Resort and Travel Update for April 2023
Welcome back to Passport Pages on your Resort Report. My name is Vanessa, and I am here to provide you with the latest news and updates in the travel and resort world for the month of April 2023. We have news about new flight options, resort openings, and even new changes in policy that may affect your travel plans.
New Anti-Smoking Laws in Mexico
One of the most significant changes is the recent smoking ban in Mexico, one of the strictest anti-tobacco laws in the world. This law prohibits smoking in all public places, including parks, beaches, and resorts. The penalty for smoking in these areas includes fines up to $550 or even possible jail time. However, resorts can always designate outdoor smoking areas away from the premises, ensuring they align with the new laws.
Flight Paths Expanding to Puerto Rico
In flight news, bookings to Puerto Rico have dramatically increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Frontier Airlines recognized this surge in demand and have added more flights than any other carrier to this destination. The expansion has resulted in seven new non-stop routes from various cities across the continental U.S. Services from Cleveland and Detroit to Puerto Rico will run four times each week. There will be six flights per week from Chicago to San Juan, while Dallas and Baltimore/Washington flights will run daily, starting from the first week of May.
Tips for budget travel
With the increase in flight prices, I recommend looking for budget airline carriers and planning your trip based on great deals available through them, rather than pursuing a specific destination or Resort. This approach can help save a substantial amount of money whilst still providing a memorable vacation.
Grand Bahama International Airport Transformation
Grand Bahama Airport announced the transformation of its international airport terminal. Alongside this, Grand Bahama also reopened its domestic terminal after thorough renovations related to extensive damages by Hurricane Dorian back in 2019. This monumental step is believed to provide a much-needed tourist boost in Grand Bahama and aid its recovery progress, with pre-pandemic tourism levels at 80%.
New Resort Openings in Aruba
In Aruba, the happy island, Hilton has opened the all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort on the beautiful Eagle Beach. This hotel is the first to open in Aruba since the Radisson blue in 2021. The property offers a total of 330 suites with various layout options like king and queen bed arrangements. The hotel is also home to the largest standard rooms in Aruba, making it a great choice for groups and families.
Advantages of the new Aruba Resort
From two pools to an on-site concierge, daily free breakfast to digital keys, this hotel offers numerous amenities. It also has five dining options and is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Ritz Carlton Aruba Undergoes Major Upgrades
Upgrades have been made to all 320 rooms and suites at the Ritz Carlton Aruba. The new look pays homage to the hotel’s location with locally inspired designs and color patterns. All rooms are now equipped with new technologies and paperless options, providing guests with a refreshed experience.
Wellness Resort Opens in the Dominican Republic
The 7,000 acre Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana is set to unveil a brand new state-of-the-art Spa and Wellness Center named the Spy Casa de Campo. The center will include 13 luxury treatment rooms. Their treatments incorporate innovative technologies such as jet peel facials and infrared technology, providing a comprehensive wellness experience for guests.
Planet Hollywood Enters the Dominican Republic
The Blue Diamond Resorts brand, Planet Hollywood, intends to open a new beach resort in the Puerto Plata area in late 2024. The resort will come with 18-hole golf course, residential development, shopping, and a movie studio.
Proposed Environmental Fee in Hawaii
A proposal named “Paradise Passport” is set to charge a $50 fee to tourists for visiting state-owned parks, beaches, forests, trails, and other recreational areas in Hawaii. The proposed fee is meant to mitigate the impact of visitors and handle the impacts of climate change.
Concluding Remarks
That brings us to the end of your Resort Report for April 2023. The travel industry is making strides in its recovery, and it will be exciting to see how it unfolds, especially in the coming summer. Let me know your travel plans. Hearing from you always sparks fresh ideas for future travel updates. Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for further updates. See you soon!