Caribbean travel operatorhas eye on Cayman

(CNS): According to reports in the Jamaican press this week Island Routes, the destination management arm of Sandals Resorts will be expanding into the Cayman Islands. Jamaica’s deputy director of tourism has taken up the top job at the tour operator and is said to be focusing in on new markets. As general manager David Shields, who once worked for the Cayman department of tourism is expected to lead the expansion of the firm into St Maarten, the Cayman Islands and Aruba, Island Routes Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart has revealed. Shields, starts his new job in February next year.

Island Routes which open some 18 months ago is currently infive countries: St Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica. He firm states on its website that its goal is “to showcase the culture, beauty and natural resources that define each unique island destination.” The company books one-stop excursions directly for clients through what it says is a Certified Partner Program. “Each and every tour must pass our "100 point route" assessment,” the firm states.

Shields takes with him several years of experience as director of market development with Air Jamaica Vacations. He was also assistant director of tourism with responsibility for marketing and promotions with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Shields was the winner of Travel Agent Magazine’s Rising Star in Tourism – Destinations award in 1998/99, which honoured his contribution to the development of tourism in the Cayman Islands.

"David has integrity and credibility," said Stewart about the company’s new employee.