From Bevan Springer

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

October 14, 2024

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

As we honor this significant day in the U.S., we also take a moment to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. Their enduring legacy lives on through our nations’ captivating traditions, languages, and spirit, woven into the unique tapestry of the Caribbean.

From the Taino, Arawaks, Caribs/Kalinago to the Garifuna, their contributions continue to shape the Caribbean experience. Let’s honor Indigenous Peoples everywhere and learn from their profound connection to the land and sea. 

Remembering the heritage of departed Indigenous Peoples, while conserving and celebrating present indigenous communities, is not only the right thing to do but also an excellent way to enhance the culture of our destinations.

St. Maarten to welcome Caribbean tourism leaders at FCCA Conference next week

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The Caribbean tourism sector is gearing up for the 30th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in St. Maarten, happening next week, from October 21-25.

During the recent PAMAC Summit aboard Virgin Voyages, Carlos Estrada, Director of Commercial Home Port Operations at Carnival Cruise Line, emphasized the significance of the FCCA Conference. He also shared exciting insights into Carnival’s strong performance. 

For more information, visit fccaconference.com.

Vanessa Ledesma celebrates her silver jubilee with CHTA

Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is celebrating 25 years of service to the organization. Since joining CHTA (then CHA) in 1999 as a meeting planner, Ledesma has risen through the ranks, making history in 2015 as the first woman to hold an executive position at the association.

Throughout her career, Ledesma has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the growth and sustainability of Caribbean tourism. She has played a key role in steering the industry through major challenges, including economic downturns and a global pandemic, helping to position the Caribbean as a resilient and thriving region.

Under her leadership, Ledesma has fostered collaboration among CHTA members, advocated for industry-beneficial policies, and worked tirelessly to promote the Caribbean as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the Florida resident was recently appointed CEO of the trade body, continuing her impactful work at the helm of Caribbean tourism.

CMEx announces honorees for 2024 Leadership Awards

The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will celebrate outstanding individuals at its annual Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, December 8, at Loews Coral Gables in Miami.

Among the honorees announced so far are:

• Thea LaFond: Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump
• Latia Duncombe: Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
• Ellison “Tommy” Thompson: Former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas; former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
• Kashmie Ali: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South 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: Ad Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
• Laura Dowrich-Phillips: Caribbean journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
• Marc Melville: CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures

Additional honorees will be announced shortly. The event aims to support CMEx’s mission of empowering Caribbean youth, tourism professionals and the media through education.

For more information, visit cmexmedia.org.

Digital Digest

Anticipate Market Shifts and Start Planning Early in 2025

As the Caribbean tourism sector faces ongoing changes in traveler behaviors and global economic shifts, early planning is critical for staying ahead of market trends. Companies that plan proactively can respond swiftly to shifts in traveler preferences, financial conditions, or even environmental challenges, keeping their strategies relevant.

Action items to consider:

• Monitor market trends regularly to identify emerging traveler preferences and shifts in demand.
• Adjust marketing strategies to align with current traveler desires, such as sustainability, wellness, or cultural and community experiences.
• Invest in AI and tech to improve the customer experience and operations.
• Refresh offerings to cater to new and returning visitors.

By being proactive and leveraging data and research, Caribbean tourism businesses can adapt more quickly to shifts and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Quotable Caribbean

“As we welcome the new cruise season, I am filled with excitement and pride for our beautiful island. The remarkable growth in our tourism sector reflects our team and partners’ dedication and hard work. Each visitor gives us a chance to showcase Dominica’s rich culture, stunning scenery, and genuine hospitality. Together, we will create memorable experiences that inspire our guests to return and share their stories. Let’s continue to work together to position Dominica as a premier cruise destination.” – Marva Williams, CEO, Discover Dominica Authority

Medical Moment

World Polio Day takes place on October 24 to raise awareness about global efforts to eradicate poliovirus, a highly contagious disease that targets the nervous system. Since 1988, wild poliovirus cases have dropped significantly, from an estimated 350,000 cases across more than 125 endemic countries to just 12 reported cases in 2023.

Of the three strains of wild poliovirus (type 1, type 2 and type 3),  types 2 and 3 were eradicated in 1999 and 2000 respectively. Currently, endemic wild poliovirus type 1 remains in Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 200 infected people face the risk of permanent paralysis.

World Polio Day commemorates the birth of Jonas Salk, who developed the first effective polio vaccine.

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