Virgin Holidays reports rise in Caribbean bookings
Monday, 20 Jan, 2009
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Virgin Holidays’ business to the Caribbean in the first half of January has exceeded 2008 levels.
Purchasing director John Taker, speaking at the Caribbean Marketplace in St Lucia, said: “Although people are appearing to book much later, levels for the first 15 days of January have in fact topped those of 2008.
“With our additional services to Montego Bay from Gatwick this coming winter and our now twice weekly service to Barbados from Manchester, we feel that despite the economic conditions we are well set to continue to enjoy a mutually profitable relationship with the Caribbean tourism industry.”
He added: “We have pioneered the use of smaller independent hotels adding to the diverse range of experiences we have to offer the consumer and therefore being able to compete on a value basis at many price points.”
His comments came on the opening day of the marketplace, organised by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, which has attracted 1,400 participants, including 300 buyers from major wholesalers and tour operators.
Meanwhile, Virgin Holidays revealed that it is partnering with The Travel Foundation and Oxfam to
– fund university training
– raise awareness of sustainable seafood choices
– support agricultural training for youth
– improve links between local farmers and the hotel industry
– help local producers of craft products
Quoting figures form a similar project in Cyprus, the operator’s responsible business manager Rachel McCaffery said: “The smaller hotels that are characteristic of the Caribbean can help improve their bottom line by following some simple suggestions such as switching lights and televisions off as the room is left, utilising low energy light bulbs and water saving devices.”
In Cyprus in six months, $700,000 was saved by the hotel community by adapting their working practices to these environmentally friendly and business sensible guidelines, she added.
*The Virgin Holidays team visited the Holy family orphanage in St Lucia as part of a planned return visit to paint and perform other repair works needed since a previous visit.
Phil Davies
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