NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM MONTSERRAT
The growth of this Caribbean island's tourism industry picks up with the help of cultural events, aquatic adventures and port development

Brades, Montserrat – The lure and intrigue of the island of Montserrat continue to draw curious thrill seekers to the destination despite the recent spike in activity of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. In addition, the steady growth of the island's burgeoning tourism market is boosted with the help of scenic aquatic adventures, unique cultural events and festivals, the addition of new transportation services and port expansions. Below are highlights of the latest news and developments from the island.

Adventure Specials
Visitors can dive and explore areas covering more than 13 miles of coastline with the island's two dive facilities, Green Monkey Dive Shop and Scuba Montserrat's Deuces Wild dive special. The five-day joint aquatic adventure includes two-tank dives for two days with Scuba Montserrat, two days of two-tank dives with The Green Monkey Dive Shop, one kayak excursion and a boat tour of the former capital city of Plymouth, now submerged under volcanic mudflows. The dive special does not include accommodations and is valid now through December 31, 2010 at a rate of $420 USD, per person. To book or for more information contact Emmy Aston at scubamontserrat@gmail.com or Melody Schroer at info@divemontserrat.com.

Event News
With the distinction of being the only nation outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday, the island of Montserrat comes alive with Caribbean flair for the annual event. Showcasing the unique mix of Irish and African heritage, the week-long festival will take place from March 13 – 20, 2010 at various locations throughout the island. Key events include Freedom Hike, Heritage Day Feast, St. Patrick's Day Dinner and pub crawl. For more information on the schedule of events, go to www.visitmontserrat.com. 

Development News
The Port Development Project in Little Bay aims to provide a sheltered harbor where small cruise ships and cargo vessels can comfortably moor, assist in time management of the port and provide storm surge protection for the Little Bay Town Centre Development. The project will be executed in two phases at an estimated cost of $40,000,000 USD.  Phase 1 includes land reclamation and surfacing, with Phase 2 covering the construction of a breakwater and approximately 360 meters of jetty structure.  The Ministry of Communication and Works (MCW) is responsible for the project and it will be implemented by the Public Works Department in conjunction with the Port Authority. Once complete, the port is designed to provide the following:
• Jetty and breakwater development
• Land reclamation
• Ferry passenger facilities
• Facilities for pleasure crafts
• Water and electricity services to ships

Hotel News
The recently opened Mt. Pleasant Eco-Lodge & Camp Site is set in a lush tropical rainforest and features a circular shaped cottage, known as Harmony Cottage that was designed after a Mongolian yurt. The cottage contains a queen-size bed, eco-toilet, shower, kitchen and a skylight. There are several tent platforms ranging in size from 8 x 10 feet to 10 x 18 feet. Tents used on these platforms can be rented from the facility or brought in by campers. An activity centre is also located on the grounds. The Mt. Pleasant Eco-lodge & Campsite is one of the most environmentally friendly accommodation facilities on Montserrat. All the electricity at the site is generated from solar powered panels.  The compound and all tent platforms are also fitted with showers and mini-flush compost toilets. Situated in the picturesque Mt. Pleasant area, the facility was built without the removal of any trees, and offers breathtaking views of Montserrat's coastline. For further information, visit www.greenlivingmontserrat.com.

Transportation News
The Montserrat Tourist Board is pleased to announce the return of permanent ferry service between Antigua and Montserrat and the addition of daily scheduled flights by a new local airline company, FlyMontserrat. The ferry provides travelers with return trip service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Additional ferry service to the destination will be added during peak travel periods and for special events taking place on the island. Roundtrip fares are approximately $115 USD. Special day trip packages will also be available through tour operators based in Antigua and Montserrat. For more information and details on the ferry schedule and tickets, visit the tourist board website at www.visitMontserrat.com. FlyMontserrat currently provides two daily roundtrip flights from Montserrat to Antigua with roundtrip fares that start at $110 USD plus taxes. Several additional flights will be added to the schedule during the winter travel season. For more information on fares and details on FlyMontserrat's schedule, visit www.flymontserrat.com or call 664.491.3434.

About Montserrat
Montserrat, the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday, is a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles that lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pear shaped island is a traveler's paradise for nature lovers, divers, adventurers, family and villa vacationers, and honeymooners.  This British overseas territory boasts the spectacular Soufrière Hills Volcano, a modern day Pompeii in the form of its buried former capital city Plymouth, alongside lush, green mountains, world class nature trails, deserted dark sand beaches, untouched reefs and a quiet friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be. For more information on Montserrat and its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic vistas, visit www.visitmontserrat.com.

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