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destinations We have listed some information on the various destinations in the Caribbean. More than 80 percent of Guadeloupe's visitors hail from Europe (the majority are French, Italian and Swiss). The largest of the French West Indies, this butterfly shaped island is known for its Creole-inspired cuisine, natrual beaches (many of which allow topless sunbathing), spectacular waterfalls and lush rainforest, an 18 hole/par 71 golf course and world class diving conditions. There are close to 90 hotels: many are beachfront and offer apartment-style accomodation. French and Creoleare the primary languages, although English is spoken in most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. Martinique is similar to Guadeloupe in that it draws most (80 percent) of its visitors from France and other European countries. The 8 kilometre long island boasts 150 restaurants (which typically serve French/Creole cuisine); an 18 hole golf course; two casinos; many dive and deepsea fishing operations and dense coastal rainforest, which provides a dramatic contrast to the south coast's dazzling white beaches. The tiny isle of St. Barthelemy (St. Barts) is as French as it gets in the Caribbean. Fine wines, fresh-baked baguettes and outdoor sidewalk cafes are among the islands offerings, as are the topless beaches, sophisticated hotels, five star restaurants and designer boutiques. Forty pecent of the islands visitors hail from France, Italyand Switzerland and many of the islanders are French expatriates. Both English and French are widely spoken by locals and visitors. The franc is the official currency but US dollars are accepted. The French side of this twin-nation island attracts more European tourists than the Dutch side (St. Maarten). Those who favour topless beaches, upscale cosmopolitan restaurants and posh hotels will likely prefer the French side. The Dutch side is better known for its flashy casinos, great duty-free shopping and moderately priced hotels. Aruba Aruba generates about 25 percent of its overall business from South America and is inceasing in popularity among Canadians. The small Dutch island off the coast of most beautiful beaches (more than 11 kilometres worth), year-round 27 degree (centigrade) days cooled by ever-present tradewinds, and a wide selection of internationsal, shops and casinos. Dutch is widely spoken but Spanish, English and Papiamento (a dialect blending European, African and Carib words) are also common. Hotels range from large chain high-rises to smaller all-inclusive resorts. Most of Curacao's annual visitors hail from Europe and uth America. The island, located 56 kilometres from Venezuela, offers a distinct European ambience, from its cosmopoitan shops and international restaurants to more than 38 secluded, cove-like beaches (where topless bathing is allowed) and rows of yellow-garbed , white trimmed buildings reminicient of Amsterdam . Widely spoken languages includes Dutch, Papiamento and English. Hotels range from simple Eurpean-style properties to luxurious full-service resorts. In the first half of 1995, more than twice as many visitors travelled here from Europe or Canada than from the US. Antigua's British heritage is apparent island-wide from the Old English lilt of the locals to the historic forts at English Harbour. Best-known for its beautiful eaches (365 of them!!), Antigua is an ideal choice for newlyweds and other couples seeking plenty of relaxation, sun and sand. A 700-plus-island archipelago about an hours plane ride from Miami, the Bahamas is showing slow growth among the European market. (The destination ranks as one of the travellers). With a wide variety of different islands, the Bahamas can meet the needs of many clients. The most-visited Bahimian destination in New Providence Island: there, Nassua and Paradise Island offer large full-service resorts, duty-free shopping and nonstop nightlife. The smaller Out Islands (including Harbour Island, Eleuthera and Exuma) offer a great degree of tranquility. Largely because of its British Heritage, barbados derives 35 percent of its business from the UK and another 40 percent from the rest of Europe, Canada and neighbouring Caribbean islands. Clients will find that many British traditions still prevail, such as aftenoon tea and dinnertime dress codes (at some resorts). The 22 kilometre long island's west coast is a gorgeous beachfront stretch lined with posh hotels. The craggy north coast attracts surfers and intrepid tourists for its rough Atlantic waters and rocky beaches. Stately mansions, restored churches, charming fishing villages, lush gardens, trendy restaurants and unique local shops are the most popular non-beach attractiond. Bermuda is an archipelago of 181 named islands, islets and rocks located in the Atlantic approximately 600 mile off the coast of North Carolina. The seven largest islands are arranged in the shape of of a giant fishhook with bridges connecting them. This beautiful