Baroness Morris of Bolton, President of World Travel Market’s Advisory Council, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, Distinguished Guests and Friends.
30 years ago when World Travel Market took its first tentative steps, it was a very different world. All of us felt privileged to be involved in an industry that was, without a shadow of a doubt, going places.
Yes, inevitably, there were vast mountains to climb - but in those early years, it was exciting and invigorating.
True, the pace of change was swift and as the industry was changing, so were our customers.
They were demanding new thrills and experiences; they wanted cheap flights and an ever growing array of choice and budget options. Weekends away, holidays in far flung places, luxury, special interest breaks, gap years, adventure, extreme sports, remote islands.
Even the over 50s, fitter and more active then ever before, were choosing trips to Antarctica and journeys around-the-world.
There was an unquenchable thirst for everything new and different.
As the right to travel became almost a fundamental principle to millions across the world - regardless of background, class, creed or culture - World Travel Market played a crucial role. The event became the ever growing backdrop for increasing co-operation and integration between destinations and operators, conducting business and showcasing a widening range of services and products to a global marketplace. We wanted to create an atmosphere that generated dynamism and energy while at the same time fostering flexibility, understanding and above all, trust.
We embraced the immense opportunities of travel technology, the biggest revolution since the days when Thomas Cook first organised package holiday tours. A development that completely re-engineered distribution strategies, bringing new entrants to the travel industry and increasing competition.
As an industry we’ve faced pandemics, natural disasters, escalating fuel prices and of course 9/11.
It triggered a new, challenging era; the industry momentarily lost confidence; people, fearful of their lives and that of their staff and customers, even questioned whether World Travel Market should go ahead.
But it was also a time of extraordinary strength, a remarkable illustration of the industry coming together for the common good.
We united that year in a way that we’ve never done before or since, proving to ourselves as much as the rest of the world, that whatever was thrown at the industry we would remain steadfast.
As I remember that terrible time, it makes me realise that World Travel Market’s ability to mirror the industry in its many moods, is perhaps one of its greatest strengths. In times of difficulty, its good to have a focus that binds the industry while at the same time, delivers business and an opportunity to talk and debate.
However, it’s over these past two years, amidst the worst global economic downturn in living memory, that World Travel Market has strived even more to help the industry with a different mountain to conquer.
There’s an old saying here in the UK that every cloud has a silver lining and I hope we‘ve assisted business to ride out the storm more effectively by stressing the need to improve efficiency, introduce new skills, new markets and encourage creativity, innovation and, above all, supreme customer value.
In these difficult times, the private sector needs resolute public sector support, investment, forward thinking leadership and direction, cementing a fundamental relationship between business and government and introducing greater understanding and strong co-operation.
Tomorrow is the UNWTO Ministers’ Summit, hosted by World Travel Market, when more than one hundred Ministers and senior aides will face the challenges of the Road to Recovery and addressing issues such as climate change and poverty reduction as part of that pathway.
The idea of an annual summit for Ministers came from our determination to get to the heart of the matter, regardless of its complexities, embracing every level of decision making - from boardroom to government mandate.
We’ve spoken out too on the hot topics of the day. Responsible Tourism is one of those areas which targets the core of our industry and our 3 day programme at World Travel Market reflects this belief.
This is not a new issue for World Travel Market – we started this particular lobby in 1994, born from a simple belief that we have a responsibility to protect the very product we seek to promote.
WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is now in its third year, bringing together destinations and operators in what we hope is an inspiring way, educating and spurring the industry on to positive action.
Spotlight, World Travel Market’s colour magazine, champions what’s new and innovative in responsible tourism, revealing inspiring stories to preserve and protect the world, making better places for people to visit and better places for people to live.
Only you can judge whether we’ve achieved our aim to support industry business in every way we can, but at the same time, we’ve tried to keep World Travel Market fresh, productive and enjoyable.
Now we must look to the future - not the past.
Confront it and relish it.
Take a look at this….
(30TH ANNIVERSARY FILM)
As you see from our film, the future and the next 30 years are there for the taking.
There’s no shortage of ideas, no lack of vision for the long term forecast of travel and tourism.
