The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has announced the opening of fellowships and scholarships for its Fall session in an island to be announced.
In a press release, the organisation said the recognition and encouragement of young journalists was one of its major aims.
"With the stroke or two of their pens, reporters, editors and young people could secure scholarships and fellowships to attend "one of the most sought-after media gatherings in the Caribbean," the organisation said.
CMEx believes in the value of stronger working relationships between Caribbean countries and their overseas-based communities, a major focus of the 19th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism.
CMEx will examine ways of working with the Caribbean Diaspora communities to identify innovative strategies of recovering from the massive losses caused by domestic occurrences such as crime and civil unrest.
Additionally, the CMEx in the Fall will also be looking at how to use tourism to revive communities and rebuild economies after natural and man-made disasters.
The non-profit CMEx is finalizing the Caribbean venue for the next symposium which seeks to harness the energy and vigor of the media, young scholars, fellows and Diaspora leaders.
CMEx is an interactive networking forum that allows journalists and young leaders from the Caribbean, North America and Europe to interact with development specialists and representatives of the hospitality, civil society and government sectors.
Journalists and editors - and youth (aged 15 to 21) - can apply for a limited number of scholarships and fellowships. Scholarships cover airfare, accommodation and registration, while Fellowships cover accommodation and registration.
Application and General Registration Forms are available from the following links:
Media Awards Form:
Youth Awards Form:
General Delegate Form:
The deadline for awards applications is Friday, July 2, 2010.
General delegate registration is on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited.
Since 2001, the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has produced 18 conferences and symposia throughout the Caribbean and North America to underscore the value of the region's largest industry, tourism, in bettering the health, education, culture, environment and wealth of Caribbean communities, at home and abroad, in a climate friendly fashion.
The upcoming CMEx meeting is supported by Anse Chastanet Resort, Barbara Pyle Foundation, Bay Gardens Resorts, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust, Caribbean Broadcasting Union, CaribWorldNews, Coco Palm, Community Benefit Development, Jade Mountain, Marketplace Excellence, Ruder Finn, Sensible Development Corporation, and The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
New CD to benefit CTO Scholarship Foundation
NEW YORK, NY (June 14, 2010) – From chart toppers on both sides of the Atlantic to a Juno Award winner, some of the region’s most successful and vibrant artistes are contributing their talent for a Caribbean cause.
Kevin Lyttle (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) - whose hit song ‘Turn Me On’ reached # 4 on the U.S. charts and # 2 on the UK charts, while his self titled album reached # 8 in the U.S. and was RIAA certified Gold; Dollarman (Grenada) who is the featured artist on the songs ‘Rock this Party’ and ‘Soundz of Freedom’ - both reached # 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart; and Lazo (Dominica) who won a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Reggae Recording for ‘Heart and Soul, are among a number of respected Caribbean musicians featured on a new compilation CD entitled ‘Love the Music’.
The project is the result of a strategic partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Ryff Music, with part of the proceeds going to the CTO scholarship programme, the CTO Foundation.
Also included in the line up are: Singing Melody (Jamaica) whose single ‘Want You Back’, reached #3 on the New York Reggae Top 30 and #1 on the Star Top 40; Natural Black (Guyana) who has had several hits including ‘Far From Reality’ and ‘Nice It Nice’; Kamau Georges (British Virgin Islands) one of the BVI’s most talented artist and producers; KB (Bahamas) one of the Bahamas most popular artist; Dudley (Bermuda) whose song ‘Bermudian Gal’ was a big radio hit and still enjoys radio play on Bermuda’s Hot 107.5’s; Aloe Blacc (Panamanian) whose song ‘I Need a Dollar’ is the theme song for the HBO hit show ‘How to Make it in America’; and Fae Simon (Carriacou and Jamaica), the UK’s upcoming artist. Producers who contributed to the project include Albert ‘Dvo’ Desilva (Guyana), Herbert Alexander (USVI), Kamau George (BVI), Max Tannone (USA) and several other talented Caribbean musicians.
In addition to the 12 full length songs on the album, there will be a bonus ‘Love the Mix’ CD produced by DJ Chigga featuring a variety of local Caribbean artist who submit their music on-line at www.ryffmusic.com.
The project will be distributed through Redeye distribution, the leading independent distributor for both physical and digital music around the world. Their retailers in the U.S. include chains such as Best Buy, Borders, f.y.e. and independent stores throughout the country. Redeye also exports records to Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and provides a digital distribution service that delivers content to iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and many other digital music stores. Redeye currently distributes such labels as Daptone Records, Alive Records, Bella Union Records, Revelation Records and artist such as Widespread Panic, The Donnas, Sun Public Enemy and Au Revoir Simone.
The CD will be made available in stores and on-line during Caribbean Heritage Month this month, with a series of promotional activities taking place during Caribbean Week in New York.
Kevin Lyttle (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) - whose hit song ‘Turn Me On’ reached # 4 on the U.S. charts and # 2 on the UK charts, while his self titled album reached # 8 in the U.S. and was RIAA certified Gold; Dollarman (Grenada) who is the featured artist on the songs ‘Rock this Party’ and ‘Soundz of Freedom’ - both reached # 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart; and Lazo (Dominica) who won a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Reggae Recording for ‘Heart and Soul, are among a number of respected Caribbean musicians featured on a new compilation CD entitled ‘Love the Music’.
The project is the result of a strategic partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Ryff Music, with part of the proceeds going to the CTO scholarship programme, the CTO Foundation.
Also included in the line up are: Singing Melody (Jamaica) whose single ‘Want You Back’, reached #3 on the New York Reggae Top 30 and #1 on the Star Top 40; Natural Black (Guyana) who has had several hits including ‘Far From Reality’ and ‘Nice It Nice’; Kamau Georges (British Virgin Islands) one of the BVI’s most talented artist and producers; KB (Bahamas) one of the Bahamas most popular artist; Dudley (Bermuda) whose song ‘Bermudian Gal’ was a big radio hit and still enjoys radio play on Bermuda’s Hot 107.5’s; Aloe Blacc (Panamanian) whose song ‘I Need a Dollar’ is the theme song for the HBO hit show ‘How to Make it in America’; and Fae Simon (Carriacou and Jamaica), the UK’s upcoming artist. Producers who contributed to the project include Albert ‘Dvo’ Desilva (Guyana), Herbert Alexander (USVI), Kamau George (BVI), Max Tannone (USA) and several other talented Caribbean musicians.
