Cou Cou Or Coo Coo National Dish In Caribbean Islands

Cou-cou, coo-coo as it is known in the Windward Islands, or fungi as it is known in the Leeward Islands and Dominica, makes up part of the national dishes of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It consists mainly of cornmeal or corn flour and okra (ochroes). Cornmeal, which comes readily packaged and is available at supermarkets island wide, and okra, which can be found at supermarkets, vegetable markets and home gardens, are very inexpensive ingredients.

Because these main components are inexpensive, the dish became common for many residents in Barbados' early colonial history. Cou-cou derives from the island's African ancestry and was a regular meal for those slaves who were brought over from Africa to Barbados.

In Ghana, a similar and probably the original African meal of fermented corn or maize flour eaten with Okra stew and fish is known as Banku, a favourite dish of the Ga Tribe in Accra.

It has historically been proven that most slaves taken to Barbados came from Ghana, as further evidenced by some shared names.

A unique cooking utensil called a cou-cou stick, or fungi stick, is used in its preparation. A cou-cou stick is made of wood, and has a long, flat rectangular shape like a 1-foot-long (30 cm) miniature cricket bat.

It is believed by Barbadians to be essential in stirring the cou-cou, as the dish takes on a firm texture and the cou-cou stick makes it easier to stir in a large pot.

Flying fish prepared fried or steamed is a usual complement to cou-cou. Cou-cou and flying fish has become Barbados' national dish.

Corned beef, or just beef stew, is also a common accompaniment to cou-cou.

Traditionally, cou-cou is served on Fridays at homes across Barbados and local food establishments.

Cou-cou can also be prepared using breadfruit instead of cornmeal.

In Trinidad and Tobago cou-cou or coo-coo)is often prepared alongside callaloo and either stewed or fried fish.

In some islands, e.g. Barbados, Antigua, or the Virgin Islands, cou-cou may be cooked without okra, and goes by the name fengi, fungie, or fungi.


Tourism Observer

CARIBBEAN: Karisma Hotels & Resorts To Expand To St. Lucia And Barbados

Mandy Chomat, chief sales and marketing officer at Karisma Hotels & Resorts, says the all-inclusive company is planning to expand its Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma brand to the islands of Barbados and St. Lucia.

There’s serious thought about expanding to St. Lucia and Barbados, said Chomat.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is in discussions to expand Margaritaville into these islands over the next few years.”

Chomat also said travelers could expect new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts properties throughout the Caribbean as well. That brand first debuted in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2016.

Karisma is scouting Barbados and St. Lucia, along with other major island destinations, for Margaritaville, An All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma, as well as Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts,says Chomat.

We’re looking at island destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Antigua, the Bahamas, and Grenada, evaluating airlift and infrastructure, among other variables.

In Mexico, the company is opening the El Cielo Winery & Resort in Valle De Guadalupe, Baja California this summer. In 2019, the company is spotlighting the Riviera Maya once again with the opening of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya and Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma.

In addition to our continued expansion in Riviera Maya, Karisma is looking at Baja California, Vallarta and Huatulco in Mexico, said Chomat.

Later this summer, we will also introduce El Cielo Winery & Resort in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, the new Napa Valley.

Although the new Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma brand is expected to be the most popular amongst Millennials, Chomat has noted in the past that Jimmy Buffett, the musician who made the Margaritaville song and brand famous worldwide, has fans or Parrot Heads, that span generations.

St. Lucia and Barbados are globally recognized destinations that appeal to leisure travelers, said Chomat.

The vibe of Margaritaville lends itself beautifully to these islands and others as it’s a state of mind, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy themselves in paradise.

And several Caribbean travel experts TravelPulse spoke with agree.

It will be interesting to see how the Margaritaville concept pans out because I think it will be on a level of luxury that many people wouldn't expect when they think about the brand Margaritaville, said Anthony Tucker, vice president and general manager at the All Inclusive Outlet in Georgetown, Kentucky.

So often people only think of the restaurant or casino in Las Vegas, but the proposed plans are really going to cater towards a luxury-centric customer who wants to just have a blast on vacation.

I think when they open in Cancun/Riviera Maya it will be eye opening and their success there will carry over into even further success in St. Lucia and Barbados.

Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania also thinks the plans will greatly benefit Barbados, which he thinks is in need of another new, all-inclusive resort.

Another all inclusive resort in Barbados is huge, said Doncsecz. Sandals Resorts International already has proved that an all-inclusive can be a huge success on an island that is predominantly EP.

Finally, St. Lucia getting another brand name shows their dedication to bringing new and exciting experiences to the island.

Petra Roach, U.S. director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), says the presence of a Karisma resort on island would help increase the island's presence amongst Millennials.

Hotel investment is critical to future growth, said Roach, and the Karisma brand brings with it a strong Millennial customer base and a focus on the culinary experience of the visitor - both of which are integral to Barbados’ overarching tourism strategy.

Karisma also remains committed to expanding its relationships in existing destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

In fact, Karisma Hotels and Resorts recently revealed that it is planning to develop a brand new luxury resort, entertainment and retail complex in Jamaica.

The Sugar Cane Jamaica project will be located near Ocho Rios.

It’s the most ambitious development in the country’s history, representing a $1 billion investment and plans for 10 hotels encompassing 5,000 rooms over the next decade, said Chomat.