But there’s a noticeable difference in the thinking behind the industry now compared to even a few years ago.
Consumers are becoming more caring, thoughtful and considerate. It may be the credit crunch, of course, and the need for everyone to ‘tighten their belts’. It might just be a universal response to such pressing issues as climate change or pictures of the sickening tide of third world poverty that floods into our living rooms and offices every day of the week that’s triggering a quiet revolution.
There’s a growing realisation that sustainability is absolutely integral to the industry’s future success. I make no apologies for sounding over dramatic when I say that the industry will not have a future at all unless it takes responsible tourism as seriously as customer service, value for money and comfy beds.
World Travel Market is also trying to put its house in order.
Let me say right away that we do not pretend to be perfect! But like thousands of others in this industry, we’re doing our level best to make positive change happen.
With the support and encouragement of Reed Exhibitions and our parent company Reed Elsevier, we’ve committed to a more sustainable event management system by being certified for BS8901, the internationally recognised British Standard for Sustainable Event Management.
Our commitment to support local communities close to ExCeL with The Richard House Hospice, providing care for terminally ill children, is complemented by our work with the international water-aid charity Just a Drop, launched by World Travel Market 11 years ago, and is now, helping more than one million children and their families in 28 countries.
Just a Drop could never have achieved this much without the help of so many companies and individuals, especially my own organisation Reed Exhibitions who have encouraged and supported us over the years with resource, office back-up and wise counsel.
Now as we look to the future to identify new opportunities, it’s apparent that sports tourism is one of the industry’s fastest growing sectors and this year, for the first time, World Travel Market is highlighting the business potential that sports tourism offers the industry.
Our guest of honour this morning is Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and when Boris memorably invited the world in Beijing to come to London for the 2012 Olympics, he was referring to what will possibly be the most frequented sports tourism event the world has ever known.
And right here at ExCeL London, you can already get a glimpse of what the London Olympics will look like. The £168m expansion of ExCeL will not only be the first stadia completed as part of the Games, but also forms part of World Travel Market’s spectacular ‘new’ home in November 2010.
The newly completed London ICC ExCeL increases space by 50%, including a 5,000 seat convention centre, and will become a focus for spectators around the world who watch the 2012 Olympics either on television or in person.
The prospect is a compelling one and World Travel Market has many exciting plans to lift the event into a dynamic and innovative era reflective of further industry progress.
Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm travel industry welcome to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Is tourism a priority for Trinidad and Tobago?
That's a question that I've been mulling for some time and I am not convinced that tourism is a priority in the oil and gas rich twin-island state.
For a while I was encouraged to believe T&T was getting serious about its tourism product. I was encouraged by the appearance of a draft tourism policy (yet another) and public consultations on said document, the boosting of room stock with the construction of the Hyatt Regency, Carlton Savannah and other hotels to come, and the hosting of two mega conferences, the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference. For a while I believed the Government was finally getting serious and putting an effort into exploiting the country as a major player in the regional tourism industry.
Then came the budget and the biggest item under tourism was the multimillion dollar redevelopment of Maracas Bay, the most popular beach on the island. No mention of money to fund the new policy, no talk of money to market the country, nothing. I was confused; tourism is a labour intensive industry and with all the Prime Minister's talk about diversification of the economy, one would think developing the tourism industry would be a priority given the number of jobs that could be created within the industry.
This week I saw two articles that supports my view on where the country is headed as far as tourism is concerned. The first was a column in the Business Guardian from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association.
In the column entitled Trinidad as a tourism product, the association basically said while the country has all the ingredients for a good tourism product, they do not constitute a reason for tourists to visit.
"The real problem lies in the fact that despite having dedicated Ministry of Tourism, complete with its own state agency for implementation, there is no c politically agreed strategic plan through which to understand consumer needs and develop that product accordingly. Despite all the talk of economic diversification, until tourism becomes a political priority, this won't happen," the association wrote.
The association called for a strategic retreat to assess the country's competitive potential and shape a plan for its development. I don't think that suggestion will be heeded and here's why.
In his Sunday Guardian column, Lennox Grant compared T&T's tourism efforts with that of Barbados.