In addition to the 12 full length songs on the album, there will be a bonus ‘Love the Mix’ CD produced by DJ Chigga featuring a variety of local Caribbean artist who submit their music on-line at www.ryffmusic.com.
The project will be distributed through Redeye distribution, the leading independent distributor for both physical and digital music around the world. Their retailers in the U.S. include chains such as Best Buy, Borders, f.y.e. and independent stores throughout the country. Redeye also exports records to Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and provides a digital distribution service that delivers content to iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and many other digital music stores. Redeye currently distributes such labels as Daptone Records, Alive Records, Bella Union Records, Revelation Records and artist such as Widespread Panic, The Donnas, Sun Public Enemy and Au Revoir Simone.
The CD will be made available in stores and on-line during Caribbean Heritage Month this month, with a series of promotional activities taking place during Caribbean Week in New York.
CTO 2010 Travel Writer/Photographer of the Year Awards announced
NEW YORK, NY (June 14, 2010) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) today announced the winners of its 2010 Travel Writer/ Photographer of the Year awards.
Peter Jon Lindberg of Travel + Leisure was the Writer of the Year winning the Best in Show award for his piece entitled ‘Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation.” Lindberg’s article was also voted Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine – USA. The award for Best Photography – USA went to Bob Friel of Caribbean Travel + Life for his ‘Nature Meets Nurture’ photograph of a waterfall in Dominica.
The various winners received their awards today at a luncheon attended by Ministers, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism and senior tourism officials. The CTO Chairman, Hon. John Maginley presented the ‘Best in Show’ award to Lindberg, while the CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley presented the remaining awards.
The CTO Travel Writer/ Photographer of the Year awards are part of the CTO Worldwide Travel Writer/Photographer Awards Programme and was created to reward writers and photographers for their excellence in covering Caribbean tourism.
The following are the award categories and winners:
Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine - USA
Peter Jon Lindberg
Travel + Leisure
“Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation”
Best Feature Article in a Consumer Newspaper
Michael Nassar
NY Daily News
“Ultimate Caribbean: The New Yorker’s Guide to the Best of the Islands”
Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication
Joe Pike
Travel Agent
“The New Jamaica”
Best Photography -USA
Bob Friel
Caribbean Travel + Life
“Nature Meets Nurture”
Best Feature - Caribbean Media
Felicia Persaud
CaribbeanWorldNews.com
“Rastafarian Turns St. Maarten Hillside into Organic Farm”
Best Feature Broadcast - USA
ABC
“Scrubbs”
“My Soul on Fire” filmed in the Bahamas
Best in Show
Peter Jon Lindberg
Travel + Leisure
“Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation”
Peter Jon Lindberg of Travel + Leisure was the Writer of the Year winning the Best in Show award for his piece entitled ‘Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation.” Lindberg’s article was also voted Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine – USA. The award for Best Photography – USA went to Bob Friel of Caribbean Travel + Life for his ‘Nature Meets Nurture’ photograph of a waterfall in Dominica.
The various winners received their awards today at a luncheon attended by Ministers, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism and senior tourism officials. The CTO Chairman, Hon. John Maginley presented the ‘Best in Show’ award to Lindberg, while the CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley presented the remaining awards.
The CTO Travel Writer/ Photographer of the Year awards are part of the CTO Worldwide Travel Writer/Photographer Awards Programme and was created to reward writers and photographers for their excellence in covering Caribbean tourism.
The following are the award categories and winners:
Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine - USA
Peter Jon Lindberg
Travel + Leisure
“Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation”
Best Feature Article in a Consumer Newspaper
Michael Nassar
NY Daily News
“Ultimate Caribbean: The New Yorker’s Guide to the Best of the Islands”
Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication
Joe Pike
Travel Agent
“The New Jamaica”
Best Photography -USA
Bob Friel
Caribbean Travel + Life
“Nature Meets Nurture”
Best Feature - Caribbean Media
Felicia Persaud
CaribbeanWorldNews.com
“Rastafarian Turns St. Maarten Hillside into Organic Farm”
Best Feature Broadcast - USA
ABC
“Scrubbs”
“My Soul on Fire” filmed in the Bahamas
Best in Show
Peter Jon Lindberg
Travel + Leisure
“Small Wonder: St. Lucia Redefines the Caribbean Vacation”
Monday, May 31, 2010
Meka Monitor...tracking top tourism news in the month of May
1. Not good for business: Jamaica loses over US$300m in tourism revenue in wake of civil unrest as police search for alleged drug dealer
2. Jamaica tourist board pulls promotional ads temporarily as unrest makes worldwide headlines
3. In a snap: Trinidad and Tobago celebrates a new government after former Prime Minister calls a snap election and his party suffers a massive loss. Rupert Griffith is the new tourism minister.
4. Can we exhale?: The new coalition government in the UK reviews Airport Tax Duty
5. Roll the dice: Jamaica legalises casinos
6. Moving on up: Cuba on its way to becoming the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean
7. Hello?: Tourism slump in the Caribbean results in low revenues for Cable and Wireless
8. Rolling out the samba mat: Barbados woos Brazilians
9. Better and bigger: Alan Chastanet, St Lucia's tourism and travel minister, promises the 20th anniversary of St Lucia Jazz in 2011 would be memorable.
10.Big plans: Martinique's new tourism minister Karine Roy-Camille aims to increase visitor arrivals to 600,000 from just over 400,000 a year.
2. Jamaica tourist board pulls promotional ads temporarily as unrest makes worldwide headlines
3. In a snap: Trinidad and Tobago celebrates a new government after former Prime Minister calls a snap election and his party suffers a massive loss. Rupert Griffith is the new tourism minister.
4. Can we exhale?: The new coalition government in the UK reviews Airport Tax Duty
5. Roll the dice: Jamaica legalises casinos
6. Moving on up: Cuba on its way to becoming the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean
7. Hello?: Tourism slump in the Caribbean results in low revenues for Cable and Wireless
8. Rolling out the samba mat: Barbados woos Brazilians
9. Better and bigger: Alan Chastanet, St Lucia's tourism and travel minister, promises the 20th anniversary of St Lucia Jazz in 2011 would be memorable.
