Many countries in the Caribbean are worried about the impact of New Passport Requirements for US Citizens, given their heavy dependance on US tourist dollars. Since January 23 2007 adults and children have needed passports for air travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada.
The fee for a US passport is $97 for ages 16 and older, $87 for kids-- a hefty addition to a family vacation.
No surprise, then, that many resorts are offering promotions to compensate guests for passport costs.
SuperClubs All-inclusives
SuperClubs welcomes young kids at Starfish Resort, in Jamaica, Breezes Curacao, and Breezes Puerto Plata in the DR; families with kids 14 and up can also try Breezes Montego Bay or Runaway Bay in Jamaica.
In 2007, guests traveling to a SuperClubs resort will have the price of a passport (up to $97/person) credited to the cost of a stay of four nights or longer. Book by 1/23/07, for travel anytime in 2007.
- read more about SuperClubs resorts and deals
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
The legandary Atlantis is on Paradise Island, and for a limited time, Nassau Paradise Island will pay for passports for an entire family. Guests will receive a rebate check for standard application fees ($97/adults, $82/child) for up to four guests per room. You must apply for a new US passport before March 24 2007; book a trip from Jan. 17 through March 31 2007 (min. 2 nights) ; and stay on top of the paperwork! Read more.
Sunset Resorts, Jamaica
Sunset Beach Resort & Spa is a value-priced AI in Montego Bay, with white-sand beach and its own waterpark, and a sister property in Ocho Rios.
Guests who've gotten new passports to visit these properties --5-night stay, January 8 through March 31, 2007-- can earn up to $200 in resort credit, for spa treatments, excurious, room upgrades, and other extras. Guests will need to show a new US Passport and an application fee receipt.
- see more about Sunset Beach Resort
More Jamaica Properties
In a broad initiative to keep tourists coming in 2007, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and Jamaica Tourist Board have a "Passport to Rewards" Programme, with many participating resorts: if Jamaica is the first country stamped in your new passport, guests can receive credits for room upgrade, extended stay, gift shop purchases, spa treatments, golf fees, etc.
- see Passport to Jamaica, and participating resorts
St. Maarten Bucks Program
This little island -- 37 square miles-- has Dutch St. Maarten in the south, and French Saint Martin in the north. On the St. Maarten side, the small and family-friendly Sonesta chain has two properties: the Sonesta Maho Beach & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino. Starting January 23, 2007, both resorts will give guests $100 "Maarten Bucks" to compensate for the purchase of new U.S. passports.
You need to show a new or renewed pasport, with St. Maarten as the first arrival stamp. Offer continues to December 17, 2007; read details at the Sonesta site. St. Maarten Bucks can be used at participating restaurants, hotels, car rentals, retailers.
The St. Maarten Bucks program was developed by the St. Maarten Tourist Office and several partners; other properties may offer similar deals. (Black out dates may apply.)
Los Cabos, Mexico: One & Only Palmillo
This luxury resort will reimburse guests for the cost of passports for up to two kids under 18, up to $97 per child. This offer is part of a seven-night Escape to Baja package, which includes two free nights for kids under 18. Valid for stays from June 1 to Oct. 31 2007. Watch the fine print, for documentation needed!
- photo © Teresa Plowright