"That tourism is the business of Barbados remains obvious on an island where projected climate-change effects on sea levels and temperatures were making banner headlines last week. That tourism is also Tobago’s business more and more attains the status of an inconvenient truth, on the way to becoming outdated. At the Cove complex opening, last month, Prime Minister Patrick Manning advertised Tobago’s future as an exporter of natural gas. THA spokesmen painted a high-wage, energy-industry picture, implying Tobago’s eventual adoption of that familiar Trinidad indifference to tourism."
With crime in Tobago, especially against foreigners, increasing, one has to wonder if the plan is indeed to diversify the sister isle away from its dependence on tourism.
It's no secret the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is all about promoting the energy sector and developing downstream industries. That's their idea of diversification. In the meantime the Tourism Development Company will continue to urge Trinis "to stay to get away". After all, if the country is not willing to do what is necessary to attract people to the island, then it's better to get the locals to fill up those fancy hotels...right?
For a while I was encouraged to believe T&T was getting serious about its tourism product. I was encouraged by the appearance of a draft tourism policy (yet another) and public consultations on said document, the boosting of room stock with the construction of the Hyatt Regency, Carlton Savannah and other hotels to come, and the hosting of two mega conferences, the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference. For a while I believed the Government was finally getting serious and putting an effort into exploiting the country as a major player in the regional tourism industry.
Then came the budget and the biggest item under tourism was the multimillion dollar redevelopment of Maracas Bay, the most popular beach on the island. No mention of money to fund the new policy, no talk of money to market the country, nothing. I was confused; tourism is a labour intensive industry and with all the Prime Minister's talk about diversification of the economy, one would think developing the tourism industry would be a priority given the number of jobs that could be created within the industry.
This week I saw two articles that supports my view on where the country is headed as far as tourism is concerned. The first was a column in the Business Guardian from the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association.
In the column entitled Trinidad as a tourism product, the association basically said while the country has all the ingredients for a good tourism product, they do not constitute a reason for tourists to visit.
"The real problem lies in the fact that despite having dedicated Ministry of Tourism, complete with its own state agency for implementation, there is no c politically agreed strategic plan through which to understand consumer needs and develop that product accordingly. Despite all the talk of economic diversification, until tourism becomes a political priority, this won't happen," the association wrote.
The association called for a strategic retreat to assess the country's competitive potential and shape a plan for its development. I don't think that suggestion will be heeded and here's why.
In his Sunday Guardian column, Lennox Grant compared T&T's tourism efforts with that of Barbados.
"That tourism is the business of Barbados remains obvious on an island where projected climate-change effects on sea levels and temperatures were making banner headlines last week. That tourism is also Tobago’s business more and more attains the status of an inconvenient truth, on the way to becoming outdated. At the Cove complex opening, last month, Prime Minister Patrick Manning advertised Tobago’s future as an exporter of natural gas. THA spokesmen painted a high-wage, energy-industry picture, implying Tobago’s eventual adoption of that familiar Trinidad indifference to tourism."
With crime in Tobago, especially against foreigners, increasing, one has to wonder if the plan is indeed to diversify the sister isle away from its dependence on tourism.
It's no secret the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is all about promoting the energy sector and developing downstream industries. That's their idea of diversification. In the meantime the Tourism Development Company will continue to urge Trinis "to stay to get away". After all, if the country is not willing to do what is necessary to attract people to the island, then it's better to get the locals to fill up those fancy hotels...right?
Monday, September 7, 2009
New hotels for Trinidad, marketing boost for Tobago in 2010 budget
The Trinidad and Tobago government today unveiled its budget for the 2010 fiscal year. Finance minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira read the budget. Below is the part of the budget that deals with tourism.
Mr. Speaker, as we continue our diversification thrust in keeping with our Vision 2020 National Strategic Plan, the Government’s approach to Tourism has been quite novel as we leverage our emerging position as a financial centre with the traditional leisure options to extend our markets. We are fortunate to have three high quality products and experiences to market internationally, namely, Trinidad, Tobago and Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Speaker, although this has been a challenging year for the tourism sector globally, Trinidad and Tobago has succeeded in maintaining its position as a preferred tourist destination and has a good story to tell. This performance was bolstered by the increased business tourist arrivals generated by the hosting of the 5th Summit of the Americas Conference in April of this year which put paid to any doubts of our ability to market destination Trinidad and Tobago to a full range of clients.
