MPE CARIBBEAN REPORT NEWSLETTER – September 16 2024

By Bevan Springer, From Market Place Excellence

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) successfully concluded its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and business meetings in the Cayman Islands September 2-6, 2024.

The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, media and young people to discuss critical issues impacting Caribbean tourism. 

Discussions ranged from sustainability and artificial intelligence to business continuity planning and the growth of the cruise and airline sectors. The conference also featured panels on women in tourism and the future of Caribbean aviation. 

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism and Ports outdid themselves in delivering stellar Caymankind hospitality, ensuring that the meetings were not only productive but thoroughly enjoyable.

Quotable Caribbean

“Tourism is not merely an economic driver; it is a key industry that nourishes our cultures and sustains our respective communities. [Tourism growth] represents hope for local economies, sustenance for small businesses, and support for countless families who rely on this crucial sector.” – Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier, Cayman Islands

CTO welcomes new chairman

CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper congratulates new CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill of Barbados.

A key highlight of the CTO’s business meetings in the Cayman Islands was the election of Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and Transportation as the new Chairman of the CTO Ministerial Council, succeeding Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands. 

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Caribbean tourism.

Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, Minister Bryan … for all that you’ve contributed over the last two years. Under my leadership, with the help of all of my colleagues, we will certainly continue to advance the cause of the Caribbean Tourism Organization,” said Minister Gooding-Edghill.

Youth Congress winners shine in Cayman

Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, emerged victorious at the 20th CTO Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands earlier this month. The Congress featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean, who shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry.

Anthurium Lewis of Tobago and Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts secured second and third place, respectively. The Congress provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.

Pictured in back to (l-r) are Colin James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Vanessa Ledesma, CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association; Emile Hamilton of Tropical Shipping; Beth Hatt, Founder, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence; Ed Limon of Winged Whale Media; Charlene Drakes of Carnival Corporation & plc; and Casey Davey, CEO of Breeze Travel Solutions.

In the front row are Marvelle Sealy, CTO Executive Assistant and Office Manager; Khari Gonsalves; Keyana Warner; Anthurium Lewis; and Sharon Banfield-Bovell, Director of Resource Mobilization and Development of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Caribbean tourism representatives & cruise execs get ready for FCCA Conference in St. Maarten

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is gearing up for its 30th annual conference and trade show, taking place October 22-25, 2024, in St. Maarten. The event offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect with cruise executives, learn about the latest trends, and explore new business opportunities.

FCCA CEO Michele Paige recently announced the conference will feature the unveiling of the BREA economic impact study, which will provide valuable insights into passenger and crew spending habits, enabling destinations to optimize their strategies and maximize the economic benefits of cruise tourism.

The FCCA conference is open to anyone involved in or seeking to be involved with the cruise industry. Registration is now open at www.FCCAConference.com.

Time to register for CHIEF

Registration is now open for the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF 2024) taking place November 18-20 in Miami. 

Under the theme “Keeping it Real – Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration and Immersion”, CHIEF 2024 promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals across the region. 

For a chance to connect and shape the future of Caribbean hospitality, register at https://chtachief.com/registration for the Early Bird rate.

Medical Moment

World Heart Day 2024

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer. 

Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, claim over 20.5 million lives annually, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

World Heart Day is a global campaign celebrated annually on September 29. This year, a petition is being promoted for everyone who cares about better health and having access to diagnosis, care and disease prevention.

The goal is to gather over one million signatures to urge governments and decision-makers worldwide to implement a comprehensive action plan to combat the leading cause of death globally.

Eighty percent of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease are preventable with proper lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as improving diet, staying active, and managing stress effectively, can help control heart health and overcome cardiovascular disease.

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