News

Island Routes to Open in Dominican Republic, Grenada in Regional Expansion

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - April 24, 2013

Above: Island Routes GM David Shields (CJ Photo)

By Alexander Britell

PUNTA CANA – Jamaica-based tour company Island Routes is expanding to several new destinations in the Caribbean, led by the Dominican Republic.

The company, which is part of the ATL family that includes Sandals, is planning a launch in three areas in the Dominican Republic by September: Punta Cana, Samana and La Romana, according to David Shields, general manager at Island Routes.

That will be accompanied by openings in three other destinations by September: Aruba, St Maarten and Nassau. In the shorter term, the company is officially launching on the island of Grenada on April 28, Island Routes’ eighth destination.

“There’s really a plan to move outside of what might have been our comfort zone, where we have the Sandals presence and we have the relationships,” he told Caribbean Journal. “We have a determined commitment to expand another portfolio product by September.”

The strategy around these destinations is to provide tour options primarily focusing on stayover visitors, he said, supported by a cruise ship strategy.

The Dominican Republic expansion is significant for the brand, marking its first entry into a Spanish-speaking Caribbean country and into one of several new destinations that do not have an existing Sandals, Beaches or Grand Pineapple resort.

“We’re making a big, bold move into a Spanish-speaking territory,” he said. “But the size of the Dominican Republic in the scheme of Caribbean tourism makes them a very important player for us and makes the destination particularly attractive for us as we seek to expand and go deeper in the Caribbean.”

The Dominican Republic tour options will include a mix of ocean-based, land-based, river and cultural tours.

“We believe they will be very exciting offerings,” he said.

Popular Posts w punta cana

A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]


Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

beach house silversands

From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]


5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

galley bay

Sometimes you just want that extra degree of serenity, of privacy, of seclusion. There is a reason, after all, that adults-only resorts are booming in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean: travelers want to know that when they arrive, they know […]


Related Posts aruba usvi beach

From the US Virgin Islands to Aruba, Caribbean Travel Is Booming

First there was the breakout after restrictions were lifted. Then there was all that pent-up travel demand. Through each phase of the post-pandemic period, travelers have continued flocking to the Caribbean.  It’s the sign of a resilient global destination, and […]


Frontier Is Adding a New Nonstop Flight to Los Cabos 

nobu los cabos

It’s one of the most popular hotel destinations in Mexico: Los Cabos, which has seen a broad boom in recent years with the entry to market of brands like Nobu, Thompson, Marriott and Waldorf Astoria, among others.  That has led, […]


This Former Caribbean Rockefeller Resort Is for Sale

caribbean rockefeller resort

In 1986, Laurance Rockefeller, the founder of Rock Resorts, developed 27 acres of prime beachfront land into what was for decades one of the sought after places to stay in the Caribbean. Now, the four-star, 150-room resort is for sale, […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You