During the new fiscal year the Government will maintain this momentum in our quest to achieve a sustainable tourism sector by increasing airlift and room stock; enhancing the tourism plant; implementing an aggressive campaign to expand the markets for business, leisure and domestic tourism and by working with stakeholders in the sector to prevent the erosion of this destination’s Caribbean market share, as the strong competitive surge of response to these difficult new economic conditions by other Caribbean destinations become manifest.
Mr. Speaker, airlift and the significant escalation in travel costs are a serious challenge to the tourism industry worldwide. Airlines will choose routes that will maximize their returns and will go to countries with a critical mass in terms of quality accommodation that will support a significant share of their load factor. This means that we have to create the environment which will encourage direct flights and provide inducements for co-marketing arrangements that maintain airlift.
By the end of 2009, we would have emerged in a much stronger position in terms of available business oriented hotel room stock and meeting and conference facilities through the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November this year.
An additional 50 rooms have been built by Cara Suites in Claxton Bay, as part of their expansion of the existing hotel. The Star Hotel in Piarco will add 120 rooms, the Carlton Savannah 165 rooms and the Academy for the Performing Arts a further 52 rooms before the end of the year. Mr. Speaker, a large international hotel chain has shown tremendous interest in constructing a hotel at Invaders Bay which is now available to potential investors.
We will introduce the Tobago destination to groups of third party intermediaries in North America who are relatively unfamiliar with the Trinidad and Tobago destination. During the new fiscal year by focusing on Tobago’s traditional niche market strengths, dive and eco-tourism for instance, we will further and more widely introduce the destination’s product to these travel intermediaries with particular outreach to a select number of Caribbean market specialists in these areas. The Tourism Development Company (TDC) will work even more aggressively and actively with foreign outbound travel trade specialists to further induce their interest to sell the destination and create a wider perception of “value for spend” among their clients.
Mr. Speaker, in previous Budgets, the Government outlined its plans to refurbish and restore popular local sites of interest to increase the attractiveness of the destination. To this end, drainage works and new and improved signage at Manzanilla, Macqueripe and Vessigny have been completed. The upgrade of these facilities for access to persons with disabilities is expected to be completed shortly.
The Maracas Redesign and Restoration Project began in April this year and is expected to be completed by September 2012. The completed new Maracas Beach Facility will provide increased beach space for visitors in addition to new facilities such as an events area, bathrooms, main pavilion and administration building. The upgraded beach facility, the associated infrastructure and improved utilities will provide additional employment and a better quality of life for the North Coast communities. It will also provide an optimum beach experience for nationals and visitors and contribute to the improvement of the overall tourism product of Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Speaker, as we continue our diversification thrust in keeping with our Vision 2020 National Strategic Plan, the Government’s approach to Tourism has been quite novel as we leverage our emerging position as a financial centre with the traditional leisure options to extend our markets. We are fortunate to have three high quality products and experiences to market internationally, namely, Trinidad, Tobago and Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Speaker, although this has been a challenging year for the tourism sector globally, Trinidad and Tobago has succeeded in maintaining its position as a preferred tourist destination and has a good story to tell. This performance was bolstered by the increased business tourist arrivals generated by the hosting of the 5th Summit of the Americas Conference in April of this year which put paid to any doubts of our ability to market destination Trinidad and Tobago to a full range of clients.
During the new fiscal year the Government will maintain this momentum in our quest to achieve a sustainable tourism sector by increasing airlift and room stock; enhancing the tourism plant; implementing an aggressive campaign to expand the markets for business, leisure and domestic tourism and by working with stakeholders in the sector to prevent the erosion of this destination’s Caribbean market share, as the strong competitive surge of response to these difficult new economic conditions by other Caribbean destinations become manifest.
Mr. Speaker, airlift and the significant escalation in travel costs are a serious challenge to the tourism industry worldwide. Airlines will choose routes that will maximize their returns and will go to countries with a critical mass in terms of quality accommodation that will support a significant share of their load factor. This means that we have to create the environment which will encourage direct flights and provide inducements for co-marketing arrangements that maintain airlift.