Karisma first expanded to the Caribbean in late 2013 when it had a soft opening for its first Jamaica resort, Azul Sensatori Jamaica. Karisma then expanded to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2016 in the form of its popular family brand Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts.

The smaller islands of the Caribbean are a fast growing portion of our business right now, particularly in St. Lucia, so I think those destinations are a perfect fit, said Tucker.


Tourism Observer

SRI LANKA: Thomson Starts Sri Lanka Packages

Thomson is introducing Sri Lanka for winter 2016 and is eyeing up other long haul destinations in Asia and the Caribbean.

Weekly, direct flights to Colombo will operate from London Gatwick on the operator's 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with various stay and tour options.

Managing director Nick Longman said customers could choose from a seven-night or four-night discovery tour of the destination, combined with stays in a number of hotels, including the Riu Sri Lanka and the Club Hotel Dolphin. Prices will be released next month.

He also said the destination could become year-round, depending on the success of the winter programme.

Meanwhile, the operator is considering Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia along with British Caribbean destinations including Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados.

The announcement came as Thomson and First Choice released the results of a survey of 2,000 adults which showed 77% are happy to travel nine hours or more to reach their 'dream' destination.

It also found 89% now travel long haul at least once every five years, and 21% travel long haul every year.

"With other long haul destinations in the pipeline, we expect to see this trend continue as British holidaymakers look to visit new places they may never have been to before," said Longman.

ANTIGUA: Seaborne Launches Antigua Flights

There’s a new way to get to Antigua.

Regional air carrier Seaborne has officially launched service to its newest destination, Antigua.

The carrier began its San Juan-Antigua service this week on a 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

It becomes the fourth airline to begin operating flights into the destination since Antigua opened its state-of-the-art terminal at VC Bird International Airport.

“The entrance of Seaborne, provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael. “As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport, was extremely appealing and advantageous to Seaborne as they seek to expand their services throughout the wider Caribbean.”

In a statement, Seaborne CEO Gary Foss said the company was “excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean.”

ANTIGUA: CTO Figures Reveal Mixed Tourism Stats For Antigua & Barbuda

Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) are showing a mixed outlook for Antigua & Barbuda for the first half of 2015.

Cruise passenger arrivals from January to June 2015 were up 25 per cent (400,253 to 318,842) over the same period in 2014, among the highest rates in the region.

As promising as these numbers are, they come against the backdrop of recent reports that the twin-island state attracts one of the lowest spending rates from cruise passengers in the region — close to US $40 below the Caribbean average.

The country’s stay-over tourist visits have however slipped, falling 2.9 per cent for the first six months of 2015.

This is in stark contrast to the Caribbean average, which shows a 5.8 per cent rise.

Also, a market-by-market analysis of total tourist arrivals shows slight decreases for 2015 visits from the US, and Canada, with European visits remaining stable.

The balancing of the European market is thanks in major part to an increase in UK visitors – the major market-share of European visitors (35, 662 of 44, 268 for the year so far).

Overall tourist visits are down 4.2 per cent compared to the same time last year.

DOMINICA: LIAT Returning To Dominica

LIAT will resume flights to and from Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport beginning Friday, September 18, the airline said in a statement.

LIAT was forced to suspend its services to Dominica on August 27 following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, which resulted in widespread damage to the island and the closure of the airport.

The airline will operate one flight to Dominica on Friday, and then increase its services to two daily flights beginning Saturday.

“We are extremely happy to be returning to Dominica,” said Chief Executive Officer David Evans. “This would not have been possible without the spirit of community and resilience for which Dominica is well known.”

LI 581 will depart V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua at 7:10 a.m. daily and arrive at the Douglas-Charles Airport at 7:50 a.m., while the return service, LI 580, will depart Dominica at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Antigua at 9:10 a.m.

Beginning Saturday, LI 364 will depart Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados at 2:20 p.m. daily, and arrive in Dominica at 3:20 p.m.

LIAT’s service to Guadeloupe and Antigua will continue on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and its non=stop service to Antigua will continue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The airline recommends that customers traveling from Dominica arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to account for the increased security and baggage checks at the Douglas-Charles Airport.

DOMINICA: Commercial Airlines Back To Dominica After Tropical Storm

Commercial airlines serving the Caribbean island of Dominica are resuming flights to Douglas-Charles Airport following Tropical Storm Erika in late August, according to the Dominica director of tourism. Earlier, the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority gave the go-ahead to resume commercial flights.

Since then, airport authorities have been working to restore essential services to the badly damaged terminal building in order for airline partners, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines and Winair, to re-establish schedules to the airport. Partner airlines have made several test landings since receiving the go-ahead.

“We continue to see daily progress in the tourism sector,” said Colin Piper, Dominica´s director of tourism. “Fans of the Nature Island will be pleased to know that most of their favorite locations and activities are operational and ready for their next visit.” As of Sept. 18, 2015, LIAT has resumed flights to Douglas-Charles Airport from three origination points: Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI) and Guadeloupe (PTP).

Seaborne Airlines will resume flights between Dominica´s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) and San Juan (SJU) on Sept. 23, 2015. Winair, which established Twin Otter service after Tropical Storm Erika, will continue that service into Canefield Airport until Oct. 25, 2015.

Beginning on Oct. 3, Winair will resume two flights per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from Guadeloupe and St. Maarten (SXM) to Dominica´s Douglas-Charles Airport. The airline is expected to resume its normal schedule of up to four flights weekly to Douglas-Charles Airport in November 2015.