10.Big plans: Martinique's new tourism minister Karine Roy-Camille aims to increase visitor arrivals to 600,000 from just over 400,000 a year.
Martinique is Best Caribbean Destination
Martinique was the runaway winner in the recent ”Best Caribbean Destination” poll conducted by About.com’s Caribbean Travel site. The Isle of Flowers was the preferred choice of 38 per cent of the 3,800 voters, outpacing second place finishers Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, each with 26 percent of the vote. Among the seven other finalists placing even further behind Martinique were such notables as Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun, Cozumel, etc.), Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda and St Maarten/St Martin.
Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau /CMT USA, commented on the survey results, stating: "This is a wonderful affirmation that our special brand of tourism product, characterised by intimate boutique hotels and emphasizing nature, a rich cultural heritage, romance, scuba diving and gastronomy is winning the hearts of US travelers.”
The About.com honour is the latest in a recent string of accolades for Martinique. In November 2009, Caribbean World Magazine named Martinique “Best Gourmet Island of the Year” for a second consecutive year. This followed an impressive win by Martinique in an October 2009 Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine survey asking readers to name their favorite Caribbean destination for delectable dining. Martinique garnered 43.3 per cent of the 807 votes cast over the course of the one-month survey period.
Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau /CMT USA, commented on the survey results, stating: "This is a wonderful affirmation that our special brand of tourism product, characterised by intimate boutique hotels and emphasizing nature, a rich cultural heritage, romance, scuba diving and gastronomy is winning the hearts of US travelers.”
The About.com honour is the latest in a recent string of accolades for Martinique. In November 2009, Caribbean World Magazine named Martinique “Best Gourmet Island of the Year” for a second consecutive year. This followed an impressive win by Martinique in an October 2009 Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine survey asking readers to name their favorite Caribbean destination for delectable dining. Martinique garnered 43.3 per cent of the 807 votes cast over the course of the one-month survey period.
Quoting the Caribbean
This was received in my inbox from Marketplace Excellence, a full service, integrated mass communications agency committed to introducing excellence in the fields of public relations, marketing and media coaching. It's called Quotable Caribbean.
"I regret the entire affair and it has been deeply painful for me, members of my family and you who have been hurt and disappointed; in hindsight, the party should never have been involved in the way that it did, and I should never have allowed it, but I must express responsibility for it and express my remorse to the nation." - Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica ... on The "Dudus" Affair. (CMC)
"When you can earn US$800,000 for playing six weeks in the IPL (Indian Premier League), why waste six years trying to earn that sort of money in Test cricket? ... If this isn't controlled properly, Test cricket will die." - Jamaican Michael Holding, West Indies fast bowling cricket legend. (Barbados Nation)
"I think what we're going to try to do is take the best of what we've had over the past 20 years. So it's actually to sit down and review this particular (jazz) festival (and) look at the things that worked very very well." - Senator Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Saint Lucia ... on plans for next year's 20th anniversary of Saint Lucia Jazz. (Barbados Nation)
"With the tremendous success of the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, both held in 2009, we know that Trinidad & Tobago has made an indelible mark on the international and regional business travel market." - Ernest Littles, President of the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
"There is an entire generation known as 'Generation Y' for whom the internet, mobile connectivity and on-demand content are essential ... and CSN (The Caribbean Streaming Network) will feed their insatiable appetite for digital content, by providing immediately available content on-the go. Our products and services are geared towards providing the consumer access to the vibrant cultures as well as the various business, hospitality and entertainment services that the Caribbean has to offer." - Barbadian Andrew Jemmott, Chairman and CEO of The Caribbean Streaming Network.
"The Jamaican and Trinidadian governments have to be commended for recognising that airlines are in fact aerial highways which not only bring tourism dollars into the country but also lift the region's goods and services to the global market. Like terrestrial road systems and bridges, airlines are aerial highways and are, therefore, an integral part of the infrastructure and worthy of direct and sustained government investment." - Lelei LeLaulu, Chair of the Leadership Council of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at The George Washington University's School of Business; and Vice President of Caribbean Media Exchange. (Trinidad Express)
"What kind of man would live where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all." - Charles A. Lindbergh, American aviator.
"I regret the entire affair and it has been deeply painful for me, members of my family and you who have been hurt and disappointed; in hindsight, the party should never have been involved in the way that it did, and I should never have allowed it, but I must express responsibility for it and express my remorse to the nation." - Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica ... on The "Dudus" Affair. (CMC)"When you can earn US$800,000 for playing six weeks in the IPL (Indian Premier League), why waste six years trying to earn that sort of money in Test cricket? ... If this isn't controlled properly, Test cricket will die." - Jamaican Michael Holding, West Indies fast bowling cricket legend. (Barbados Nation)
"I think what we're going to try to do is take the best of what we've had over the past 20 years. So it's actually to sit down and review this particular (jazz) festival (and) look at the things that worked very very well." - Senator Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Saint Lucia ... on plans for next year's 20th anniversary of Saint Lucia Jazz. (Barbados Nation)
"With the tremendous success of the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, both held in 2009, we know that Trinidad & Tobago has made an indelible mark on the international and regional business travel market." - Ernest Littles, President of the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
"There is an entire generation known as 'Generation Y' for whom the internet, mobile connectivity and on-demand content are essential ... and CSN (The Caribbean Streaming Network) will feed their insatiable appetite for digital content, by providing immediately available content on-the go. Our products and services are geared towards providing the consumer access to the vibrant cultures as well as the various business, hospitality and entertainment services that the Caribbean has to offer." - Barbadian Andrew Jemmott, Chairman and CEO of The Caribbean Streaming Network.
"The Jamaican and Trinidadian governments have to be commended for recognising that airlines are in fact aerial highways which not only bring tourism dollars into the country but also lift the region's goods and services to the global market. Like terrestrial road systems and bridges, airlines are aerial highways and are, therefore, an integral part of the infrastructure and worthy of direct and sustained government investment." - Lelei LeLaulu, Chair of the Leadership Council of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at The George Washington University's School of Business; and Vice President of Caribbean Media Exchange. (Trinidad Express)
"What kind of man would live where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all." - Charles A. Lindbergh, American aviator.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Caribbean tourism betting on casinos
As I tweeted about the passing of the casino gambling bill in Jamaica earlier this week, I wondered how much of an impact casinos really have on tourism. Tourism, was, after all, one of the reasons given for the introduction of the bill which has been undergoing debate for almost a year.