By the end of 2009, we would have emerged in a much stronger position in terms of available business oriented hotel room stock and meeting and conference facilities through the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November this year.
An additional 50 rooms have been built by Cara Suites in Claxton Bay, as part of their expansion of the existing hotel. The Star Hotel in Piarco will add 120 rooms, the Carlton Savannah 165 rooms and the Academy for the Performing Arts a further 52 rooms before the end of the year. Mr. Speaker, a large international hotel chain has shown tremendous interest in constructing a hotel at Invaders Bay which is now available to potential investors.
We will introduce the Tobago destination to groups of third party intermediaries in North America who are relatively unfamiliar with the Trinidad and Tobago destination. During the new fiscal year by focusing on Tobago’s traditional niche market strengths, dive and eco-tourism for instance, we will further and more widely introduce the destination’s product to these travel intermediaries with particular outreach to a select number of Caribbean market specialists in these areas. The Tourism Development Company (TDC) will work even more aggressively and actively with foreign outbound travel trade specialists to further induce their interest to sell the destination and create a wider perception of “value for spend” among their clients.
Mr. Speaker, in previous Budgets, the Government outlined its plans to refurbish and restore popular local sites of interest to increase the attractiveness of the destination. To this end, drainage works and new and improved signage at Manzanilla, Macqueripe and Vessigny have been completed. The upgrade of these facilities for access to persons with disabilities is expected to be completed shortly.
The Maracas Redesign and Restoration Project began in April this year and is expected to be completed by September 2012. The completed new Maracas Beach Facility will provide increased beach space for visitors in addition to new facilities such as an events area, bathrooms, main pavilion and administration building. The upgraded beach facility, the associated infrastructure and improved utilities will provide additional employment and a better quality of life for the North Coast communities. It will also provide an optimum beach experience for nationals and visitors and contribute to the improvement of the overall tourism product of Trinidad and Tobago.
Monday, August 24, 2009
WTTC launches 'Call for Entries' for 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is now inviting tourism companies and organisations from around the world that can demonstrate best practice in sustainable tourism development to submit their applications for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 2 December 2009.
To quote Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO of WTTC: "The Awards, now in their sixth year under WTTC's stewardship, exemplify the Council's multi-stakeholder vision set out in the Blueprint for New Tourism that looks beyond short-term considerations and focuses on benefits not only for the people who travel, but also for people in the communities they visit, and for their respective natural, social and cultural environments."
"The Travel & Tourism industry as a whole has radically changed the way it views sustainability, moving it from the sidelines to centre stage," says Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
The finalists and winners will:
* be publicly recognised and will meet government and industry leaders at the Awards ceremony which takes place at WTTC's annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit
* receive outstanding, international media exposure thanks to WTTC's extensive media partnerships
* be endorsed by a panel of judges comprising internationally acclaimed experts in sustainable tourism.
The Awards are known for their rigorous judging process that follows a three-step approach. To quote Costas Christ: "They are the only global accolade in the field of sustainable travel practices that includes an on-site verification process. This is really the signature key of these Awards."
The Awards are determined in four categories, including:
* Destination Stewardship Award: This award goes to a destination - country, region, state, or town - which comprises a network of tourism enterprises and organisations that show dedication to, and success in, maintaining a programme of sustainable tourism management at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects as well as multi-stakeholder engagement.
* Conservation Award: Open to any tourism business, organisation or attraction, including lodges, hotels, or tour operators, able to demonstrate that their tourism development and operations have made a tangible contribution to the conservation of natural heritage.
* Community Benefit Award: This award is for a tourism initiative that has effectively demonstrated direct benefits to local people, including capacity building, the transfer of industry skills, and support for community development.
* Global Tourism Business Award: Open to any large company from any sector of Travel & Tourism - cruise lines, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, etc - with at least 200 full-time employees and operating in more than one country or in more than one destination in a single country, this award recognises best practices in sustainable tourism at a large company level.
