The Bahamas reported a whopping 18 percent surge in stopover visitors in the first quarter of 2018, the fastest rate of growth in the region.

That was announced by Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar during a keynote presentation at Caribbean Week in New York.

According to D’Aguilar, the 18 percent rise meant an extra 63,000 visitors in the period.

“We’re very bullish on 2018,” said D’Aguilar, who is concluding his term as the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

That’s due to a number of factors, from new airlift from carriers like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue (and more on the way from airlines including Delta) and the finally-complete opening of the 2,300 room Baha Mar megaresort.

The Baha Mar recently debuted the final phase of its development, the new Rosewood Baha Mar, at the end of last month.

Click here to read the full article on Carubbean Journal

We never get tired of saying it — the Caribbean is a wonderful summer destination. While the region’s allure as an escape from wintry climes never ceases, the summer months are a quieter, even more relaxing time to visit the region. Because the Caribbean is a year-round destination — period.

So we decided to put together of destinations to check out over the next few months, by specific beaches — not islands.

Because when you’re bobbing around in the waves on a perfect Caribbean beach, does it matter what month it is?

Click here to find out the 15 favorites to try now, from tiny cays to undiscovered coastlines to full-service party beaches.

The Caribbean was whipped by two hurricanes last year--Irma and Maria. But even those islands that were most affected by the storms are open for business and asking tourists to return.

Click here to read the full article on CNBC

How many of us are talking to our tech on a regular basis?

Ken Olmstead at the Pew Research Center recently highlighted the fact that nearly half of U.S. adults (46 percent) say they use voice-controlled assistants and applications to interact with smartphones and other devices.

Just over half (55 percent) say “a major reason” they use voice assistants is to permit hands-free interaction with devices.

The Pew study affirmed that voice assistant technology is being widely used to remotely control connected systems, including “smart home” lighting and heating devices. In fact, more than a quarter (26 percent) surveyed use voice assistants to connect remotely to those apps and devices.

So where are the newest voice control technologies being integrated in 2018? Click here to find out in the article on RIS Media