Senator Arthur Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, reminded Jamaicans that the Casino Act 2010 would expand their tourism product, increase earnings, generate employment and increase tax revenues. In short, it would provide a much needed economic boon.
Instead of allowing the wanton establishment of casinos all over the island, the Act cleverly allows casinos in the context of luxury integrated resort developments, of which casino gaming will be but one component. It is expected that these resorts will also provide other tourist attractions such as shopping, sports and service centres. The Act states that casino gaming should be no more than 20 per cent of the total investment in any such approved resort.
Casinos are not new to the Caribbean; islands such as the Bahamas, which is facing a challenge from the US where more and more states are legalising gaming, has had a long-established relationship with casinos.
However, in recent times, it seems more islands are latching on to the idea of gambling as a tourism revenue earner, possibly as a response to the drop in tourist arrivals experienced last year.
Guyana, for one, welcomed its first in-house casino in March when the Princess Hotel opened theirs under legislation which states that the issuance of casino premises licenses will be granted only to a new hotel or resort complex which has a minimum of 150 rooms allocated for accommodation.
President Bharath Jagdeo, who apparently finds gambling distasteful, said his government is allowing it as a way for investors in the hotel business to accelerate their profitability. He also said the number of casinos in the country will be limited and they will be strictly monitored.
Barbados, which my Internet research shows has only one casino, is currently working on legislation to allow cruise ships to open their casinos while docked on the island. This is all part of the government's attempt to develop the island's cruise tourism and a task force has been set up to look at how they could improve in that area.
So are all these countries on the right track in choosing casino gambling as a boost to their tourism product?
Moral and spiritual arguments aside, casino gambling can serve to help with the development of the tourism industry.
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes explored this topic in a research paper on the question: How can casino gaming be used to maximise the benefits for tourism destinations?
The authors, Ki-Joon Back and John Bowen, argued that "casinos that target tourists maximise the benefits to their region's citizens and minimise gaming's negative effects. Las Vegas' transformation from a gaming destination into a meeting destination with gaming provides evidence of how gaming can support tourism."
They said a well-managed gaming operation, which provides a good value proposition to its target market, with fair government regulations and taxation, can produce good income. "We believe that a positive use of this income is to create amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment, and spas that can be used as a catalyst to attract both business tourism, in the form of meetings, and leisure tourism. These amenities can become profit centers in themselves; so, once created, they also provide a return on their investment."
Senator Arthur Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, reminded Jamaicans that the Casino Act 2010 would expand their tourism product, increase earnings, generate employment and increase tax revenues. In short, it would provide a much needed economic boon.
Instead of allowing the wanton establishment of casinos all over the island, the Act cleverly allows casinos in the context of luxury integrated resort developments, of which casino gaming will be but one component. It is expected that these resorts will also provide other tourist attractions such as shopping, sports and service centres. The Act states that casino gaming should be no more than 20 per cent of the total investment in any such approved resort.
Casinos are not new to the Caribbean; islands such as the Bahamas, which is facing a challenge from the US where more and more states are legalising gaming, has had a long-established relationship with casinos.
However, in recent times, it seems more islands are latching on to the idea of gambling as a tourism revenue earner, possibly as a response to the drop in tourist arrivals experienced last year.
Guyana, for one, welcomed its first in-house casino in March when the Princess Hotel opened theirs under legislation which states that the issuance of casino premises licenses will be granted only to a new hotel or resort complex which has a minimum of 150 rooms allocated for accommodation.
President Bharath Jagdeo, who apparently finds gambling distasteful, said his government is allowing it as a way for investors in the hotel business to accelerate their profitability. He also said the number of casinos in the country will be limited and they will be strictly monitored.
Barbados, which my Internet research shows has only one casino, is currently working on legislation to allow cruise ships to open their casinos while docked on the island. This is all part of the government's attempt to develop the island's cruise tourism and a task force has been set up to look at how they could improve in that area.
So are all these countries on the right track in choosing casino gambling as a boost to their tourism product?
Moral and spiritual arguments aside, casino gambling can serve to help with the development of the tourism industry.
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes explored this topic in a research paper on the question: How can casino gaming be used to maximise the benefits for tourism destinations?
The authors, Ki-Joon Back and John Bowen, argued that "casinos that target tourists maximise the benefits to their region's citizens and minimise gaming's negative effects. Las Vegas' transformation from a gaming destination into a meeting destination with gaming provides evidence of how gaming can support tourism."
They said a well-managed gaming operation, which provides a good value proposition to its target market, with fair government regulations and taxation, can produce good income. "We believe that a positive use of this income is to create amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment, and spas that can be used as a catalyst to attract both business tourism, in the form of meetings, and leisure tourism. These amenities can become profit centers in themselves; so, once created, they also provide a return on their investment."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Meka Monitor...tracking top tourism news in the month of April
From today we are introducing the Meka Monitor which looks back at the top happenings in the region that impacts on tourism. We start with a retrospective on the month of April.
1.Two becomes one: Caribbean Airlines take over of Air Jamaica announced to become official on May 1. CAL chairman Arthur Lok Jack said the Trinidad government will pump $50 millioninto the deal.
2.Not good for business: Fifteen named storms expected in above average Hurricane season.
3.Great news! New report showed decline in Caribbean arrivals slowed at end of 2009 and is likely to improve in 2010.
4.Caribbean's gain: Volcanic ash grounded air traffic in Europe and helps boost tourism as tourists are stranded in the Caribbean
5.Improving service: Tourism ministers urged LIAT to improve its service. Read More Here
6.Pure beauty: Islands Magazine named Dominica the second most pure country
7.To market, to market Mon: Jamaica announced as venue for Caribbean Marketplace in 2011.
8.Best advertisement: The Bahamas got awesome props in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too which premiered earlier in April. Read about the benefits to the island here
9.Keeping ahead of the competition: Jamaica's tourism minister outlined plansto keep Jamaican tourism as the leader in the Caribbean
10.No laurel resting here: St Kitt's tourism stakeholders meet to strategise on enhancing their tourism product.