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are endorsed by WTTC Members, as well as other organisations and companies. They are organised in association with two Strategic Partners:Travelport and The Leading Travel Companies' Conservation Foundation. Other sponsors/supporters include: Adventures in Travel Expo, BEST Education Network, the Daily Telegraph, Friends of Nature, Rainforest Alliance, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Sustainable Travel International, Travesias, USA Today and the World Heritage Alliance.
For further information about the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards or for details on how to apply, please contact Susann Kruegel, Manager e-Strategy and Tourism for Tomorrow Awards at info@tourismfortomorrow.com or by phone on +44 (0) 20 7481 8007, or visit our website at www.tourismfortomorrow.com
To quote Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO of WTTC: "The Awards, now in their sixth year under WTTC's stewardship, exemplify the Council's multi-stakeholder vision set out in the Blueprint for New Tourism that looks beyond short-term considerations and focuses on benefits not only for the people who travel, but also for people in the communities they visit, and for their respective natural, social and cultural environments."
"The Travel & Tourism industry as a whole has radically changed the way it views sustainability, moving it from the sidelines to centre stage," says Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
The finalists and winners will:
* be publicly recognised and will meet government and industry leaders at the Awards ceremony which takes place at WTTC's annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit
* receive outstanding, international media exposure thanks to WTTC's extensive media partnerships
* be endorsed by a panel of judges comprising internationally acclaimed experts in sustainable tourism.
The Awards are known for their rigorous judging process that follows a three-step approach. To quote Costas Christ: "They are the only global accolade in the field of sustainable travel practices that includes an on-site verification process. This is really the signature key of these Awards."
The Awards are determined in four categories, including:
* Destination Stewardship Award: This award goes to a destination - country, region, state, or town - which comprises a network of tourism enterprises and organisations that show dedication to, and success in, maintaining a programme of sustainable tourism management at the destination level, incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects as well as multi-stakeholder engagement.
* Conservation Award: Open to any tourism business, organisation or attraction, including lodges, hotels, or tour operators, able to demonstrate that their tourism development and operations have made a tangible contribution to the conservation of natural heritage.
* Community Benefit Award: This award is for a tourism initiative that has effectively demonstrated direct benefits to local people, including capacity building, the transfer of industry skills, and support for community development.
* Global Tourism Business Award: Open to any large company from any sector of Travel & Tourism - cruise lines, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, etc - with at least 200 full-time employees and operating in more than one country or in more than one destination in a single country, this award recognises best practices in sustainable tourism at a large company level.
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are endorsed by WTTC Members, as well as other organisations and companies. They are organised in association with two Strategic Partners:Travelport and The Leading Travel Companies' Conservation Foundation. Other sponsors/supporters include: Adventures in Travel Expo, BEST Education Network, the Daily Telegraph, Friends of Nature, Rainforest Alliance, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Sustainable Travel International, Travesias, USA Today and the World Heritage Alliance.
For further information about the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards or for details on how to apply, please contact Susann Kruegel, Manager e-Strategy and Tourism for Tomorrow Awards at info@tourismfortomorrow.com or by phone on +44 (0) 20 7481 8007, or visit our website at www.tourismfortomorrow.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Presenters announced for conference on responsible tourism
On October 19th to the 23rd, 2009 the Third International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations will be carried out in Belmopan City, Belize. Delegates from all around the world will convene to witness, discuss, and share presentations and their professional hindsight on some pressing issues of the Global Tourism Industry.
Our list of presenters includes Dr. Harold Goodwin, ICRT-UK; Adama Bah ICRT-West Africa; Ron Mader, Planeta.com; Sharon Pererra, Protected Areas Conservation Trust; Guido Bauer, Green Globe International; Andrea Gough, World Heritage Alliance; Dr. Bill Eishbaum, World Wildlife Fund; Dr. Martha Honey, CESD; Dr. Robert Richardson, Michigan State University, and the list of respected experts in the Tourism and Sustainable Development field continues.
These panelists will be expounding on topics that include Tourism and Local Economic Development; Tourism Impacts on Climate Change; The Impacts of Cruise Tourism; Second Homes and Condominiums and their impact on local communities; Tourism Impacts on Marine and Coastal Zones; and Tourism Planning for Natural Disaster and Pandemics.
