December 24, 2024

’Tis the season

Dear MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter Readers, 

The year is drawing to a close and the festive season has us in its full, warm embrace. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying the spirit of togetherness, we extend our best wishes for an abundance of peace, health and happiness.

It’s been an honor to share our passion for the Caribbean with you throughout the year, not just through your inbox but also through the connections we’ve made at various industry events. These moments of shared knowledge and camaraderie are what truly enrich our community.

This holiday season let’s cherish the fellowship and friendships that connect and strengthen us. We wish you rich blessings in every aspect of your life. 

Thank you for being a part of the Marketplace Excellence (MPE) and Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) families; we look forward to continuing this journey with you in the coming year.

Team MPE/CMEx

Team MPE connects with FCCA in Miami

Pictured from left to right are Bevan Springer, Nadia Springer, Darcel Choy, Natalia Lopez and Heather Gibbs of MPE, FCCA’s Bruna Milazzotto, MPE’s Michael Rowland, Terri Cannici of FCCA, Leslie Welch of MPE, and the FCCA’s Jessica Lalama and Omari Breakenridge.

Earlier this month, MPE team members visited the headquarters of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) at the end of “Caribbean Weekend in Miami”, an initiative of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

It was a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends and discuss some of the latest developments in the Caribbean cruise industry.

The team was warmly welcomed by the FCCA at their beautiful offices in Miramar and looks forward to a robust partnership in the new year.

Cayman Islands cruise referendum gains momentum

Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT, addressed the packed town hall meeting in George Town last week.

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands is upbeat about its efforts to influence parliamentarians to green light a proposed referendum on cruise berthing infrastructure to be held during General Elections in April 2025. 

Following a rally and strong engagement with legislators this month, the Cayman Islands government announced plans to introduce a bill next month, which could pave the way for the long-awaited referendum. This development brings renewed hope for the future of the cruise industry in the Cayman Islands, which has been on a downward spiral, and offers citizens a direct voice in shaping this crucial sector.

ACT has been actively advocating for the referendum, emphasizing the economic benefits of cruise tourism and addressing environmental concerns. The organization recently hosted a well-attended town hall meeting where speakers highlighted the industry’s positive impact on jobs and the economy. 

With the proposed referendum bill on the horizon, ACT remains committed to engaging the public and ensuring a well-informed decision-making process for the future of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands.

Thea LaFond: Caribbean pride takes center stage at CMEx

Thea LaFond accepts 2024 CMEx Leadership Award in Miami this month. Screenshot. For video click HERE

The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami this month was an afternoon of vibrant celebration, recognizing outstanding achievements in Caribbean tourism, media and sports. 

Among the honorees was Dominica’s own Thea LaFond, whose recent Olympic gold medal in the triple jump brought pride and joy to the entire region. 

CMEx provided the perfect platform to celebrate LaFond’s incredible accomplishment and hear her inspiring message.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from across the Caribbean. She highlighted the unifying power of sports and the importance of leadership in inspiring future generations. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding attendees of the strength and potential that lie within the Caribbean community. Watch her moving acceptance speech above.

This year’s honorees also included:

Kashmie Ali – Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos  

Tracy Berkeley – CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority  

Latia Duncombe – Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation  

Laura Dowrich-Phillips – Caribbean Journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos  

Ambassador Victor Fernandes – Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States  

Gloria and Solomon Herbert – Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine  

Dr. Lisa Indar – Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)  

Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne – Owners, Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. Lucia  

Vanessa Ledesma – CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)  

Marc Melville – CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures  

Marie McKenzie – Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation & plc  

Jennifer Nugent-Hill – Director of Government and Community Affairs, Tropical Shipping  

Simón Suárez – Vice President, Grupo Puntacana  

Ellison “Tommy” Thompson – Former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas, and Former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority  

Christine Valls – Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Airlines  

The event was powered by The Islands of the Bahamas, and supported by Carnival Corporation & plc, Marketplace Excellence, Tropical Attractions, Tropical Shipping, Vanessa James Media, and numerous hotels and resorts throughout the Caribbean.

Digital Digest

Get Interactive or Get Left Behind! 

Today’s social media users crave participation. Spice up your Caribbean travel campaigns with interactive content that grabs attention and drives bookings: 

• Polls: Inquire “Which island has the best beaches?” or “What’s your favorite Caribbean dessert?” 

• Quizzes: Test your audience’s knowledge of Caribbean culture, history or cuisine. 

• AR Filters: Let users “try on” vacation looks, explore landmarks, or swim with virtual sea turtles. 

Why it Works

• Engagement: Interactive content encourages likes, comments and shares. 

• Connection: Create memorable brand experiences through play and learning. 

• Conversions: Engaged users are more likely to book their dream Caribbean getaway. 

Interactive Ideas

• Instagram Stories: Use quizzes and polls to test Caribbean knowledge or spark friendly debates. 

• TikTok Challenges: Create branded hashtag challenges for users to share their best Caribbean dance moves or vacation packing tips. 

• AR Filters: Overlay tropical sunsets on user photos or let them try on virtual Carnival costumes. 

Don’t just post, engage! Interactive content is your key to social media success in the Caribbean travel space.

Turks and Caicos Minister of Tourism Josephine Connolly (second from right) is pictured here with CMEx Laureate Kashmie Ali along with CMEx President Bevan Springer (far left), and Caribbean-American media personality Vanessa James. Inset is CMEx Laureate Laura Dowrich.

“I am very proud of Laura (Dowrich) and Kashmie (Ali) and I congratulate them on this well-deserved (CMEx) recognition. Since joining the Experience Turks and Caicos team, Laura has proven to be an energetic and hard worker who is passionate about ensuring the Turks and Caicos Islands remains the top luxury destination of choice for affluent travellers. Kashmie has built a reputation for leading the charge to market South Caicos and the Sailrock Resort and the results show with the top-class clientele they continue to attract. I believe our industry has been enriched by the work they have been doing and continue to do to for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” – Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Turks and Caicos Islands

Remembering Frances Molloy: A Caribbean-American trailblazer

Teri Helenese (left) paid tribute to the late Frances Molloy.

Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Government of the United States 

Virgin Islands, recently paid tribute to the late Frances Molloy, a respected Caribbean-American businesswoman and community leader who passed away on December 6 at the age of 88. She spent her early childhood in Antigua, Montserrat and Tortola before settling in St. Croix at the age of 10.

Helenese described her fellow Virgin Islander as an “inspiration of empowerment” and a role model for resilience, service and leadership in the Virgin Islands.

Molloy, the mother of Robert A. Molloy United States Chief Judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands, was a successful entrepreneur, co-owning Terry’s Infants and Children’s Wear on St. Croix for over four decades. Beyond her business achievements, she was deeply involved in her community, supporting numerous organizations and serving on the Juan F. Luis Hospital board. Her dedication to service and her unwavering spirit left a lasting impact on the Virgin Islands, inspiring generations to follow in her footsteps.

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

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