1.Two becomes one: Caribbean Airlines take over of Air Jamaica announced to become official on May 1. CAL chairman Arthur Lok Jack said the Trinidad government will pump $50 millioninto the deal.
2.Not good for business: Fifteen named storms expected in above average Hurricane season.
3.Great news! New report showed decline in Caribbean arrivals slowed at end of 2009 and is likely to improve in 2010.
4.Caribbean's gain: Volcanic ash grounded air traffic in Europe and helps boost tourism as tourists are stranded in the Caribbean
5.Improving service: Tourism ministers urged LIAT to improve its service. Read More Here
6.Pure beauty: Islands Magazine named Dominica the second most pure country
7.To market, to market Mon: Jamaica announced as venue for Caribbean Marketplace in 2011.
8.Best advertisement: The Bahamas got awesome props in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too which premiered earlier in April. Read about the benefits to the island here
9.Keeping ahead of the competition: Jamaica's tourism minister outlined plansto keep Jamaican tourism as the leader in the Caribbean
10.No laurel resting here: St Kitt's tourism stakeholders meet to strategise on enhancing their tourism product.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Is the Caribbean ready to deal with a major earthquake
There was a 3.9 earthquake in the Gulf of Paria today. The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre located in St Augustine, Trinidad, said the earthquake was felt in the Central part of Trinidad.
Though a minor event, the news of the tremor will do nothing to ease an already unsettled Caribbean populace, now earthquake wary after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti back in January, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands a few days later and the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile a few weeks ago.
Located in the Hurricane belt, the Caribbean, especially those islands that get battered every year, are pretty prepared for the Hurricane season.
The specter of more earthquakes in the future raises the important question of how ready the Caribbean is to handle large magnitude tremors including any resultant Tsunamis. Currently, there are no Tsunami warning systems in the Caribbean but according to the The Caribbean Disaster Management Agency a multinational, multiagency initiative to establish a program for reducing the risk to various coastal hazards in the Caribbean and adjacent regions (Central and South American countries along the Caribbean Basin) is underway but it may be several years before this is complete.
Following the earthquake in Chile, many were quick to point out that a major reason for a smaller scale of destruction was due to the country's stronger building codes, as compared to Haiti, where practically none existed and there was little to no planning for the construction of houses.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there has been a call for the establishment of formal building codes and warnings that the islands could face similar damage to Haiti if a major earthquake strikes.
The blow the region's fragile tourism industry could face if more major earthquakes strike is obvious. One just has to look at Haiti that was just getting its tourism legs back. Many of its major hotels have been damaged and airlines canceled flights.
The good news is that Caribbean governments have been shocked into action with organisations such as the Association of Caribbean States rallying Governments to implement early warning systems and other measures to reduce widespread destruction in the event of a major natural disaster.
We can only pray some of these measures are put into place before another large-scale disaster strikes.
Though a minor event, the news of the tremor will do nothing to ease an already unsettled Caribbean populace, now earthquake wary after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti back in January, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands a few days later and the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile a few weeks ago.
Located in the Hurricane belt, the Caribbean, especially those islands that get battered every year, are pretty prepared for the Hurricane season.
The specter of more earthquakes in the future raises the important question of how ready the Caribbean is to handle large magnitude tremors including any resultant Tsunamis. Currently, there are no Tsunami warning systems in the Caribbean but according to the The Caribbean Disaster Management Agency a multinational, multiagency initiative to establish a program for reducing the risk to various coastal hazards in the Caribbean and adjacent regions (Central and South American countries along the Caribbean Basin) is underway but it may be several years before this is complete.
Following the earthquake in Chile, many were quick to point out that a major reason for a smaller scale of destruction was due to the country's stronger building codes, as compared to Haiti, where practically none existed and there was little to no planning for the construction of houses.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there has been a call for the establishment of formal building codes and warnings that the islands could face similar damage to Haiti if a major earthquake strikes.
The blow the region's fragile tourism industry could face if more major earthquakes strike is obvious. One just has to look at Haiti that was just getting its tourism legs back. Many of its major hotels have been damaged and airlines canceled flights.
The good news is that Caribbean governments have been shocked into action with organisations such as the Association of Caribbean States rallying Governments to implement early warning systems and other measures to reduce widespread destruction in the event of a major natural disaster.
We can only pray some of these measures are put into place before another large-scale disaster strikes.
St Kitt's luxury real estate market gets boost from Ocean's Edge Resorts
Ocean's Edge Resort in St Kitts recently celebrated the completion of its first villa.
Located 180 feet above sea level, this 4,500 square-foot luxury villa includes three bedrooms plus a guest house pavilion and a 25 foot long infinity edge pool. The villa, with its three terraces, offers spectacular views to the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, the Royal St Kitts Golf Course and St Kitts’ lush landscape of mountains and rainforest.
Robert Scott, Regional Director at Ocean’s Edge described the completion of the villa as an exciting milestone. "we are proud to have completed and handed over the finished product to our esteemed villa owners. The vision is now a reality, and we are thrilled."
Ocean’s Edge, located on the Eastern side of the island overlooking frigate bay, is a resort development with plans for 190 condominiums and 32 villa lots for bespoke villas. To date, of the 15 villa plots currently released for sale, nine have been sold with construction of four villas currently underway and commencement of a further two villas set to begin shortly.
Clients with an interest in purchasing property can participate in a three-night subsidized inspection trip to experience St Kitts and Ocean’s Edge first hand. For more information on Ocean’s Edge Resort please email info@oceansedgestkitts.com or visit www.oceansedgestkitts.com
Located 180 feet above sea level, this 4,500 square-foot luxury villa includes three bedrooms plus a guest house pavilion and a 25 foot long infinity edge pool. The villa, with its three terraces, offers spectacular views to the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, the Royal St Kitts Golf Course and St Kitts’ lush landscape of mountains and rainforest.
Robert Scott, Regional Director at Ocean’s Edge described the completion of the villa as an exciting milestone. "we are proud to have completed and handed over the finished product to our esteemed villa owners. The vision is now a reality, and we are thrilled."
Ocean’s Edge, located on the Eastern side of the island overlooking frigate bay, is a resort development with plans for 190 condominiums and 32 villa lots for bespoke villas. To date, of the 15 villa plots currently released for sale, nine have been sold with construction of four villas currently underway and commencement of a further two villas set to begin shortly.