The Co-directors and team at ICRT-Belize and the country of Belize, invites all to visit and participate in this grand one-week event. For more information, please feel free to contact info@icrtbelize.org or abil@icrtbelize.org.
Our list of presenters includes Dr. Harold Goodwin, ICRT-UK; Adama Bah ICRT-West Africa; Ron Mader, Planeta.com; Sharon Pererra, Protected Areas Conservation Trust; Guido Bauer, Green Globe International; Andrea Gough, World Heritage Alliance; Dr. Bill Eishbaum, World Wildlife Fund; Dr. Martha Honey, CESD; Dr. Robert Richardson, Michigan State University, and the list of respected experts in the Tourism and Sustainable Development field continues.
These panelists will be expounding on topics that include Tourism and Local Economic Development; Tourism Impacts on Climate Change; The Impacts of Cruise Tourism; Second Homes and Condominiums and their impact on local communities; Tourism Impacts on Marine and Coastal Zones; and Tourism Planning for Natural Disaster and Pandemics.
The Co-directors and team at ICRT-Belize and the country of Belize, invites all to visit and participate in this grand one-week event. For more information, please feel free to contact info@icrtbelize.org or abil@icrtbelize.org.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Caribbean Airlines clears the air
PIARCO, Trinidad and Tobago – Caribbean Ailines CEO, Philip Saunders responds to statements made in the national media regarding Caribbean Airlines.
There are several points which we wish to clarify, Caribbean Airlines has made great progress in financial terms since its launch. In 2007, our financial statements illustrate that Caribbean Airlines exceeded our business plan objectives with a profit of USD $6.9 million before formation, structuring and transition costs. In 2008, we committed to delivering a break even position and in fact, achieved a net profit on a fully consolidated basis.
At present, the airline industry is facing the most challenging times in recent history and Caribbean Airlines has not been exempt from these negative effects. As a result, we are working hard to ensure that the company is able to return a profit for 2009 and shall continue to focus on growing passenger numbers, maximizing revenues and rigorously addressing our cost base.
On the basis of our highly competitive fares, industry-leading on-time performance and outstanding full service product, we are confident that we shall continue to build customer loyalty. We provided service for 1,642,998 customers in 2008 - compared to 849,298 in 2007 - and are well on the way to achieving our highest passenger numbers to date in 2009. It should also be pointed out that, inclusive of the London route, BWIA transported 1,198,396 passengers in 2004, 1,101,602 in 2005 and 961,311 in 2006. It is clear that Caribbean Airlines has become the carrier of choice to, from and within the Caribbean.
Our airline must continue on a path that makes economic sense if it is to function as a sustainable and profitable company. Given the current climate where even industry leaders such as Delta Airlines and British Airways are seriously challenged, we must ensure that all decisions – including any potential service to London – are accompanied by robust business cases which apply to our economic model.
Chief Executive Officer
There are several points which we wish to clarify, Caribbean Airlines has made great progress in financial terms since its launch. In 2007, our financial statements illustrate that Caribbean Airlines exceeded our business plan objectives with a profit of USD $6.9 million before formation, structuring and transition costs. In 2008, we committed to delivering a break even position and in fact, achieved a net profit on a fully consolidated basis.
At present, the airline industry is facing the most challenging times in recent history and Caribbean Airlines has not been exempt from these negative effects. As a result, we are working hard to ensure that the company is able to return a profit for 2009 and shall continue to focus on growing passenger numbers, maximizing revenues and rigorously addressing our cost base.
On the basis of our highly competitive fares, industry-leading on-time performance and outstanding full service product, we are confident that we shall continue to build customer loyalty. We provided service for 1,642,998 customers in 2008 - compared to 849,298 in 2007 - and are well on the way to achieving our highest passenger numbers to date in 2009. It should also be pointed out that, inclusive of the London route, BWIA transported 1,198,396 passengers in 2004, 1,101,602 in 2005 and 961,311 in 2006. It is clear that Caribbean Airlines has become the carrier of choice to, from and within the Caribbean.
