MPE CARIBBEAN REPORT NEWSLETTER – October 7, 2024
Dominica takes off with new nonstop United Airlines flights from Newark
| Discover Dominica Authority has announced exciting news: new nonstop United Airlines flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) starting February 15, 2025. The weekly Saturday flights mark the second nonstop route from the U.S. mainland to Dominica, joining the successful American Airlines service from Miami. This new United Airlines service comes on the heels of major renovations and upgrades at Douglas-Charles Airport, including: A 6,351-foot runway extension Runway grooving for enhanced safety An upgraded terminal with increased capacity and improved efficiency “The new service by United Airlines is a major step toward the island realizing the aggressive goal that it has set for itself and is part of the strategy being pursued in concert with the development of the new international airport,” said Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism. “This route will help alleviate the access constraints faced by the destination over the years.” And there’s more good news. Dominica is expecting to welcome several new hotels in 2025, adding nearly 500 rooms, a 25% increase in hotel inventory. This expansion aligns with the anticipated increase in visitor arrivals. “The added capacity of the service will also enable US-based tour operators to more confidently book group travel to Dominica, sharing our product offerings with more travelers than ever before, including world-class scuba and free diving, hiking, wellness, and cultural experiences,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority. |
| CMEx Leadership Awards return to Miami at Loews Coral Gables |
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| Get ready to celebrate Caribbean excellence again! The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards is returning to Miami on Sunday, December 8, 2024, and this year, it’s taking place once again at the beautiful Loews Coral Gables Hotel. Following the success of last year’s event, which honored a group of distinguished Caribbean tourism and communications leaders and raised funds for educational initiatives, CMEx is set to shine a spotlight on the region’s brightest stars once more. The Loews Coral Gables offers a sophisticated and stylish setting for this prestigious event, with its elegant design, modern amenities, and prime location in the heart of Coral Gables. Stay tuned for more announcements about: *2024 honorees – A remarkable group of individuals who have made significant contributions to Caribbean tourism and media. *Ways to participate – Learn how you can be part of this dynamic program dedicated to recognizing the best of the Caribbean. The CMEx Team looks forward to celebrating with you in December! |
| Cruise industry titans to headline Presidential Panel at FCCA conference |
 What’s next for the cruise industry in the Caribbean and beyond? Industry stakeholders will find out at the upcoming Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference & Trade Show in St. Maarten, October 21-25, 2024. A highlight of the conference will be the highly anticipated Presidential Panel, taking place on October 23 at 10:15 a.m. This session brings together some of the biggest names in cruising, including: *Christopher Ivy, CEO, Margaritaville at Sea *Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA *Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. *John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises *Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International Moderated by Alexander Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group, this powerhouse panel will delve into the future of cruising, exploring key topics like expansion, sustainability, and innovation. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to gain invaluable insights from the industry’s top leaders. Register today at fccaconference.com |
| CTO charts the course for the future of Caribbean tourism with a strategic planning meeting |
| The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is taking charge of the future of Caribbean tourism. In collaboration with Ernst & Young (EY), the CTO recently hosted a pivotal strategic planning meeting in Barbados to develop a new three-year strategic plan. This important gathering brought together key stakeholders to: *Assess the current state of Caribbean tourism. *Identify strategic pillars to guide the CTO’s mandate. *Discuss essential themes, including post-COVID-19 recovery, sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and branding. This workshop marks the beginning of an inclusive process to ensure a resilient and prosperous future for Caribbean tourism. Watch the video recap to: *Gain insights into the strategic planning process. *Get a glimpse of the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. *Hear from Gina Matthew, Associate Partner, EY, and Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO |
| Digital Digest |
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| Ensure Consistent Communication in Your 2025 MARCOM Strategy As the Caribbean hospitality sector gears up for 2025, consistent communication is more critical than ever for effective marketing and communications (MARCOM) strategies. The Caribbean tourism industry is evolving rapidly. Organizations need a cohesive messaging platform across all channels. This includes social media, email marketing, print, and broadcast media. Consistent communication solidifies brand identity and ensures potential visitors receive the same clear message, regardless of how they engage with a campaign. Prioritize Customer-Centric Messaging For 2025, MARCOM planning should prioritize customer-centric messaging that resonates with travelers’ expectations and aspirations. *The Caribbean’s diverse markets require tailored content .*Reflect on local culture and global trends in your messaging. *Plan early to align messaging with customer needs and maintain consistency. This approach strengthens brand loyalty, enhances awareness, drives bookings, and increases market share. The time to plan is now! |
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| “This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government. We have taken bold steps to modernize this island, ensuring that its air links are second to none in this region so that Barbuda can also take advantage of the remarkable growth in our country’s tourism that we have seen this year.” – Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, Antigua and Barbuda |
| Medical Moment |
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| World Sight Day (WSD) is observed on October 10. This day raises awareness about the importance of eye health, highlights new and existing cases of vision impairment and blindness, and promotes proper eye and vision care. It is estimated that out of every one million people in Latin America and the Caribbean, 5,000 are blind, and 20,000 experience visual impairment. At least 66 percent of blindness in the region is due to treatable conditions like cataracts. This year’s theme, “Children, love your eyes”, encourages the elimination of the social stigma associated with children wearing spectacles or other corrective interventions for their eye health and vision. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early eye care for children’s overall well-being and promote acceptance. Research indicates that reducing screen time and encouraging outdoor activities can protect children from developing myopia (nearsightedness). WSD also serves as a timely reminder for adults to prioritize their eye health. Simple habits, such as taking regular breaks while reading, limiting screen time, and wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors, can help prevent eye strain and reduce the risk of eye diseases. |
