Our Office Locations' Best World Cup Finishes
December 22, 2022
The Argentinean National Team is likely still celebrating its recent 2022 Word Cup victory—which was well-deserved of course. However, the path for every winner is littered with the heartbreak of those defeated. This year, none of countries home to the many GCG Group locations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America were fortunate enough to taste victory—but that doesn’t hold true when we consider the entire history of the World Cup!
Here are the best Copa Mundial team finishes for each country (or at least those who qualify) in which GCG Group has an office:
Uruguay - Uruguay is the only country on the list which has claimed an overall victory at the World Cup; and they did it not once, but twice! In fact, Uruguay was the first official winner of the tournament in 1930, and again won it all in 1950.
…
Two Latin American Destinations That Went Viral in 2022
December 22, 2022
While the Latin American tourism industry as a whole has bounced back mightily in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a couple of spots truly stood out across the Instagram and Facebook feeds of influencers, bloggers, and long-lost family members. These travel destinations certainly went viral over the past year—and both for good reason. They also just so happen to also act as home to two of GCG Group’s most popular offices.
Antigua, Guatemala
Located to the south and west of Guatemala City, Antigua is a small town surrounded by flora, fauna, and volcanoes. As the Spanish colonial capital up until a devastating earthquake rocked the city in 1773, the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of its buildings still speak to Antigua’s long and colorful history.
In 2022, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism estimated…
2022 In-Flight Catering Services Global Market Report Overview
November 15, 2022
ReportLinker, a market research resource provider, has released their global market report for the in-flight catering services industry. This report offers the latest insights into the multibillion dollar in-flight catering services sector, and is crucial in GCG Group’s annual business strategies. 2022’s data indicated a strong return to air travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the market expanding from $14.57 billion in 2021 to $15.85 billion over 2022. Projections actually set growth to top $20.52 billion by 2026.
This market includes sales of food and in-flight meals and beverages prepared by contracted catering companies for commercial airliners.
Increased air traffic and passengers are what is driving growth—particularly over the past two years as these numbers have skyrocketed for both business and leisure. This has put even more of an emphasis on in-flight services and catering, especially for long-distance carriers.…
The Caribbean’s Most Popular Winter Destinations
November 15, 2022
The always-warm water and pristine beaches of the Caribbean have long been a winter-time attraction for tourists hailing from the world over. Anxious to escape being cooped up inside their homes, battling blizzards and ice, and looking to celebrate the holidays in more friendly settings, these visitors flock to our little corner of the world. Fortunately for them, several islands throughout the region are well known for both their environmental attractions—and their incredible hospitality.
Recently, Travel and Leisure released their top 15 all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, just in time for the December swell in tourism. Several of the nations GCG Group serves were prominently featured, including Jumbo bay Island, off the northeast coast of Antigua, and is accessible by the resort’s private catamaran. The 72 suites and rooms of Curtain Bluff were also mentioned, specifically for their proximity to the gorgeous turquoise waters mere steps from…
The Future of Aviation Security
October 24, 2022
As with all things safety-related, the need to adapt, evolve, and improve is constant. In the aviation security sector, operating under a principle of “no excuses” is a necessity; millions rely on airplanes to transport them for work and pleasure, and each and every single one of those passengers, flight attendants, and pilots deserve to feel secure as they traverse about the skies.
Unfortunately, ensuring that safety can sometimes be challenging. Bad actors and accidents can conspire to ruin an otherwise perfect trip, which is why aviation security professionals must always be on guard, and proactive when it comes to mitigating threats. GCG Group is at the forefront of this initiative, and updates like the ones below will likely find their way into our practices in the near future.
Technology supporting Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) has been a focus for many cutting-edge manufacturers as of late.…
Jamaica’s Tourism Recovery Is Ahead of Schedule
October 24, 2022
Jamaica has led the way in terms of tourism recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has caught the attention of leisure-seekers from around the world, and is already surpassing 2019-levels of arrivals. This means the beautiful beaches and eclectic forests of one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations have become more enticing than ever!
According to Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, the country expects upwards of $4 billion in revenue this year, and an increase to $5 billion in 2023. 5 million visitors are also expected next year, beating the initial projections after the pandemic by a full 12 months. The additional influx of international dollars has helped contribute to the overall economy’s annual jump of 5.7%.
Visitors are arriving by all modes of transportation—including cruises, which was a critical aspect which has lagged significantly since 2020. However,…
An Brief Look at Commercial Airline Catering
September 15, 2022
Airline catering is a huge industry, worth over $6 billion in the U.S. alone! Airline catering companies like GCG Group must source hundreds of snacks and meals for hundreds of flights every day, which can add up to literal tons of food. As might be expected, there are a lot of logistics required to make this happen smoothly.
When it comes to commercial airline catering, each airline has their own team of culinary professionals who are in charge of selecting the food and beverages they’d like to offer on their flights. Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, that team happens to be GCG Group!