Clients with an interest in purchasing property can participate in a three-night subsidized inspection trip to experience St Kitts and Ocean’s Edge first hand. For more information on Ocean’s Edge Resort please email info@oceansedgestkitts.com or visit www.oceansedgestkitts.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
New blogsite showcases lesser known islands in the Caribbean
UncommonCaribbean.com, a new blogsite designed to promote travel to the Caribbean by spotlighting the region’s lesser-known charms, celebrates its official launch today. The site is the brainchild of two brothers from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – Steve Bennett (38), a public relations executive with nearly 20 years of experience in Caribbean travel and tourism marketing, and his brother Patrick Bennett (34), a New York-based advertising creative director with such notable clients as Samsung, Kraft, Six Flags, and Verizon on his resume.
Uncommon Caribbean features a bright, clean design with subtle hints of a treasure map motif in line with the site’s mission to introduce readers to the Caribbean’s “undiscovered” charms. New copy content is added to the site each weekday covering a wide range of topics – gastronomy and spirits, vacation deals, photography, nightlife, resorts, personalities and more – in brief, easy-to-read lengths.
Steve commented on the site, saying: “Uncommon Caribbean is a labor of love for us that we hope entertains and inspires people to get out and explore new and different elements of the region that perhaps they’ve never tried in the past, or ever even heard about.”
Patrick added: “To me, the best travel experiences come from really delving into a foreign culture and experiencing it first hand. Helping people figure out how to do this in the Caribbean is really at the heart of what we’re trying to accomplish with the site.”
For more information about Uncommon Caribbean, please visit www.uncommoncaribbean.com.
Uncommon Caribbean features a bright, clean design with subtle hints of a treasure map motif in line with the site’s mission to introduce readers to the Caribbean’s “undiscovered” charms. New copy content is added to the site each weekday covering a wide range of topics – gastronomy and spirits, vacation deals, photography, nightlife, resorts, personalities and more – in brief, easy-to-read lengths.
Steve commented on the site, saying: “Uncommon Caribbean is a labor of love for us that we hope entertains and inspires people to get out and explore new and different elements of the region that perhaps they’ve never tried in the past, or ever even heard about.”
Patrick added: “To me, the best travel experiences come from really delving into a foreign culture and experiencing it first hand. Helping people figure out how to do this in the Caribbean is really at the heart of what we’re trying to accomplish with the site.”
For more information about Uncommon Caribbean, please visit www.uncommoncaribbean.com.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
New report looks at what American tourists want
A new report from Tourism Intelligence International entitled “How Americans Will Travel 2015”, predicts that Americans will want more than just Sun, Sand and Sea on their holidays. They will increasingly look for Culture and Content when making their travel plans. This has important implications for destinations seeking to attract North American travellers, particularly Caribbean islands where most two-thirds (63.4%) of all arrivals are from the North America. In fact, North Americans accounts for more than 90% of inbound arrivals to the Bahamas; 78% for Jamaica; 56% Trinidad and Tobago; 46% for St. Lucia and 35% for Barbados.
Dr. Auliana Poon, Managing Director of Tourism Intelligence International and author of “How Americans will Travel 2015” argues that the “Creative Class” of American Travellers is not simply looking to bask in the sun and get sun burnt. They want to experience the culture of a place they visit; they what to know about the content or “goodness” of a product before they buy it.
For Americans, taking part in activities of a cultural nature while on holiday is growing. More than half (51%) of the 40 million Americans travelling abroad visit historical places; almost one-third (32%) visit cultural heritage sites; and one-quarter (25%) went to an art gallery or museum, according to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. Americans’ interest in culture is definitely on the increase. And not just for the big-ticket mega events. North Americans are also keenly interested in small local events such as the Fish Fry at Oistins (Barbados), Anse La Ray (St Lucia), and Gouyave (Grenada); small rum shops and bars in local communities and villages such as Smokey and Buntey in St. James, Trinidad. Also on the increase is demand for cultural events at local communities in which visitors participate and blend in with locals (rather than events put on just for the visitors and where they are in the majority and are onlookers rather than participants). Events such as the Heritage Festival and Goat Race in Tobago; Divali and Pagwa in Trinidad, not to mention Trinidad Carnival itself, can be clear winners among the ‘Creative Class’ of North Americas.
“How Americans Will Travel 2015” points to the growth in participation of the ‘Creative Class’ also known as the Bourgeoisie Bohemians (Bobos), for whom intrinsic values and content are important considerations in their travel decisions. In terms of their attitude to food, they are not simply interested in drinking orange juice. They want to know whether the juice is freshly squeezed; is it genetically engineered; is it organically grown; what is the carbon footprint associated with getting the orange juice to them; and are the farmers who produce them fairly paid? They are not just interested in the product, but where it comes from as well as in its intrinsic values and content.
Similarly, with regard to holidays, the diverse and individualistic lifestyles of the Creative Class involve active participation and experiential activities that are multidimensional. They enjoy the ‘Street Level Culture’, considered as a “teeming blend of cafes, sidewalk musicians, and small galleries and bistros, where it is hard to draw the line between participant and observer, or between creativity and its creators”. Members of the Creative Class enjoy unique experiences and they would rather be a participant rather than a spectator. They want activities that manage to appeal to their sense of status and self-improvement at the same time.
These findings suggest that the Caribbean cannot continue to compete on sun, sand and sea alone. Culture and Content will need to be added to the tourism offer in order for Caribbean islands to stay competitive in the changing North American market.
The US continues to be an important travel market. In terms of spending, the USA is the most important outbound market in the world. More than 40 million Americans travel abroad, accounting for 63.5 million trips. US travellers abroad spent US$118 billion, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This makes the US the largest travel market in terms of expenditure and the second largest market in terms of outbound arrivals.
At the same time, US travel market has been under tremendous pressure – from war, terrorism and recession to fear, falling house prices, falling income levels, and rising unemployment. This has had a negative impact on US outbound travel with consequent declines in travel. Analysts predicted that Americans will spend as much as US$30 billion less on leisure trips in spring and summer of 2009
Dr. Auliana Poon asserts, however, that Americans are trading down but not out – they are travelling closer to home; staying away from home for shorter periods; using less expensive accommodation; but they are travelling. In addition, with the ‘Obama Effect’, Americans are more hopeful, less fearful and pent up desires will cause a major boom in travel with the emerging upswing. Indeed, many stressed out Americans, who postponed or reduced travel because of the recession, would take advantage of the new growth in the economy to take a much-deserved vacation.
