The latest trend report looking at the preferred destinations of British holidaymakers has surprised many in the industry, showing a big boost in the number of long-haul bookings, with most of those heading westwards across the Atlantic.

Those locations showing the biggest boost to their visitor numbers include:

•    Mexico
•    St Lucia
•    Las Vegas
•    Dubai
•    Dominican Republic
•    Barbados
•    Mauritius
•    Cuba
•    Penang
•    Khao Lak

Those conducting the research believe that value has now become the key factor in many people’s choice of destination, with rock bottom prices currently fuelling demand for three and four-star trips to Barbados and St Lucia. It seems that British tourists perceive there to be more value in one long holiday further afield rather than shorter breaks in Europe. The average duration of holidays has also risen from 11.5 to 12.1 nights.

The statistics themselves are quite remarkable considering the tough time many Brits are having as a result of the long standing economic malaise. Bookings in 2012 for the Caribbean are showing a 37 per cent rise overall, with the Dominican Republic having experienced an eight-fold increase in bookings for the year. St Lucia is up 55 per cent, Cuba 66 percent and Mexico has a witnessed a surge in bookings of 143 percent compared with a year ago.

Of the destinations in the East, many are unable to recapture the imaginations of tourists after a winter of discontent in the region. Kenya and Egypt have both fallen foul of negative publicity, whilst Sri Lanka, which was rated in the latest Post Office Travel Money Barometer as the country that provides the most value for money anywhere in the world, failed to capitalise.

This is of course excellent news for those already in possession of Caribbean property investments and for those looking to invest in the future. With the number of tourists so high, occupancy rates in local resorts are at their capacity, ensuring an excellent rental yield for investors.

Despite the global downturn, news from across the pond is that American’s are still spending on travel; good news for those with overseas property investments then, particularly those in the Caribbean.

Although there have been some negative rumblings from some supposed experts on cable TV news channels, official surveys have found Americans are still intent on making the most of their summer vacations, and with fuel prices hitting record highs currently in the states, many are looking beyond their shores for their summer getaway, with the Caribbean a popular destination.

Although the most searched for destination thus far in 2012 is Las Vegas, experiencing a 20 per cent rise in online searches up until the same period last year, travellers are also turning their eyes south to the sun drenched resorts of the Caribbean. Currently the countries experiencing the biggest surge in search volume are the Dominican Republic and St Vincent, with a 15 per cent spike in traffic. This is excellent news for overseas property investments in the area, where the high anticipated occupancy over the summer months will bring bumper returns for investors in terms of rental yield.

Further south still, the Central American countries of Belize and Costa Rica are also receiving substantial interest from prospective holiday makers. Interest in Belize is up 83 per cent, whilst major Costa Rican resort towns have been subject to a rise in online traffic of anywhere between 20 and 30 per cent.

These gains are coming at the cost of many of Europe’s major cities, which have witnessed a decrease in interest in preference for holiday destinations closer to home, where the cost of airfares is not so prohibitive.

If you’re lucky enough to own overseas property investments in the Caribbean then this year looks good for bumper returns. If you are shopping around for overseas property investments then the Caribbean is a location well worth your consideration. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to call 02920 695 936.

Another step in the right direction for St Vincent and the Grenadines, as the island chain’s tourist industry goes from strength to strength. In excellent news for owners of a St Vincent property looking to achieve maximum rental incomes over the coming years, the Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Mr Glen Beache, has been recognised by the Worldwide Who’s Who for the tremendous dedication, leadership and excellence he has shown in the fields of tourism and public relations.

The selfless devotion the aptly named Mr Beache has displayed in the marketing and public relations of the spectacular islands will be music to the ears of all those St Vincent property owners looking to derive an excellent rental income from their investments. You would think that the beautiful multi-island nation would market itself, with its wide array of luxury accommodation, jaw dropping beaches, rainforest eco-adventures and water sports, but Mr Beache has been working tirelessly to ensure the islands receive the press attention they deserve.

Mr Beache attributes his success in his role to his hard work, patience and willingness to learn. Possessing excellent communication skills and a great presence has helped him to establish a reputation for being honest, loyal and an excellent team player who remains focused on his objectives. Owners of a St Vincent property should be delighted to have Mr Beache at the helm.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is going from strength to strength. For further information about how you can invest your SIPP pension in a St Vincent property, contact Caribbean Investment Properties today on 02920 695936.

With the trend of a rising state pension age expected to continue, many Brits are turning to overseas investment property as a method of securing a long and happy retirement.

In the future millions of Britons will be forced to delay their retirement as a result of the Government’s bid to save a huge chunk of cash by delaying the payout on future pensions. It is thought that babies born in 2012 will face 60-year working careers as they will not hit their state pension age until they are 80.

To put the scheme into perspective for those currently of working age, a 33 year old working today would have to wait until they are 73 to be able to finally enjoy a life of leisure.