While menus tend to be rather small, they often make use of several options and combinations that are cycled through depending upon a variety of factors. For example: the location a flight leaves from and arrives to, the…
A Commonwealth Crisis Coming for King Charles III?
September 15, 2022
Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has announced that he plans to hold a referendum sometime in the near future to determine whether or not he and his constituents will break from the British crown and form a republic.
Browne is strongly suspected to be reelected next year, and has made the decision a key component of his bid.
This declaration comes in the wake of last year’s vote in Barbados to become a republic. There are still 13 other independent nations that fall within the Commonwealth realms—and England’s newly-anointed King may soon face a rash of similar moves from others.
In Central America and the Caribbean, these key nations include Belize, Grenada, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, the Grenadines., and Jamaica. The latter’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has also expressed a…
Air Travel to South America Has Recovered Quickly Since COVID-19
August 19, 2022
The airline industry has recovered from the COVID-19 crisis quickest in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Caribbean experienced a recovery of 75%, South America experienced a recovery of 74%, and the international Revenue Passenger-Kilometer (RPKs) in Central America had recovered up to 96% of 2019 levels by April 2022.
This is the result of multiple factors which the region has working in its favor. However, continued growth also faces some unique challenges.
Recovery Appears to be Sustainable
The strong recovery progress made in April is largely attributable to the easing or removal of travel restrictions on international traffic. At least six Latin American nations, including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Argentina, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, have completely opened their borders.
The restrictions on overseas traffic have had less of an effect…
Jamaica's Tourism Industry Is Hitting All The Right Notes
August 19, 2022
The tourism sector is still recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak over three years later. Fortunately, Jamaica's tourism sector has nearly fully recovered, according to Edmund Bartlett, the country's minister of tourism.
“The good news is that Jamaica has now recovered 90 percent from the COVID-19 pandemic in the tourism sector,” says Bartlett.
Bartlett continued, “our recovery in terms of arrivals this year is likely to be well over 3 million, and we are also expecting our earnings will be just about $100 million, or so, below our best earnings in 2019 of $3.7 billion.”
Main source markets for Jamaica are also experiencing a robust recovery, he claimed. That includes an excellent result from the United Kingdom, which indicates an increase in travel from the nation of 6% compared to the year 2019.
“The US has come back very strongly (as…
Protecting Caribbean Tourism With Science
July 13, 2022
Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry throughout the Caribbean and Latin America has been struggling to reach its previous highs. Now, more than two years later, things are picking back up. Tourists are flocking to the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of our towns and cities, eager to take out their pent up energy and saved money from missing out on previous summers.
It’s this renewed influx of people, travel, and all the other unseen or unmentioned aspects that come with them that makes eco-consciousness more important than ever. Though our part of the world’s natural beauty is its calling card—without protection, our businesses and economies could lose far more than they did from COVID-19.
One of the most essential natural draws of our area are the gorgeous and thriving coral reefs. These…
What Is Aviation Security?
July 13, 2022
Aside from sometimes viewing it with a bit of annoyance, many of us take the crucial work that aviation security professionals perform on a daily basis. This division of airline services does far more than scan your baggage or wave a magnetic wand across your body. By definition, aviation security works to prevent acts of unlawful interference with your flying experience—particularly when it comes to keeping firearms and explosives away from you and your family as they travel.
This goes beyond planned acts of terrorism or sabotage. In fact, may times aviation security must act in more common—though still potentially threatening—instances; for example, when a passenger is over served on alcohol or is unruly for any reason.
For this reason, aviation security must encompass those inspecting checked bags, officers throughout airports, and requires close coordination between TSA and federal air marshals.
…
The Bold New World of Latin American Aviation
June 16, 2022
The gorgeous rising mountains and vast green stretches of untouched jungle that make up the landscape of the Caribbean and Central and South America are a significant reason tourists regularly flock to this part of the world. However, this same magical topography has also contributed to a local transportation woes. When roads and railways cannot suffice, the local aviation industry has risen to the challenge.
Unfortunately, the landscape has proven challenging for smaller, regional operators. Most Latin American countries are home to one or two dominant companies, with American-based corporations like American Airlines and Delta picking up the rest. This has meant most regional outfits have required high costs and have been left with limited reach. However, change is coming; a rapid rise of efficient, low-cost carriers is already upon us—some born from creative financial restructuring and alliances forged with larger partners.
…
GCG Catering Paraguay Live Culinary Demonstration
June 16, 2022
Continuing our year-long celebration of the unique culinary history and culture found throughout each of our international locations, the GCG Catering Paraguay team live-streamed a brilliant cooking demonstration this past May. Sous chef David Sanabria and gastronomic supervisor Ramón Torres whipped up a total of seven incredible delicacies while educating viewers as to their proper preparation and the history behind each.