Despite the challenges, Tourism Intelligence International predicts that US outbound to international destinations (excluding Canada and Mexico) will continue to increase to 2015, reaching 32.88 million by the year 2015, up from 30.79 million in 2008. This represents an average rate of a mere 1% per annum. However, some destinations and regions are expected to perform better than others.
Critically, Tourism Intelligence International forecasts reveal that American arrivals to the Caribbean will continue to decline to the year 2015. The decline is expected to be in the vicinity of almost 8% between 2008 and 2015. This represents an average decline of 1.2 percent per annum.
To win in this changing American market and regain market share, Caribbean tourism destinations should look beyond the numbers to the fundamental demographic and psychographic shifts taking place among North Americans, particularly the rise of the ‘Creative Class’. Focus on Culture and Content of holiday offerings will be key.
This volume will equip any travel and tourism provider with over 25 key strategies to attract the different types of American travellers, including the creative class and other generations of American travellers.
How Americans will Travel 2015 – Everything you need to know about the American and Canadian travel Markets – is available only from Tourism Intelligence International. Find out how the Americans will travel in the next five years? What have been the effects of the Global Economic Recession? What are the key drivers that affect the market? What strategies your company can adopt in successfully targeting the North American travel market?
If there is one report that you should read this year to enable you to win in this market, it is “How the Americans Will Travel 2015”. This 350-page report – published by Tourism Intelligence International, Trinidad – highlights the latest trends, data and essential information to fully understand the North American travel market over the next five years. The report, priced at €1,299 is presented in a clear and concise format supported by over 200 tables and graphs. The Executive Brief is available at €499 and individual chapters are priced at €199 each. Multi user electronic copies are also available.
“How Americans Will Travel 2015” will be presented at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday 10th March 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Auliana Poon, Managing Director of Tourism Intelligence International and author of “How Americans will Travel 2015” argues that the “Creative Class” of American Travellers is not simply looking to bask in the sun and get sun burnt. They want to experience the culture of a place they visit; they what to know about the content or “goodness” of a product before they buy it.
For Americans, taking part in activities of a cultural nature while on holiday is growing. More than half (51%) of the 40 million Americans travelling abroad visit historical places; almost one-third (32%) visit cultural heritage sites; and one-quarter (25%) went to an art gallery or museum, according to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. Americans’ interest in culture is definitely on the increase. And not just for the big-ticket mega events. North Americans are also keenly interested in small local events such as the Fish Fry at Oistins (Barbados), Anse La Ray (St Lucia), and Gouyave (Grenada); small rum shops and bars in local communities and villages such as Smokey and Buntey in St. James, Trinidad. Also on the increase is demand for cultural events at local communities in which visitors participate and blend in with locals (rather than events put on just for the visitors and where they are in the majority and are onlookers rather than participants). Events such as the Heritage Festival and Goat Race in Tobago; Divali and Pagwa in Trinidad, not to mention Trinidad Carnival itself, can be clear winners among the ‘Creative Class’ of North Americas.
“How Americans Will Travel 2015” points to the growth in participation of the ‘Creative Class’ also known as the Bourgeoisie Bohemians (Bobos), for whom intrinsic values and content are important considerations in their travel decisions. In terms of their attitude to food, they are not simply interested in drinking orange juice. They want to know whether the juice is freshly squeezed; is it genetically engineered; is it organically grown; what is the carbon footprint associated with getting the orange juice to them; and are the farmers who produce them fairly paid? They are not just interested in the product, but where it comes from as well as in its intrinsic values and content.
Similarly, with regard to holidays, the diverse and individualistic lifestyles of the Creative Class involve active participation and experiential activities that are multidimensional. They enjoy the ‘Street Level Culture’, considered as a “teeming blend of cafes, sidewalk musicians, and small galleries and bistros, where it is hard to draw the line between participant and observer, or between creativity and its creators”. Members of the Creative Class enjoy unique experiences and they would rather be a participant rather than a spectator. They want activities that manage to appeal to their sense of status and self-improvement at the same time.
These findings suggest that the Caribbean cannot continue to compete on sun, sand and sea alone. Culture and Content will need to be added to the tourism offer in order for Caribbean islands to stay competitive in the changing North American market.
The US continues to be an important travel market. In terms of spending, the USA is the most important outbound market in the world. More than 40 million Americans travel abroad, accounting for 63.5 million trips. US travellers abroad spent US$118 billion, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This makes the US the largest travel market in terms of expenditure and the second largest market in terms of outbound arrivals.
At the same time, US travel market has been under tremendous pressure – from war, terrorism and recession to fear, falling house prices, falling income levels, and rising unemployment. This has had a negative impact on US outbound travel with consequent declines in travel. Analysts predicted that Americans will spend as much as US$30 billion less on leisure trips in spring and summer of 2009
Dr. Auliana Poon asserts, however, that Americans are trading down but not out – they are travelling closer to home; staying away from home for shorter periods; using less expensive accommodation; but they are travelling. In addition, with the ‘Obama Effect’, Americans are more hopeful, less fearful and pent up desires will cause a major boom in travel with the emerging upswing. Indeed, many stressed out Americans, who postponed or reduced travel because of the recession, would take advantage of the new growth in the economy to take a much-deserved vacation.
Despite the challenges, Tourism Intelligence International predicts that US outbound to international destinations (excluding Canada and Mexico) will continue to increase to 2015, reaching 32.88 million by the year 2015, up from 30.79 million in 2008. This represents an average rate of a mere 1% per annum. However, some destinations and regions are expected to perform better than others.
Critically, Tourism Intelligence International forecasts reveal that American arrivals to the Caribbean will continue to decline to the year 2015. The decline is expected to be in the vicinity of almost 8% between 2008 and 2015. This represents an average decline of 1.2 percent per annum.
To win in this changing American market and regain market share, Caribbean tourism destinations should look beyond the numbers to the fundamental demographic and psychographic shifts taking place among North Americans, particularly the rise of the ‘Creative Class’. Focus on Culture and Content of holiday offerings will be key.
