The poor economy and the usual seasonal reduction in prices have combined to make a Caribbean vacation a better bargain than it has been in years.

``You see prices [now] that you've never seen before,'' said Hugh Riley, interim secretary-general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Besides reduced rates, many resorts are throwing in ``added values'' like free upgrades, free airport transfers, kids eat- or stay-free deals, or resort credits that reduce or eliminate the price of certain services or activities.

Air service to the region also is on the uptick, Riley said, a sign that Caribbean tourism declines may have bottomed out.

American Airlines has added or will add additional flights this fall from Miami to Antigua, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Provinciales, St. Croix, St. Maarten and St. Lucia, plus La Romana, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Its American Eagle brand is putting on new flights to Harbor Island, Treasure Cay and Governor's Harbor in the Bahamas.

On the other hand, Air Jamaica pulled out of Miami in February and added only one flight to Kingston to its itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale.

New hotels and other tourist facilities continue to open in the region. On the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, the first W hotel in the Caribbean will open in November. The 157-room W Retreat and Spa also will be home for acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse's first Caribbean site, miX on the beach.

A new Hyatt Regency is opening on the island of Curacao in January. Fronting on both the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water, the 350-room Hyatt Regency Golf Resort, Spa and Marina will feature an 18-hole Pete Dye golf course, spa and fitness center.

Following its successful hotels in Manhattan and South Beach, Gansevoort has opened a 91-room hotel on Providenciales' Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On St. Maarten, a new luxury marina on Simpson Bay will debut at Porto Cupecoy in November.

However your Caribbean plans unfold, Riley advises to keep checking for bargains. ``Not all the good deals have rolled out,'' he said. ``We'll see more fall specials.''

DEALS

Here is a sampling of fall/early winter deals. Prices are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise stated. Taxes, resort and service charges may be additional. All-inclusive packages vary, but normally include accommodations, all meals and beverages (including alcoholic), some activities and/or entertainment. All package terms, including prices, are subject to change without notice.

• Sandals: Book a Luxury Included all-inclusive vacation by Aug. 27 and you receive up to 65 percent off regular rack rates at selected Sandals resorts in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas for travel through Dec. 28, 2010. Blackout dates, minimum stays apply. Rates, including discount, start at $133.50 per night. 800-SANDALS, www.sandals.com. At the company's Beaches family resorts in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, rates start at $120 per adult per night, double, during the WonderFALL promotion. Booking deadline is Aug. 27 for travel to Nov. 30. 800-BEACHES, www.beaches.com.

• SuperClubs: Guests who pay for two nights get a third night free under a Third Night's a Charm promotion at any of 10 SuperClubs all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Curacao and the Bahamas if booked by Oct. 7 for travel Sept. 1-Oct. 31. Rates for the three nights run $129-$378 per person, double occupancy. Included are meals, cocktails, use of all sports facilities and entertainment. No tipping. 800-467- 8737, www.superclubs.com.

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