JUNE 24, 2024

Positive Caribbean Week vibes in NYC

CTO Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper (left) and Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors, during business meetings in New York last week

Caribbean Week in New York, held June 16-21, 2024, at the InterContinental New York Times Square, lived up to its expectations and offered delegates from the region and in the marketplace engaging discussions, networking, and a wholesome celebration of the rich cultural diversity of our region. Held under the CTO’s 35th anniversary theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, the event highlighted the dynamic facets of Caribbean tourism, including the evolving business landscape and strategic initiatives propelling the industry forward.  The week featured notable events including the Caribbean Media Awards, a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium, and special sessions on artificial intelligence, destination management and airlift development, all designed to foster innovation and strategic dialogue among industry leaders.  In an address to the symposium, Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors, shared her reflections on the organization’s progress and the pivotal role of its leadership. The Cayman Islands Director of Tourism recounted her first meeting with the newly appointed Secretary-General, Dona Regis-Prosper, where she laid out a clear directive centered on value. “Members wanted value; they wanted the organization to be seen, and they wanted to raise the bar of CTO,” Harris stated.  Under this mandate, Regis-Prosper was tasked with fostering avenues to heighten awareness within the Caribbean and abroad for CTO’s membership. Ensuring substantial benefits for the members was imperative, and Harris entrusted her with this crucial role.   “I am proud to stand before you as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors to commend the Secretary-General on her astute vision in orchestrating this session. I understand we have record attendance this week … CTO is sexy again!” she declared.

A “Big Up” for Big Bird in the Big Apple

Discipline, self-confidence, truthfulness, humility, and being in the company of great role models and peers were some of the secrets to success shared by West Indies cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garnerduring a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party held by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during Caribbean Week in New York last Monday. The 6’8” former Windies fast bowler addressed a group CTO delegates, members of the media and the Caribbean Diaspora at the Caribbean-owned and -operated S’Aimer NYC restaurant during an event supported by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.  He acknowledged the efforts of the CTO to promote the region, underscoring the importance of teamwork, which ultimately leads to success.  Garner was a formidable presence for batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s, renowned for his blistering pace, towering bounce and devastating yorkers that often sent stumps flying. Among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, Garner had an impressive average of 20.97. He played his final Test in 1987 alongside his successor, Courtney Walsh, and was the last of the ‘Awesome Foursome’ – Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner and Colin Croft – to retire.  Also addressing the gathering was CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, and Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill. After the formal proceedings, patrons watched a live stream of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Caribbean women celebrated

Tourism marketing professional Beverly Nicholson-Doty from the United States Virgin Islands received the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award at the CTO’s Women’s Leadership Awards in New York last week. The award was presented during the “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” Breakfast & Awards. Nicholson-Doty, CEO of the Miami-based advertising agency Figment Design, was honored by CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper for her more than 30 years of service and notable contributions to regional tourism. Nicholson-Doty previously served as CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and was Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism for more than a decade. Selected by their peers, Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin, received Minister of Tourism top honors, while Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was awarded Director of Tourism of the year.  Featured speaker Audrey Irvine, Senior Director of Newsource Newsgathering at CNN, shared her inspiring journey, and Rosa Harris, CTO Chairman of the Board of Directors, delivered an empowering address.   The event was sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Diamonds International.

FCCA PAMAC Summit hits all the right notes in Jamaica

Screenshot. To view video click HERE

There was a palpable energy, engagement and enthusiasm at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) PAMAC Summit, held in Jamaica earlier this month. Participants engaged in significant collective and bilateral meetings aimed at the continued strengthening and success of Caribbean cruise tourism. “The updates from the cruise sector and our platinum partners were excellent. We continue to be inspired by the commitment to cruise tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America. It’s an honor to have so many engaged and aligned partners working together to elevate cruise tourism to the next level,” the FCCA stated. Among the week’s musical highlights, attendees enjoyed the pervasive rhythms of reggae at the Bamboo Beach Club in Falmouth (click video above), where the local band Binghistra serenaded guests with roots, rock, reggae!

MPE talks tourism with Sandals chief

When Sandals Resorts chief Adam Stewart says “all inclusive” he also means that local communities must be included in the benefits of tourism. During the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay last month, MPE’s Lelei LeLaulu spoke with the Executive Chairman about the importance of community involvement in the tourism industry. Stewart emphasized that for tourism to be truly sustainable, it must create opportunities and uplift the local populations, ensuring that they share in the economic benefits brought by the industry.  “Tourism is an ecosystem and like any ecosystem, it’s got to thrive and be healthy. So tours and taxis and (fishermen) and farmers, entertainers, even the pastors and the priests (who) officiate our weddings are an integral part of the whole overarching ecosystem,” said Stewart. “And as we look at tourism 50-60 years into its maturity across the Caribbean, it’s so critical that inclusivity takes place to the next dimension … and that indigenous operators, indigenous people of the Caribbean, are a part of the tapestry and the thread of the future of tourism. And I think there’s a huge amount of opportunity to continue to grow in that direction, and Sandals remains really proud to lead in this area,” he added. MPE’s Abdul Wahid captured the conversation on camera.

Quotable Caribbean

“Don’t let your CIRCLE be a CIRCUS. Remember that your life is a REFLECTION of your RELATIONSHIPS. If you entertain clowns, you will end up being a joke.” – Dr. Kenneth Romer, Director of Aviation & Deputy Director General of Tourism, The Bahamas

Medical Moment

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month takes place in June. Dementia refers to a decline in memory and other cognitive functions severe enough to disrupt daily life, resulting from physical changes in the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia represent significant global health challenges, affecting over 55 million people worldwide.It is essential to be aware of the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Prevention strategies include regular exercise, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, eating healthier foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring adequate sleep. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement. Wear and share purple throughout June to raise awareness and encourage others to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

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