Our airline must continue on a path that makes economic sense if it is to function as a sustainable and profitable company. Given the current climate where even industry leaders such as Delta Airlines and British Airways are seriously challenged, we must ensure that all decisions – including any potential service to London – are accompanied by robust business cases which apply to our economic model.
Chief Executive Officer
Friday, June 12, 2009
CTO honours Caribbean media
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) paid tribute to members of the U.S. and Caribbean media communities during a special Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 11 at the New Yorker Hotel as part of Caribbean Week in New York 2009 (www.onecaribbean.org). David Bear, former travel editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was honored with the afternoon’s grand prize of “Best in Show” for his newspaper article entitled “Casual Anguilla Harbors Miles of Superb Beaches.” Bear also took home the prize for “Best Feature Article in a Consumer Newspaper” for the same.
“The CTO Awards are a vitally important part of Caribbean Week in New York, serving as our annual recognition for the national media in both the United States and the Caribbean who have been positively advocating tourism to the Caribbean for so many years,” said Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). “Each year, we receive hundreds of superior submissions in every media category and it’s always a difficult decision to choose just one winner from each. This year was no exception."
Tourism officials, Caribbean tourism suppliers and the media were in attendance at the Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, where they recognized some of the leading journalists in the United States and Caribbean. Winners included:
* David Swanson, “Our Top 25 All Stars” in Caribbean Travel & Life – Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine (USA)
* Cheray O’Neal, “Home Away from Home” in Black Meetings & Tourism – Best Feature Article in a Trade Magazine (USA)
* James Schnepf, “The Golden Age of Nevis” in Caribbean Travel & Life – Best Photography (USA)
* Dana Popoff, “Feasting on Waves: Island Thyme” on Food Network – Best Broadcast Feature (USA)
* Michael Robinson, “Cockpit Country” in Sky Writings - Best Feature Article (Caribbean)
More than 100 submissions were received across six categories in print and broadcast media, in addition to the “Best in Show” winner which was chosen out of the six finalists.
Organized by CTO, Caribbean Week in New York brings together the most influential policy makers, marketing professionals and tourism industry officials to interact and discuss both tourism and investment opportunities in the region. It also serves to provide a taste of the Caribbean, to present vacation special offers, inspire travel and showcase the Region’s diversity to more than 10,000 attendees who participated in a number of targeted events hosted throughout the week including a Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, Media Marketplace, Caribbean Marketing Conference, Caribbean Treats: Food, Rum & Rhythm, Allied Members Awards Luncheon and Diaspora Workshop.
“The CTO Awards are a vitally important part of Caribbean Week in New York, serving as our annual recognition for the national media in both the United States and the Caribbean who have been positively advocating tourism to the Caribbean for so many years,” said Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). “Each year, we receive hundreds of superior submissions in every media category and it’s always a difficult decision to choose just one winner from each. This year was no exception."
Tourism officials, Caribbean tourism suppliers and the media were in attendance at the Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon, where they recognized some of the leading journalists in the United States and Caribbean. Winners included:
* David Swanson, “Our Top 25 All Stars” in Caribbean Travel & Life – Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine (USA)
* Cheray O’Neal, “Home Away from Home” in Black Meetings & Tourism – Best Feature Article in a Trade Magazine (USA)
* James Schnepf, “The Golden Age of Nevis” in Caribbean Travel & Life – Best Photography (USA)
* Dana Popoff, “Feasting on Waves: Island Thyme” on Food Network – Best Broadcast Feature (USA)
* Michael Robinson, “Cockpit Country” in Sky Writings - Best Feature Article (Caribbean)
More than 100 submissions were received across six categories in print and broadcast media, in addition to the “Best in Show” winner which was chosen out of the six finalists.
Organized by CTO, Caribbean Week in New York brings together the most influential policy makers, marketing professionals and tourism industry officials to interact and discuss both tourism and investment opportunities in the region. It also serves to provide a taste of the Caribbean, to present vacation special offers, inspire travel and showcase the Region’s diversity to more than 10,000 attendees who participated in a number of targeted events hosted throughout the week including a Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, Media Marketplace, Caribbean Marketing Conference, Caribbean Treats: Food, Rum & Rhythm, Allied Members Awards Luncheon and Diaspora Workshop.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
