Wednesday, November 3, 2010

SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010 SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010

As many of you know St. Lucia was hit my a category 1 hurricane, called Tomas.  Below is an update from the tourist board on the condition of the island and travel. 



SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010  SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010   

"No significant damage" reported as key tourism facilities remain operational
SAINT LUCIA (November 3, 2010) - Saint Lucia's airports in the north and south of the island are now fully operational following the passage of Hurricane Tomas, a Category 1 storm, over the weekend.
Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, reported that over the past few days Saint Lucians of walks of life joined hands in "true community spirit" to clear roads, clean debris and help communities return to a state of normalcy.
As of Tuesday, November 2, the island's two airports - Hewanorra International Airport in the south and George F. L. Charles Airport in the north of the island - were open for business; and American Eagle had increased services at George F. L. Charles Airport to move passengers who had previously been delayed between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Saint Lucia."We are pleased to report that major roads have been cleared and the Castries-Vieux Fort and Soufrière-Vieux Fort thoroughfares are now fully motorable," Senator Chastanet said, thanking the state authorities, businesses and private citizens for helping facilitate critical access between the north and the south.

Electricity has been restored to 80 percent of the island while power will flow to 90 percent of the country by this weekend. Most resorts currently have adequate water, and water supply should be restored in short order after detailed inspections revealed damage to the water dam is substantially less than expected. Most businesses resumed operations this week.

Senator Chastanet reported that "incredible improvements are being made every day to clean up debris littered throughout the island while tourism stakeholders intimated no significant damage to their properties and attractions."
Buoyed by the clean-up work of the Saint Lucian populace, the Tourism Minister declared, "We look forward to welcoming visitors by air from Europe, North America and the Caribbean with regularity from this Friday, November 5 - a week earlier than previously forecast."
Senator Chastanet also announced that cruise ships will resume calls to the island from November 7.
"Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters here and in the Eastern Caribbean who have been affected by this storm as well as those elsewhere in the region who are bracing themselves for its arrival over the next few days," said Senator Chastanet.
The tourism minister noted the government was working with local, regional and international partners to help deliver humanitarian assistance to communities that have been affected by Hurricane Tomas.

There will be a further update within 24 hours.

About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

SAINT LUCIA TOURISM UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010  SAINT LUCIA AIRPORTS FULLY OPERATIONAL, DESTINATION OPENS FOR BUSINESS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010   "No significant damage" reported as key tourism facilities remain operationalSAINT LUCIA (November 3, 2010) - Saint Lucia's airports in the north and south of the island are now fully operational following the passage of Hurricane Tomas, a Category 1 storm, over the weekend.Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, reported that over the past few days Saint Lucians of walks of life joined hands in "true community spirit" to clear roads, clean debris and help communities return to a state of normalcy.As of Tuesday, November 2, the island's two airports - Hewanorra International Airport in the south and George F. L. Charles Airport in the north of the island - were open for business; and American Eagle had increased services at George F. L. Charles Airport to move passengers who had previously been delayed between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Saint Lucia.
"We are pleased to report that major roads have been cleared and the Castries-Vieux Fort and Soufrière-Vieux Fort thoroughfares are now fully motorable," Senator Chastanet said, thanking the state authorities, businesses and private citizens for helping facilitate critical access between the north and the south.

Electricity has been restored to 80 percent of the island while power will flow to 90 percent of the country by this weekend. Most resorts currently have adequate water, and water supply should be restored in short order after detailed inspections revealed damage to the water dam is substantially less than expected. Most businesses resumed operations this week. Senator Chastanet reported that "incredible improvements are being made every day to clean up debris littered throughout the island while tourism stakeholders intimated no significant damage to their properties and attractions."Buoyed by the clean-up work of the Saint Lucian populace, the Tourism Minister declared, "We look forward to welcoming visitors by air from Europe, North America and the Caribbean with regularity from this Friday, November 5 - a week earlier than previously forecast."Senator Chastanet also announced that cruise ships will resume calls to the island from November 7. "Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters here and in the Eastern Caribbean who have been affected by this storm as well as those elsewhere in the region who are bracing themselves for its arrival over the next few days," said Senator Chastanet.The tourism minister noted the government was working with local, regional and international partners to help deliver humanitarian assistance to communities that have been affected by Hurricane Tomas.

There will be a further update within 24 hours.
About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

First All Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Opens in Punta Cana

So what do you get when you combine the world most renown "rock and roll" hotel and restaurant brand with one of the best all inclusive brands in the Dominican Republic? The First Ultimate All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, of course.  


Palace Resorts and the Hard Rock International have joined forces and completely transformed the largest resort in the Dominican Republic. (also the largest casino)  121 acres at Macao Beach in Punta Cana, the resort  has 1,800 guest rooms.  


This family friendly resort has something for everyone!  Golfers will be thrilled to hit the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that boasts 18 holes spanning across 155 acres. If you are looking for more of a Vegas style getaway you can seek solace in the more than 48,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino that has a high-limit poker room, 457 slot machines, a VIP lounge and 40 tables featuring games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. Even the gym is spectacular the Body Rock fitness center and the rock-climbing wall are endless cover 15,000 square feet . The resort even offers something for you tennis pros with 2 amazing courts.  When staying here don't forget to stop by for a game of pool at the billiards,play ping-pong and other table games. After a hard day of play, wind down with a massage or facial at Rock Spa.


Take advantage of what the Hard Rock Hotels are most known... their pools.  With 11 pools this resort is sure not to disappoint.  Come on over and garb a stool at one of the four that has a swim-up bar so you can relax poolside with a signature frozen drink. The resort also has a lazy river, a mini-golf course, water slides, a Kids Club and an ice-cream stand.  The possibilities are endless...

Whether you are a hard rocker or channeling your inner rock goddess this is the resort for you.  Plan your bachelor or bachelorette getaway, looking to get away with friends, or just escape with the family the hard rock lifestyle is perfect for a memorable vacation.  You can even get married in one of the three floating wedding pavilions.

 
This fall, in celebration of the opening, visitors to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana receive a $350Dec. 15Dec. 23, 2010. Guests can also take advantage of a $1,500 Resort Credit for use toward room upgrades, spa and beauty salon treatments, golf outings, romantic dinners, Precious Wedding Collection packages and off-site excursions, all when booking a five-night stay or longer. airfare credit per person, based on the adult rate with a maximum of two people, for travel through and a 20 percent discount off the average daily rate for travel through