Hurricane Update

Statement by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on the impact of hurricane Ivan on CTO member states.

Sept. 9, 2004, 6:00 p.m.- The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Ivan which threatens Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, both member states of CTO. Hurricane warnings have been issued for both countries and with Ivan packing winds of about 150 MPH, CTO is aware of the potential for damage.

Most other CTO member states impacted by Hurricane Ivan are returning to normal, with Grenada being the exception.

Here is the latest information as of late Thursday afternoon:

GRENADA

Telephone links with the outside world are limited and so is internal communication. It is still not possible to give an assessment of the extent of damage to the tourism sector, however, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Relief Agency (CDERA) has reported the extensive damage to the country's infrastructure.

The Point Salines International Airport is closed to all but relief supply flights and essential personnel flights, both the airport tower and the seaport have been damaged and there remains no electricity or water. CTO will continue to seek further information on the severity of the damage to the tourism sector and make this information available.

BONAIRE

Hotels and dive shops report minimal damage. Water, electricity and telephones are all operational. The Flamingo Airport reopened at 10:00 this morning.

Diving is expected to resume tomorrow and although a preliminary assessment of the reefs will not be done before then, the National Marine Park expects minimal damage to the reefs.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The hotel plant on St. Vincent is intact and so is the plant on Bequia. Mustique reports that despite damage to homes and the island was minimal. Utility and phone service was uninterrupted during the storm and all roads are accessible. The airport reopened today and guests will be welcomed to the island tomorrow.

Union Island took the brunt of the storm and there was some damage to the hotel plant, including lost roofs and infrastructure damage.

All airports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are open and electricity has been restored. There was no damage to the cruise port.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

A Hurricane Warning was issued for the Cayman Islands at 4pm local time

The National Hurricane Committee there has instructed commercial air carriers not to bring any visitors into the Cayman Islands until the "ALL CLEAR" has been issued. However, this restriction does not apply to residents wishing to return home.

Visitors presently on the three islands are also being advised to consider departing by Friday. Large numbers of visitors have already chosen to end their vacations early and are departing the Cayman Islands. Cayman Airways has added several additional flights out of the Cayman Islands to facilitate travel by persons leaving the country.

Cayman Airways has also advised that that for travel on its flights to or from the Cayman Islands from September 9-16, 2004, change fees/penalties are being waived. However, only one change per ticket is permitted. The minimum/maximum stay requirements are also being waived and for passengers who decide to cancel their reservations, although a miscellaneous charge order for the full value of the ticket may be issued.

JAMAICA

The Jamaica Tourist Board has indicated that contingency plans are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors to Jamaica. Efforts are underway with hotels, tour operators and airlines to facilitate the safe evacuation and shelter of visitors currently on the island.

The JTB said that there is a clear set of precautions laid down and hoteliers and other operators have been advised to follow these procedures immediately. It added that staff are trained to deal with these situations and has reassured visitors and their loved ones that their safety is of utmost priority.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has also announced that persons holding confirmed hotel bookings at most JHTA-member hotels, for today, Thursday, September 9 through Thursday, September 16, can be assured that rescheduled hotel bookings, due to the hurricane, would not incur any penalties. Visitors who have confirmed hotel bookings from September 9 - September 16 may reschedule their hotel bookings for a period of 12 months from the original date. Some restrictions and conditions may apply.

CTO has established a page on its intranet site, www.onecaribbean.org, dedicated to information from and about member countries impacted by the hurricane. CTO is also preparing to coordinate the collection and distribution of assistance to member states affected by both hurricanes Frances and Ivan. Details will be given in subsequent releases.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Kristen Schneider/Theresa Alonzi
Kahn Travel Communications
Tel: 516-594-4100

Johnson Johnrose
Caribbean Tourism Organization
Tel: 246-427-5242

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