, that Jamaica is the premiere Caribbean destination.” Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Wyndham , and . Representative offices are Chairman of the JTB, Dennis Morrison, stated, “The Rose Hall Resort & Country Club, Rockhouse, Royal located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and dedication, innovation and imagination that have been Plantation Ocho Rios, Couples Negril, Couples Sans Tokyo. displayed over the years by our tourism partners are Souci, Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica Inn, Details of upcoming special events, attractions and being richly rewarded. I specifically want to recognize Strawberry Hill, Sandals Dunn’s River Villagio Golf accommodations in Jamaica are posted on the Jamaica and thank all the workers in the industry and other sec- Resort & Spa, Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa, Sandals Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com. To tors whose talents, skills and efforts support the per- Montego Bay, Tryall Club, Wild Orchid Villa, Jakes, book a trip to Jamaica please contact a travel agent or formance of Jamaica’s tourism industry.” Sunset at the Palms Resort & Spa, Emerald Seas, call the Jamaica Tourist Board toll-free at 1-800-233- “Being recognized in regional categories is a great Goldeneye, and Blue Lagoon Villas.” 4JTB (1-800-233-4582), 305-665-0557 or go to www.vis- honor and winning in a global category, as the World’s About Jamaica Tourist Board itjamaica.com.

Page 40 Leading Cruise Destination, underscores the fact that The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is For questions regarding the new U.S. passport require- Jamaica is a leader in tourism world wide,” Mr. Morrison Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital ments for travel to the Caribbean, please go to www.trav- added. city of Kingston. The Jamaica Tourist Board was el.state.gov. : a New Airline for T & T and the Caribbean --The Government of the Republic of nections to world centers continue to reflect the increas- Representatives of BWIA and the Unions are holding and , 97.188% shareholder of BWIA, has ing commercial and industrial importance of Trinidad discussions with respect to the closure of BWIA and the approved a substantial capital injection for the creation and Tobago whilst recognizing the essential responsibili- separation of employees. Current eligible BWIA employ- of a new regional airline, Caribbean Airlines based in ties of trade and community within the region. Mr. ees will be offered separation packages and will be given Trinidad. Caribbean Airlines will have its base at Piarco, Davies also stated that the mandate he received through the opportunity to apply for positions with Caribbean the international airport of Trinidad and will, subject to the Board of Directors from the Government of Trinidad Airlines. The new packages will be competitive within the local and international regulatory approval commence and Tobago allowed him, the management and staff of current airline market. BWIA will also assist employees operations early in 2007. It will provide regional air BWIA, to recognize the dynamic changes that are affect- with outplacement services to secure new opportunities. transport within the Caribbean and between the ing the global airline industry and to position Caribbean Caribbean Airlines will extend its engineering capabil- Caribbean and major international cities. BWIA will con- Airlines in an ever increasing competitive context. ity beyond its jet fleet to include the ability to undertake tinue uninterrupted service to its valued customers He stated, “We are looking to the 21st century whilst heavy maintenance and repair checks on its turboprop whilst management ensures a seamless transition to being empathic to our historical past; determination, aircraft and for other carriers. Caribbean Airlines. passion and focus will allow us to build a future and Further details on Caribbean Airlines will be released Caribbean Airlines will inherit the long, safe and respond honorably to the loyalty that customers have during the next few weeks. respected experience of BWIA West Indies Airways, demonstrated over the years”. which, after 66 years of service will close. This heralds an All tickets already purchased for travel on BWIA will be exciting phase in air travel and aviation history in honored by Caribbean Airlines and BWEE Frequent Flyer For editorial and advertisement, contact and the region. air miles and Club BWEE memberships will transfer and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Davies confirmed that qualify on the new airline to ensure customer continuity John Daye at [email protected] or call the equity injection will allow Caribbean Airlines to oper- and confidence. 866-329-3261 ate an effective, efficient and profitable customer orient- BWIA will issue a detailed communication to all share- Go to www.dayeandcompany.com to view ed service reflecting the needs of the communities with- holders of BWIA, concerning the closure of the company Oct. 3, 2006 CARIBBEAN LIFE MANHATTAN\BRONX\WESTCHESTER EDITION Oct. 3, 2006 CARIBBEAN LIFE MANHATTAN\BRONX\WESTCHESTER in the Caribbean. It will also ensure that the vital con- and their shareholdings. Travel Archives.