Caribbean Destinations Push Americans to Get a Passport

from ModernAgent...

As a last-minute reminder to U.S. consumers to obtain passports, sellers of Caribbean destinations and hotels are offering incentives in light of the impending Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which will be implemented on Jan. 23, 2007, for all travelers re-entering the U.S. via air transportation. Travelers arriving by land and sea will need to have a passport as early as Jan. 1, 2008. "The Caribbean region applauds the WHTI and the U.S. government's efforts to increase security at the borders," said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). "However, we believe that by having different sets of rules depending on one's mode of transportation -- sea, air or land -- travelers may become confused, which will discourage commerce and tourism."

Sellers of Caribbean travel hope the following offers will help keep U.S. customers traveling to the Caribbean beyond Jan. 23. Incentives may include full reimbursement of basic passport fees, complimentary spa packages, golf greens fees, attraction tours, room upgrades, extra nights and gift shop purchases.

Jamaica launched a new program encouraging U.S. citizens to get their passports by rewarding vacationers who make Jamaica their first visit with their new passport. Rewards include special credits while on the island amounting to the cost of obtaining a passport. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) also is implementing "Jamaican Morning Coffee Breaks" at major commuter terminals in Boston at South Station on Jan. 23; New York at Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall in February; and Chicago and Washington, D.C., where consumers can apply for their passports onsite as well as collect the required forms. Free Jamaican coffee will be served.

Additional passport deals can be found in Jamaica from the Holiday Inn SunSpree, FDR Pebbles and Franklyn D. Resort, and Sunset Resorts.

In Anguilla, Arawak Beach Inn is offering a special rate and a complimentary day-trip to those travelers who obtain a passport and make Anguilla the first stamp in their new passport. Rates start at $240 per person, based on double occupancy, and vary during different seasons. This offer is good for travel now through June 30, 2007.

In Aruba, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is offering a $25 food and beverage credit per person, per stay (minimum five-night stay) to those who make Aruba the first stamp in their passport. The promotion is valid now through Dec. 17, 2007. Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba is offering a complimentary bottle of champagne and an upgrade from standard to superior rooms for those travelers who make Aruba the first stamp on their passport. A minimum of a five-night stay is required with travel through 2007. MVC Eagle Beach, Aruba is providing a $25 food and beverage credit per person, per stay (minimum five-night stay) to those customers who choose Aruba as their first destination with their new passport. This special is valid now through Dec. 17, 2007. Westin Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino in Aruba is providing a $50 food and beverage credit per person, per stay, valid now through 2007 for those who make Aruba the first stamp in their passport.

Select hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island, the Bahamas, are offering free passports to those who visit the islands between Jan. 17, 2007, and March 31, 2007. In order to receive the reimbursement, travelers receive the rebate form from their travel agent and submit a completed copy with their paid hotel bill, airline boarding pass and a photocopy of each eligible traveler's passport photo page. Passports must have been issued between Dec. 20, 2006, and March 24, 2007. Participating hotels in this promotion include: Atlantis, Paradise Island; Best Western Bay View Suites; British Colonial Hilton Nassau; Comfort Suites Paradise Island; Dillet's Guest House; Graycliff Hotel; Harborside Resort at Atlantis; Nassau Beach Hotel; Nassau Palm Resort & Conference Center; One & Only Ocean Club; Orange Hill Beach Inn; Paradise Harbour Club & Marina, Paradise Island Beach Club; Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive; Radisson Cable Beach Resort; Red Carpet Inn; Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island; The Cove Atlantis; and Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort is offering a $100 resort credit to guests who purchased a passport between Aug. 1, 2006 and Jan. 31, 2007 for travel now through Oct. 15, 2007. A maximum of one credit per room will be issued.

In St. Kitts, the Frigate Bay Resort is offering specials. In St. Lucia, specials can be found from Ladera Resort. In St. Maarten, the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Princess Heights, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay, and Turquoise Shell Inn also have offers.

For information about applying for a U.S. passport, visit www.usps.com/passport to receive them in the mail or CLICK HERE for more information.

For any additional assistance, please feel free to contact ULVC at (877) 887-4321 toll free or shoot us an email at travel@unlimitedcruises.com.