and gracious island is steeped in British tradition and hospitality. Pastel houses with white roofs dot the green hillsides. Pink-sand beaches slip into azure water ensuring many repeat clients. A British colony consisting of 40-plus pristine islands, the BVIs (as the groupis commonly called) boasts gorgeous beaches, great diving and many unique natrual attractions such as the Baths. Sailing is a popular pastime among the many Engish expatriates and visiting tourists. Accommodations range from informal inns to small luxuruy hotels (and not a single high-rise). Booking a room on an upscale private island (Necker, Guana or Peter Island) offers the ultimate in luxury for clients who can afford it. The three small islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman compose a modern mecca for the diserning traveller. They are the capital of the Carbbean's offshore financial industry and boast if natrual beauties and the highest standard of living of all the Caribbean islands. Known as a diving paradise, the Cayman islands offer tranlucent water, abunadent marine life, facinating shipwrecks and brilliant wall diving. Commonly called the Isle of Spice, Grenada attracts many ''ecotourists" for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and glitzfree environment. One of the least commercial Caribbean islands, Grenada appeals to a mix of European (mostly British and German) and North American travellers One of the Caribbeans largest islands, Jamaica is best known for its beachfront allinclusive resorts (Sandals, Superclubs, Couples), but also offers a host of small , simple hotels. English is the primary language and food tends to be native island style. Trinidad & Tobago are the southernmost islands on the Caribbean chain. Calypso and steel band music originated on these islands and the Carnival here is attracting more international attention each year.There is excellent fishing off the northwest coast of Trinidad and the north shores of Tobago. For divers, Coral Reef, Speyside and Charlottesville/Man-O-War Bay in Tabago are a must. Golfers are looked after in both Trinidad & Tobago, complementing the attractions of these islands. St.Lucia is a volcanic island in the Windward group of the West Indies. Discovered by Colubus in 1502, it changed hands repeatedly between England and France before becoming an English colony on 1814. This lush, rugged island covered with forests and majestic scenrery is renowned for its warm people and natrual beauty and retains its traces of French and English ancestors. St. Lucia's calling card is the breathtaking Pitons, twin volcanic peaks rising more than 2,400 feet on the southeastern Caribbean shore. You can join a street party in the small fishing villages, eat chicken, fish and conch cooked over coal pots and dance to reggae and Calypso music while you watch the sky turn from pink to turquoise. While Puerto Rico wears an American Flag, the island's Spanish colonial heritage is very evident. Historic Old San Juan is Europeanlike with its cobblestone streets, outdoor plazas and sidewalk cafes. Mosst of the local people speak more Spanish than English but English is spoken at all of the hotels, restuarants and tourist attrations. Comprised of three, St. Croix, St.Thomas and St. John the U.S.V.I. offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Cuba has been known for its cigars and turbulent political history but now Cuba is fast becoming a must see destination for visitors to the Caribbean. The capital Havana combines the charm of Old Havana with its cobblestone streets, wooden doors and wrought-iron balconies with the hustle and bustle of the new commercial centre. The blends of the African, Spanish and European cultures have influenced dance and music to develop unique sounds such as Afro-Cuban jazz. Santiago d Cuba is lnown as the "nightclub of the Caribbean" and is the best place to catch the latest dance and music sensations. After dancing the night away, relax on the world famousbeach of Verado. Just 2 hours drive from Havana, Verado offers a variety of watersports, marinas, nightlife and scenic attractions such as the Varadero Natrual Park and Ambrosia Caverns. Accommodations throughout Cuba ranges from five star hotels to villas and motels - something for everyone. Allmost since its inception Cuncan off the Yucatan Peninsula has been Mexico's most popular tourist destination. The beaches along the barrier island off Cuncan are almost pure white sand. Hotels line the quarter-mile-wide, 14-mile-long-strip, which is joined at one end to Cuncan City on the mainland. Prior to development in 1974, mainly iguanas inhabited the beaches but today these crystiline Caribbean waters are shaped by two million vistors annually. The lagoons that seperate the island from th mailand provide a safe haven for watersport activities. Cuncan also makes a good home base for visiting Mayan ruins in the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula
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