BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados says it has approved over 2,000 applications from foreign nationals wanting to participate in the country’s Welcome Stamp Program that the government said would diversify the island’s tourism product, attract a new type of visitor as well as generate foreign exchange.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) says many resorts here are reporting a significant decline in occupancy rates and the trend is likely to continue unless the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Air Canada is to halt flights to Bermuda next month because of the latest surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases driven by the new Omicron variant.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname –Suriname, still peeved at the treatment meted out to its nationals by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL), is reported to have denied the airline’s request to resume flights to the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Grenada government Tuesday said that cruise lines and all other sailing vessels must adhere to the health protocol or an agreement with minimum requirements in order to be allowed to dock at any of the harbors on the island.

St. George’s, Grenada W.I. – Grenada is kicking off a series of sailing events and regattas from December 2021, including the just completed Atlantic Rally for Cruisers ARC+ Transatlantic Rally 2021, through February 2022. Along with its white sand beaches, mountainous topography and tropical rainforests, Grenada, the Spice Island of the Caribbean, is globally recognized as a major draw for pleasure boating, yachting and fishing events. Grenada boasts eight globally recognized marinas in the numerous bays and inlets across this tropical paradise. The location of Grenada provides safe anchorage and berthing for visiting yachts and charters during the hurricane season, which makes insurance less costly compared to other destinations.

Charlestown, Nevis - Wrapping up a year of new developments, the Caribbean island of Nevis marked the grand opening of Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park on December 19, 2021, embodying the committed and enduring partnership between Nevis and Taiwan, the Republic of China. The result of a collaboration between these steadfast diplomatic allies for nearly four decades, this ambitious project transformed 11 acres leading to the sea into a vibrant recreational and cultural attraction for residents and visitors alike.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it remains optimistic that Air Canada will reverse its decision to suspend flights to the island as of January 31st, this year as the country battles with the last surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in recent weeks.

BELMOPAN, Belize – The Belize government has postponed the January 1 re-opening of land borders and sea ports.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Health and port authorities here cancelled five cruise ship calls over a nine-day period due to outbreaks of flu-like symptoms onboard vessels.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has Americans who choose to travel to the Caribbean and other places that they should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on returning to the United States or attempting to travel from one overseas location to another.

ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica’s Tourism Minister, Denise Charles, Monday described as “the best Christmas gift” the decision by American Airlines to introduce daily flights out of the United States to the island next year.