Members & Travel Agents

WELCOME TO CAYOS COCHINOS Another piece of paradise on earth is Cayos Cochinos, located northeast of La Ceiba, Honduras. You just have to take an exciting 30-minute trip, where dolphins can be your companions along the shades of turquoise water that seem to be painted, and where you can snorkel and be amazed of the underwater life before relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches you can imagine. MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC COMPLETES FCCA TRAINING SERIES We at the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic are pleased to announce that we have received the FCCA “How-To” Workshop Series training modules, offered by Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence, and designed specifically to help destinations and ports during these uncertain times. This FCCA workshop series included four training workshops, one about service excellence during COVID, then help with building an operational plan that adapts with change, a third on reimagining product development and guest experiences, and the final one about creating a culture of service excellence. The Dominican Republic is ready for the reopening of the cruise industry. We will come with more force, and for this reason, we are preparing to provide a superior service with all the corresponding biosafety protocols with a fully trained staff in our ports. “We are always thrilled to help destinations to be ready for the return of 34 SECOND QUARTER 2021 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

cruise,” said Aquila Founder Beth Hatt. “Preparing your teams and adapting to new protocols and procedures requires change to our products and guest experiences, and now more than ever, delivering excellent service and making your cruise clients and guests a priority is the way to success.”

able practices has been internationally recognized, becoming the first dolphin facility in the Caribbean to be American Humane certified, and to achieve the Travelife Partner Award and the Safe Travels Seal.

VALPARAÍSO DECLARED A ZONE OF TOURISTIC INTEREST Last month, Valparaíso was declared a Zone of Touristic Interest, a designation awarded by the Chilean government. This is an important step for the city, since it will promote investment, new jobs, and the overall improvement of tourist conditions for visitors. Furthermore, the new designation will provide better facilities and greater security for the cruise industry.

BLUE PLANET TOURS SENDS REGARDS After the toughest year in our industry ever, we the team at Blue Planet Tours in Guatemala, Roatan and Cartagena want to send our love and care to everyone in the industry – and let our cruise ship partners know that we will be ready for the restart with superb and caring experiences in amazing destinations for our mutual guests!

OCEAN WORLD’S INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS Ocean World in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, highlights personal experiences between guests and marine animals through interactive programs with dolphins, sea lions and sharks. The park features snorkeling, birds’ habitat, swimming areas and the ‘Dominican Village’ to experience the local culture.

ENSENADA CRUISEPORT VILLAGE IS READY TO REACTIVATE ACTIVITIES With the objective to open our doors to bigger cruise ships, on the f irst months of 2021 Ensenada Cruiseport Village (ECV ) invested on dredging works for both of our quays. Now ECV is ready to reactivate the activities with cruisers with the COVID-19 protocols.

Ocean World’s commitment to sustain-