The measure has been announced as a method of keeping retirement age in line with life expectancy, which has soared in the UK over the last few decades. Without serious reductions in the state pension, those of working age could be left to support an ever increasing number of retirees. Since the 1980s life expectancy in the UK has increased by five years.

The state pension, which currently pays a basic £102.15 a week, costs the Treasury a staggering £80billion a year in total payouts. With rising life expectancy, this figure is in danger of spiralling out of control.

So is investment property a better method of using your private pension to ensure you’re not working long into your twilight years?

The Caribbean investment property on offer here at caribbeaninvestmentproperties.co.uk is SIPP compliant, having been accepted by over 15 SIPP providers into their pension schemes. In order for an investment to count towards a Self Invested Pension Plan, the UK Government has to perform due diligence to ensure the investment is sound. Such measures show just how sound a Caribbean investment property is considered to be. And the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Caribbean luxury is not to be sniffed at either!

For further information about how a Caribbean investment property can help you enjoy a long and relaxing retirement, please call 02920 695936.  

In these lean economic times the opportunities for sound investments are few and far between. In more favourable times the market for overseas investment property is awash with potential investors looking for a strong investment and a taste of luxury in far flung corners of the world. In these unsteady times, are there still favourable opportunities out there just waiting to be snapped up?

The answer is a definite yes; however, it is extremely important to have a realistic set of aims in place before you go looking for your dream overseas investment property.

Principally there are two different types of overseas property investments. Buy to let investments and capital gains investments. In both approaches to investment the location you choose is crucial. If you are looking to for a buy to let investment then you need a location where you can buy cheaply enough to still earn a solid rental yield once your usage has been accounted for. To maximise your investment, high occupancy and rental rates are essential in tandem with a relatively low initial outlay. 

Capital gains property investment is a lot simpler. In the long term almost any investment in bricks and mortar will appreciate, with a few peaks and troughs along the way. Of course certain areas offer better returns than others. The Caribbean is an area which has seen year-on-year increases in the value of real estate for the past 30 years. The location for a capital gains only investment is completely down to you as the rental demand will not be a factor.

There are a range of overseas investment property deals for you to consider, with many offering a simple, structured deal. Guaranteed rental yields are particularly popular at the moment, with many overseas investment property firms offering set rental yields with personal usage included. There are also a number of deals out there offering a guaranteed buy back after a set period for up to 125-150 per cent of the purchase price.

If you’re looking for a great deal on an overseas investment property, Buccament Bay on the unspoilt island of St Vincent and the Grenadines offers personal usage, guaranteed rental yield and significant capital gains.

If you are thinking about finding out more about overseas property investments, you would do well to put St Lucia at the top of your list.  Famed for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation, St Lucia has long been a popular destination for celebrities and holidaymakers alike. 

And more recently, the Telegraph has named it one of the safest places for overseas property investments.  The relaxed lifestyle of St Lucia, the crystal clear waters, and its endless miles of beaches bring in over 350,000 sun-worshippers each and every year.  Five star tourism is booming on the island making it the perfect choice if you are looking for an overseas property investment. 

Telegraph journalist Graham Norwood says "This Caribbean island has long been popular with Britons. There are rugged mountains, rainforests and coral reefs.  It’s like Barbados, but with lower prices."

Another great thing about investing in St Lucia is that it’s easily accessible from the UK, the rest of Europe and also the US.  If you are looking for an overseas property investment that you can rent out to holidaymakers, a property in St Lucia will keep your bank account ticking over pretty much all year round.  There is no end to the amount of holidaymakers seeking accommodation and many are looking for all the mod-cons without being tied to a hotel  timetable. 

St Lucia also enjoys a fantastic climate and the locals are extremely friendly.  Crime rates are low and the wonderful coastline is as good as any other tropical location.  It’s little wonder why more and more people are choosing St Lucia for overseas property investment and holidays each year.  The island has so much to offer!

The Telegraph also advises that investors conduct in-depth research before taking the plunge in St Lucia.  There are more popular locations on the island so it’s important that you choose a property that enjoys a good position.  High-end properties are going to net the most profits as most people looking to stay in St Lucia have cash to spend. 

"The best tactic is still to purchase more expensive homes in prime locations. This means you will see the best the country has to offer, and your investment stands a better chance of securing good returns."

So, if you are looking to make an overseas property investment in the near future, St Lucia should definitely be top of your list.  Explore the rest of the site to discoverg properties in the region or call today for any further information: 02920 695936

If you’re looking for a sound foreign investment, a St Vincent property provides not only an excellent venture, it also ensures that your thirty days occupancy every year are spent making the most of the unbelievable amenities the Buccament Bay Resort has to offer. 

The phrase ‘something for all the family’ is all too clichéd, being used to describe everything from Pantomimes to craft fairs. So we’ll refrain from further diminishing the meaning of this phrase, and simply introduce the 5 star facilities a St Vincent property at the magnificent Buccament Bay Resort has to offer.

First things first, you cannot visit your St Vincent property without making the most of the year round sunshine. The Buccament Bay Beach Club helps you to make the most of the unbelievable weather, with terraces and gardens providing relaxing areas where you can enjoy a fruity cocktail in sun or shade.