The first course comprised of pastel mandi’ó, a traditional Paraguayan snack similar to an empanada. This was followed by the pancake-like flour cake Mbejú which was fortified with cheese. Next came the traditional Paraguayan chicken soup, Vori Vori de gallina casera, as well as Cazuela de Surubí and their version of the incredibly robust dish Asado o la olla con Mandi’ó Chyryry - which makes use of eggs, potatoes, onions, and more!
Finally,…
What Is Ground Handling?
May 20, 2022
Think back to the last time you traveled by plane. You and your family likely went through a familiar routine; you packed all of your clothes and other necessities, drove or caught a ride-share to the airport, approached the check-in kiosk or counter, checked your bags, passed through security, and maybe even caught a quick ride on a cart through the terminal to your gate.
This all seems relatively straightforward—but without the exhaustive and incessant work carried out by your airport’s ground handling team, none of it would be possible. While some of the value that ground handling staff provide is obvious—we’ve all enjoyed watching our suitcases be loaded into the cargo hold by employees in brightly-colored vests—much of it happens out of sight from passengers. It’s for this reason that having an efficient and consistent ground handling team is so essential to the traveling experience.
…
A Caribbean Tourism Boom Is Coming in 2022
May 20, 2022
Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, the tourism industry is beginning to show signs of a healthy recovery in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although the total figures may not have quite reached the lofty levels of the years prior to 2019, more and more international travelers are finding their way to paradise.
In a region heavily dependent upon the tourism industry, this wave of renewed interest is a welcome change. GCG Group was not immune to the trying times of the past 24 months, yet our family stands united and as ready as ever to aid our clients in serving their traveling customers and providing them a Simply Excellent experience.
Indicators of change can be found everywhere. In Bermuda for example, where air travel is still 44% under the heyday of 2019, Q1’s recently released figures by…
Cultural Cooking Classes Continue With GCG Group Quito
April 27, 2022
Following in the footsteps of our GCG family members in Honduras and Colombia, the Quito GCG Group crew put on a spectacular live cooking workshop for their fellow staff this past March. The live-streamed demonstration is part of a company-wide initiative throughout 2022, the purpose of which is to help each station celebrate and educate regarding their culinary culture.
Sous Chef Franklin Shuguli, Santiago Salgado, and Pastry Chef Carlos Guairacaja led the lesson, gradually taking viewers through their preparation of multiple traditional and delicious Ecuadorian delicacies. The first plates consisted of Locro de Papa and Empanadas de Morocho, which use a white corn for the dough, resulting in a delightfully crispy and flaky treat. Next was the main course—a tantalizing offering of LLapingacho, Fritadas, and Seco de Pollo chicken stew. Finally, guests were shown the preparation of two desserts; Higos con Queso,…
GCG Group Officially Begins Operations at Palmerola International Airport
April 26, 2022
Last December marked an exciting development for the entire GCG Group family. On the 15th of that month, GCG Ground officially began operations at Palmerola International Airport (XPL) in Comayagua, Honduras! This is a long-anticipated addition to our Central American operations, and one which will allow us to further grow both as a company and a family.
Our newest station quickly began providing passenger, ground, security, cleaning, and wheelchair services to airport patrons. Our initial partners included Copa Airlines and United Airlines.
Even more exciting however, was the addition of our partner, Aeroméxico, who began operations this past April. In addition, new electric GSE Ground Support Equipment was provided to our staff to aid them in their pursuit of excellent service.
Please commemorate this exciting moment with us by browsing the images…
GCG Group Celebrates International Women’s Day
March 30, 2022
March 8th is a day of beauty. No matter where you are in the world, the most frigid parts of winter have passed, and the sweltering summer sun has yet to arrive. Perhaps it is fitting that this also marks the official celebration of International Women’s Day.
Every year, every one of our office locations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America set aside time to celebrate our female team members. Our goal is to reinforce how strong and unique they all are, and honor the fact that our company would not be as successful as it is today without their commitment and dedication.
Each location celebrates in their own way. For example, GCG Events and GCG Catering in Antigua gave a shout out across social media, sharing several photos of the women that are an integral part of the GCG Antigua family.…
GCG Catering Cooking Up Delicious Cooking Classes All Year!
March 29, 2022
The GCG Catering crew is the best in the business—and while all of our clients know this, sometimes it’s fun to prove it to ourselves as well. That’s why, throughout 2022, each GCG Catering location throughout the Caribbean and Latin America will be hosting a live cooking workshop! Each month of the year will feature a different location’s Head Chef and/or Sous-chef as they prepare a delectable meal for the benefit of their fellow employees throughout the world. The title of the series is, appropriately, “Living Unique Experiences!”
First up was the talented crew from GCG Catering Honduras. On January 25th, Sous-chef Karla López and Head Chef Marvin Montes whipped up several traditional Honduran dishes, including Pescado Frito, Pollo Chuco, and Carne Asada, with delicious sides of Tajadas de Platano, Frijol Fritos, and Queso Crema. Finally, they finished off with Arroz con Leche and Torrejas en…