|
Islands to pitch to clients seeking a unique Caribbean vacation
Let's be honest:
booking a Caribbean vacation for someone who has never been there
should be a pretty easy task for any experienced agent. But what
about the "been-there-and-done-that" traveler who has visited to all
major Caribbean islands and is looking for something new?
Like fans of a
raw, talented underground rock band that hasn't topped the charts
yet but will, travelers cherish the destinations that have potential
to be popular vacations but remain undiscovered.
So, Travel Agent
spoke to some Caribbean operators, suppliers and agents to find out
what hidden gems exist that offer Caribbean enthusiasts the usual
island pleasures but still lack a heavy following. It should be
noted that new places are popping up all over the Caribbean and the
undiscovered treasures of the region aren't limited to the ones we
mention, but here are some about which we heard frequent positive
feedback.
Barbuda
Surely, agents
have had clients who have gotten this sister island to Antigua
confused with Bermuda or Barbados. With the increasing popularity of
Antigua's Jumby Bay, along with the island's two Sandals properties,
it would be a stretch to call Antigua unknown anymore, but Barbuda
still is.
Barbuda, says Claire Arrindell of Island Destinations, is strictly
for the vacationer who wants to be alone, away from everything.
The island is about half the size of Antigua and only about a
20-minute flight away. For nature lovers, Barbuda offers the Frigate
Bird Sanctuary, and the reefs offshore provide snorkeling and are
home to centuries of shipwrecks. Limited visitors and a simple
infrastructure allow this island to remain one of the few untouched
Caribbean destinations.
"This is really a place to go if you want to be away from everyone,"
says Arrindell. "It is much different than Antigua—not as developed
and not nearly as populated."
Visitors to
Barbuda must first pass through Antigua before taking either a small
plane or ferry over to the island. Barbuda can be sold as a great
day trip experience, as part of a dual experience (Antigua for a few
days, then Barbuda for a few) or as a true escape vacation.
Jody Bear of
Valerie Wilson Travel in New York City says that the destination can
stand on its own but is definitely for the more experienced
Caribbean vacationer.
One of the
properties, The Beach House, assists guests with arrangements from
Antigua to Barbuda. The Beach House can offer quiet sanctuary but
also provides some activities for the soft adventurer including
fishing, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
Island Destinations, based in New York, sells many of the unknown
islands and is highly recommended for agents looking to sell them.
(Of course, the big players in the Caribbean, such as GOGO Worldwide
Vacations and Travel Impressions, can accommodate agents booking
these destinations as well.)
Island Destinations offers a commission range between 11 and 15
percent, depending on the agency. Call Arrindell at 914-833-3300,
ext.108 or write to
claire@idestin.com |