If you like to make the most of the great outdoors when visiting your St Vincent property, there is plenty of opportunity to do so. The Harlequin Sports Academy offers expert cricket, football and tennis coaching for children and adults alike. These high quality facilities offered in conjunction with established sports stars such as Pat Cash, Gary Player and Liverpool Football Club are an excellent way to make the most of the Caribbean sun, before cooling off with a dip in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

There is plenty to enjoy specifically for children, with The Kids Club providing day care for the ‘young uns’ and lots of fun filled activities.

Whilst your children are engrossed in table tennis, pool, football and art, you might decide to take advantage of the Alaia by ESPA indoor and outdoor treatment suites, which provide a wide range of beauty treatments as well as other holistic therapies.

If you’ve had your fill of lazing around your St Vincent property then there is always the fitness centre, where you can make the most of the state of the art gym equipment on offer.

Invest in a St Vincent property and not only will you be able to enjoy the fantastic amenities, you will also benefit from an unbelievable investment opportunity.

The continued success of the Buccament Bay Resort is excellent news for existing overseas property investors and those currently considering securing their future by investing in property on the beautiful islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

After an initial period to establish Buccament Bay as an exclusive 5* resort to rival the most exclusive anywhere in the world, the steamroller success story that is overseas property investment in St Vincent and the Grenadines rolls on.

As the reputation of the resort spreads, occupancy rates have increased and have now reached optimum levels. For the last two months room occupancy in the resort has hit 100%, with this rate of tenure expected to last for at least the next six months.

This news will be music to the ears of existing investors and to those looking for an unbeatable overseas property investment opportunity, as rental income offered by the resort after the first two years of ownership lies at 20-30%.

The trend seems set to continue with the American market only now awakening to the potential of the Buccament Bay Resort. American bookings are currently coming in daily with the future American market expected to provide 70% of all visitors to Buccament Bay.

With the addition of new facilities like Jacks, Trader Vic’s and Crazy Golf, as well as the introduction of new properties, the resort is expected to go from strength to strength, enticing many individuals into overseas property investment.

If you are interested overseas property investment, the Caribbean currently represents one of the best opportunities anywhere in the world. Please call 02920 695936 or fill out our contact form for further information.

Further bad news for pension holders, as news that annuity rates have fallen by almost four percent in just three months has hit the market hard, leaving many to fear whether their pension income is going to provide them with the quality of life they deserve after decades of work.

This news represents the biggest fall in the value of private sector pensions since September 2010, with present annuity rates down by almost a tenth since June 2009.

A major reason for the weakening of many people’s pensions is the current turmoil in the eurozone, which has caused the returns earned on British Government bonds, on which annuities depend, to fall sharply.

The Caribbean economy is currently particularly buoyant, with house prices having risen consistently for the last decade, with the global economic meltdown not having reached the shores of these magnificent islands. The Caribbean investment property we have available is also SIPP compliant, and with capital growth of up to 50% and ongoing return on investment due to rental income sitting at 20-30%, there are currently few more lucrative methods of investing in your future.

As an example of the poor returns individuals can expect from their pensions, a 65 year old with a £50,000 pension pot would have been able to purchase a conventional lifetime annual leave income of £3,224; today that has dropped to only £2,902.

Advice from the technical director of the pension specialists that conducted the research was to no longer accept the annuity deal they are offered by their pension provider. He advised people to shop around for the best rates and consider other pension pots, with Caribbean investment property representing a noteworthy opportunity.

For further information about how a Caribbean investment property can provide a nest egg for your retirement, call 02920 695936 to speak to one of our investment advisors.

Open up the underwater world which laps at the doorstep of your St Vincent property with expert scuba diving tuition. Indigo Dive at the exclusive Buccament Bay Resort provide a dive concierge service, specialising in offering a personalised service which ensures novice and expert divers alike get to experience the translucent delights of one of the world’s few remaining pristine reefs.

A St Vincent property allows access to some of the best diving in the Caribbean and offers a variety of experiences to keep even the most avid diver enthralled, whether it’s stunning drift dives or the prettiest of wall dives that really takes your fancy.

St Vincent property is ideally suited to divers with a keen eye for an unmissable investment opportunity. The volcanic geography of the island means that the water is exceptionally clear for most of the year. All divers, whatever their experience, will love the colours of the reefs and the abundance of life to be found in the waters which surround these breathtaking islands.

All of the courses on offer to owners and visitors to the superb St Vincent property on offer at Buccament Bay, include essential equipment hire, tuition and appropriate course materials. To ensure that each diver receives the utmost attention we limit the size of group classes to a maximum of four divers. We also offer one to one tuition tailored to each diver’s specific requirements.

If you’re interested in experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime, your St Vincent property will allow you not only to make an excellent capital return, it will also open up the startling beauty of the Caribbean Sea. For further information call 02920 695936 or email info@caribbeaninvestmentproperties.co.uk