This volume will equip any travel and tourism provider with over 25 key strategies to attract the different types of American travellers, including the creative class and other generations of American travellers.
How Americans will Travel 2015 – Everything you need to know about the American and Canadian travel Markets – is available only from Tourism Intelligence International. Find out how the Americans will travel in the next five years? What have been the effects of the Global Economic Recession? What are the key drivers that affect the market? What strategies your company can adopt in successfully targeting the North American travel market?
If there is one report that you should read this year to enable you to win in this market, it is “How the Americans Will Travel 2015”. This 350-page report – published by Tourism Intelligence International, Trinidad – highlights the latest trends, data and essential information to fully understand the North American travel market over the next five years. The report, priced at €1,299 is presented in a clear and concise format supported by over 200 tables and graphs. The Executive Brief is available at €499 and individual chapters are priced at €199 each. Multi user electronic copies are also available.
“How Americans Will Travel 2015” will be presented at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday 10th March 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
CMEx wants Caribbean tourism to help Haiti recover
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (January 14, 2010) - The Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx), which promotes sustainable tourism development among media practitioners and industry tourism stakeholders, believes that this week's deadly earthquake in Port-au-Prince is an opportunity for Caribbean countries to find innovative ways to help the survivors put their lives back together.
"The richer countries and international organizations are best equipped to deal with the urgent need for cash, medicines and earth-moving machinery," but CMEx director Lelei LeLaulu urged the "family of Caribbean nations to use their strengths to help Haiti re-build a stronger nation driven by a dynamic and resilient economy."
"The strength of the Caribbean is centered on tourism so the region should look for ways of using tourism to feed resources not only to the devastated areas, but also to communities in other parts of Haiti," he added.
"Effective recovery requires helping all parts of the country," opined LeLaulu, who recalled "Haiti was already suffering from an economic catastrophe before the earthquake leveled its capital. This is a golden opportunity for the region to step up and ensure its stricken sister nation is able to rise and to be an equal partner in the Caribbean community of nations."
The earthquake hit just as Haiti was starting to emerge from lawlessness and other social problems, and was beginning to attract visitors. Hotel groups like Choice Hotels International were preparing to add new properties on the island.
The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to avoid travel to Haiti but the CMEx director strongly suggested "everybody should make future plans to travel to Haiti, not to get in the way of relief and reconstruction efforts, but to spend their tourist dollars in ways which help people and their communities ensure the recovery is a lasting one. The rich cultural heritage will make it an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to Haiti."
Dr. Basil Springer, a CMEx founder and director declared, "Haiti's crisis provides an opportunity to lay a strong foundation on which to reduce the wealth divide; the regional and international travel and tourism community must also help to restore the glory of a nation to which we as Caribbean people will always be indebted in the struggle for independence.We must all urgently rally around and support the Haitian people in their thrust for socio-economic independence. Today, we are all Haitian."
"And, this is not a new nation - Haiti is the first independent black republic and indeed the second independent state in the Americas," he asserted.
CMEx provides a neutral platform for the continuing discussion of the key linkages between media, government, private sector and civil society in ensuring tourism enhances the health, environment, education, culture, and wealth of destinations in a climate-friendly fashion.
"The richer countries and international organizations are best equipped to deal with the urgent need for cash, medicines and earth-moving machinery," but CMEx director Lelei LeLaulu urged the "family of Caribbean nations to use their strengths to help Haiti re-build a stronger nation driven by a dynamic and resilient economy."
"The strength of the Caribbean is centered on tourism so the region should look for ways of using tourism to feed resources not only to the devastated areas, but also to communities in other parts of Haiti," he added.
"Effective recovery requires helping all parts of the country," opined LeLaulu, who recalled "Haiti was already suffering from an economic catastrophe before the earthquake leveled its capital. This is a golden opportunity for the region to step up and ensure its stricken sister nation is able to rise and to be an equal partner in the Caribbean community of nations."
The earthquake hit just as Haiti was starting to emerge from lawlessness and other social problems, and was beginning to attract visitors. Hotel groups like Choice Hotels International were preparing to add new properties on the island.
The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to avoid travel to Haiti but the CMEx director strongly suggested "everybody should make future plans to travel to Haiti, not to get in the way of relief and reconstruction efforts, but to spend their tourist dollars in ways which help people and their communities ensure the recovery is a lasting one. The rich cultural heritage will make it an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to Haiti."
Dr. Basil Springer, a CMEx founder and director declared, "Haiti's crisis provides an opportunity to lay a strong foundation on which to reduce the wealth divide; the regional and international travel and tourism community must also help to restore the glory of a nation to which we as Caribbean people will always be indebted in the struggle for independence.We must all urgently rally around and support the Haitian people in their thrust for socio-economic independence. Today, we are all Haitian."
"And, this is not a new nation - Haiti is the first independent black republic and indeed the second independent state in the Americas," he asserted.
CMEx provides a neutral platform for the continuing discussion of the key linkages between media, government, private sector and civil society in ensuring tourism enhances the health, environment, education, culture, and wealth of destinations in a climate-friendly fashion.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
CTO responds to disaster in Haiti
STATEMENT BY THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION ON EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday. Our prayers are with the People of Haiti, all of whom must be deeply touched in one way or another by this tragedy.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and to those who are grieving their loss.
It is evident that in the aftermath of this terrible disaster the challenge is to alleviate the suffering. We at the CTO and throughout our member countries in the Caribbean will be doing whatever is necessary to offer financial and other assistance and to coordinate relief efforts in the days and weeks ahead. We know that with the support of friends around the world, the strength and resolve of the Haitians themselves will prevail.
John Maginley, MP
Chairman
Council of Ministers and Commissioners
Caribbean Tourism Organization
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday. Our prayers are with the People of Haiti, all of whom must be deeply touched in one way or another by this tragedy.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives and to those who are grieving their loss.
It is evident that in the aftermath of this terrible disaster the challenge is to alleviate the suffering. We at the CTO and throughout our member countries in the Caribbean will be doing whatever is necessary to offer financial and other assistance and to coordinate relief efforts in the days and weeks ahead. We know that with the support of friends around the world, the strength and resolve of the Haitians themselves will prevail.
John Maginley, MP
Chairman
Council of Ministers and Commissioners
Caribbean Tourism Organization
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