“Caribbean Weekend in Miami” a success

Caribbean tourism industry stakeholders, including ministers and directors of tourism, gathered aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas this month.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Weekend in Miami, held just over a week ago, was a resounding success, bringing together tourism and business leaders to celebrate the region’s progress and chart a path for future growth. 

The activities began with the CTO Allied Holiday Cocktail Party, an intimate gathering to honor longstanding allied members, including AFAR Media, Development Counsellors International, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, Global Bridal Group LLC/Marry Caribbean, and Laura Davidson Public Relations. The celebration set the tone for a weekend filled with meaningful discussions and strategic collaborations.

A highlight of the weekend was a Cruise Tourism Summit aboard Icon of the Seas, featuring Royal Caribbean President & CEO Michael Bayley. The summit provided invaluable insights into the evolving cruise industry and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between destinations and cruise operators. 

At a special CTO Ministerial Council meeting, CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, led discussions on the CTO Reimagine Plan, presented by Ernst & Young, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable tourism growth in the region. With additional conversations on budget planning, global partnerships, and investment opportunities, the weekend underscored the transformative power of collaboration in shaping the Caribbean’s future.

Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, ready to champion Caribbean tourism on the global stage

CMEx celebrates leadership

CMEx 2024 Laureates (l-r) Laura Dowrich-Phillips, Kashmie Ali, Dr. Lisa Indar, Eroline Lamontagne, Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Latia Duncombe, Marc Melville, Marie McKenzie, Zyan Avraham (receiving on behalf of Gloria and Solomon Herbert), Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Lyton Lamontagne, Vanessa Ledesma, Tracy Berkeley, and Christine Valls.

The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser returned to Miami on December 8, 2024, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel. 

The event brought together leaders in tourism, media, and sustainable development and celebrated the achievements of some of the region’s brightest stars while raising funds to support educational initiatives.

From recognizing trailblazing contributions to fostering meaningful exchanges, the CMEx Leadership Awards underscored the critical role of collaboration in advancing Caribbean tourism. 

Powered by The Islands of the Bahamas, this event not only celebrated excellence but also paved the way for future partnerships and progress in the industry.

This year’s honorees 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  

Thea LaFond – 2024 Olympic Champion, Dominica  

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 supported by:

• Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
• Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada
• Brion City Hotel, BW Signature Collection, Curaçao
• Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
• Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
• Carnival Corporation & plc
• Coco Palm Resort, St. Lucia
• Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, Dominica
• Gallows Point Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius
• Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
• Little Good Harbour & The Atlantis Historic Inn, Barbados
• Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis
• Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club, Grenada
• Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts
• Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, Barbados
• Rodman Marketing Guru
• The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
• The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, Jamaica
• The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Nevis
• The Hartling Group, Turks and Caicos
• The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Jamaica
• The Palms Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos
• Ti Bananne West Indian Bistro & Bar
• Tropical Attractions
• Tropical Shipping
• Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort
• Marketplace Excellence Corporation
• Vanessa James Media

Spice Island Beach Resort honors stateside journalist

Sheldon Keens-Douglas, Commercial Director of Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada (left), honors journalist Khorri Atkinson in Washington, D.C.Photo credit: Washington Association of Black Journalists

Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada’s only locally-owned and -operated luxury all-inclusive resort, took center stage at the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) Special Honors & Scholarship Gala, held at Howard University’s Blackburn Center this month. 

Outgoing WABJ President Khorri Atkinson, a Jamaican native, was visibly moved as he received a surprise gift: an all-inclusive stay at the AAA Five Diamond Caribbean resort.

The resort stay was presented by Sheldon Keens-Douglas, Commercial Director of Spice Island Beach Resort, during a heartfelt tribute to Atkinson’s extraordinary leadership over the past three years.

Atkinson’s transformative tenure as president, which saw WABJ’s membership quadruple (to over 300 members), and impactful initiatives such as training, mentorship and scholarships, were celebrated by his peers. He was also recognized by longtime WABJ and NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) member Ryan Williams, former and current WABJ officers, and the ambassador and staff of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. 

The recognition from Spice Island Beach Resort not only highlighted Atkinson’s contributions but also showcased the Black-owned resort’s commitment to honoring Black excellence and fostering deeper connections with the media and African American community.

Spice Island Beach Resort’s involvement added a touch of Caribbean warmth and hospitality to the gala, reinforcing its legacy as a symbol of Grenadian excellence and its dedication to celebrating and supporting outstanding achievements.

Belize goes digital

Belize has launched a new online departure and arrival immigration and customs declaration system, enhancing the travel experience for all travelers. 

Starting this month at Philip Goldson International Airport, the platform allows travelers to submit their required immigration information in advance via a user-friendly web link. 

During the first three months of the program, both digital and printed forms will be accepted. There are plans to expand the system to all ports of entry. This digital shift reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing travel procedures, reducing paper forms, and ensuring faster, more convenient processing. 

To access the platform, visit https://belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz/Belize_Digital_Forms.

Digital Digest

The power of micro-influencers

Unlike macro-influencers with massive followings, micro-influencerscultivate niche communities, often focused on specific interests like sustainable travel, adventure tourism, or culinary experiences.

Imagine a passionate foodie showcasing the vibrant flavors of Grenada or a hiking enthusiast sharing her breathtaking journey through Dominica’s rainforests. This genuine content sparks wanderlust and builds trust, ultimately driving bookings.

Here’s why partnering with micro-influencers may be the next best move for your brand:

• Targeted Reach: Micro-influencers allow marketers to connect with niche audiences interested in specific Caribbean travel experiences.
• Authentic Storytelling: Genuine content resonates with potential visitors.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reap a high return on investment by reaching receptive audiences with strong engagement rates.
• Diverse Perspectives: Partnering with multiple micro-influencers can provide a broader reach and varied perspectives across traveler segments.

To connect with potential travelers on a more personal level, Caribbean tourism brands should consider tapping into the power of this specialized community.

Quotable Caribbean

“Tourism, as we all know, is a significant economic pillar for the development of our economies within the region.” – Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados | Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization

Medical Moment

Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) took place on December 12, 2024, highlighting the critical role of accessible and affordable health care in building healthier societies and stronger economies. 

This year’s theme “Health: It’s on the government!”, underscored the urgency for governments to prioritize health equity, ensuring that health care remains affordable or free, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable populations. 

Through these efforts, UHC Day serves as a reminder that robust health care systems are essential for fostering productivity, resilience, and well-being across communities worldwide.

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

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