The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

JANUARY 1, 2024

New day, new year, new hope

Welcome to 2024, a year of vibrant new beginnings and renewed hope!

As we embrace the first light of the sunrise, let us remember the promise of renewal and strength found in Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 

This majestic sunrise symbolizes the endless possibilities that await us in this new year. It’s a time to refresh our spirits, set new goals, and soar towards our dreams with faith, courage, and determination. 

Let us step into 2024 with optimism, ready to embrace each new day with the same brilliance and beauty as this awe-inspiring Caribbean dawn. 

Together, let’s embrace new beginnings and shape the path forward for our beautiful region.

Happy New Year!

Celebrating a legacy of innovation in Caribbean cruise tourism

Screenshot. To view video click HERE

CMEx honored FCCA CEO Michele Paige in Miami in early December.

Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), was honored with the 2023 CMEx Leadership Award at a ceremony in Miami last month.  Paige, whose illustrious career has spanned over five decades, is a revered figure in Caribbean cruise tourism. Under her leadership, the FCCA has flourished, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the cruise sector’s contribution not only to cruise lines but also to the destinations, communities, and people who create unforgettable experiences for cruise guests. After dedicating 17 years to various roles at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), she joined the FCCA in 1992 as its director of operations and communications before serving as executive director and president. Throughout her tenure, Paige has been instrumental in launching innovative programs and initiatives that have significantly impacted the cruise tourism landscape. From the annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show to the FCCA Foundationand various training programs and initiatives, her efforts have been central to the development of the sector. Paige’s life is a blend of professional dedication and personal joy, sharing her time between South Florida and Brooksville, Florida, surrounded by her family and beloved animals. Unfortunately, Paige was unable to attend the award ceremony in person. However, her reaction to this recognition and her enduring impact on Caribbean cruise tourism were vividly captured in the video clip above. In addition to Paige’s heartfelt response, Omari Breakenridge, the FCCA’s Director of Digital Strategy & Creative Services, shared remarks as he graciously received the award on her behalf.

Tourism leaders named top thinkers

Bermuda’s Jamari Douglas (left) and Donovan White of Jamaica

Two leading Caribbean tourism executives have been named by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) among the 2023 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds. They will be honored at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 13, 2024, at the New York Marriott Marquis. 

Jamari Douglas, Vice President Marketing, PR and Communications of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and Donovan White, Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, were named among the Top 25 thinkers for the year. 

The awards recognize exceptional Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution leaders in hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their achievements in the preceding 18 months. 

Selected by a panel of leading industry executives, the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are high achievers who stand out through their creativity, innovation and cutting-edge campaigns; triumph in challenging situations; and lead efforts that have resulted in dramatic gains.

Remembering DR Ambassador Hans Dannenberg

Ambassador Hans Dannenberg

We at CMEx and MPE mourn the passing of an indefatigable champion of the Caribbean, Ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, a star of the Dominican Republic’s diplomatic corps, and an early supporter of CMEx initiatives to forge closer links between the Spanish- and English-speaking Caribbean. 

Known as “the people’s ambassador” for his accessibility, Ambassador Dannenberg, with his superb negotiating skills, opened links between India – where he became Dean of the diplomatic corps – and the Caribbean. As ambassador to Moscow, he also facilitated increased tourism flows from Russia to the Dominican Republic. 

Ambassador Dannenberg died unexpectedly on December 23, 2023, in Montreal, Canada, where he was posted as the DR ambassador. 

Among his many accomplishments he will be fondly remembered by us for his kindness, his boundless generosity, and his ability to connect people and their diverse ideas and concepts across our region.

Quotable Caribbean

“As we reflect on love, giving and happiness – because that’s really what tourism is, tourism is a happy industry – we want you to be happy during this season. We want you to be safe, and we want you to take care of each other. So Merry Christmas and may 2024 bring you all the joys and glories that you deserve, but more importantly, to make you healthier and wealthier.” – Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica

PR trends in 2024

In the fast-paced world of public relations, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal, it’s a necessity. As we step into 2024, we find ourselves at the forefront of dynamic changes, with key trends reshaping the way the industry operates. 

One notable trend is the growing need for PR practitioners to offer unwavering support to journalists. Journalists continue to face challenges, handling broader beats and contending with reduced resources. In an era of information overload, we must become invaluable partners to journalists, offering well-researched insights, data and expert sources to streamline the storytelling process. 

The call for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is echoing louder in the PR landscape. As audiences become increasingly diverse, they expect the brands they support to reflect their values. PR teams must champion DEI initiatives, both in their communication strategies and within the organizations they represent. From inclusive language in news releases to showcasing diverse perspectives in media outreach, PR professionals play a pivotal role in advancing DEI within the industry.

The integration of technology continues to shape PR practices. From leveraging AI for data analysis to utilizing advanced communication tools, we must stay tech-savvy to remain effective. Technology streamlines processes, enhances targeting capabilities, and provides valuable insights for crafting more impactful campaigns.

As the PR landscape continues to evolve, PR professionals must adapt to stay relevant. By staying attuned to these shifts, we can navigate the challenges and seize opportunities.

Medical Moment

The American Medical Association (AMA) is offering the following recommendations to make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to your health in 2024 and beyond:

• Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health. Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

• Reduce your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Drink more water and replace processed foods with nutritious, whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.

• Get screened. Check with your physician to determine if you’re due for preventive care, tests, or screenings, and make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

• Know your blood pressure numbers and take the necessary steps to control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

• Take steps to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization or death.

• Consume alcohol in moderation – up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

• Talk with your doctor about tobacco and e-cigarette use (or vaping) and how to quit. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

• Follow your physician’s instructions if prescribed pain medication or antibiotics. If you are taking prescription opioids or other medications, always store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication.

• Manage stress. Good mental health is part of good overall health. Get sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), exercise and ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.

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