CTO Secretary-General highlights tourism’s role in fostering peace and prosperity

Dona Regis-Prosper in Curaçao on Friday Photo credit: Curaçao Tourist Board

At the National Tourism Conference 2024, held on Friday in Curaçao in celebration of World Tourism Day, Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, emphasized the vital role tourism plays in promoting peace and prosperity across the region. The event was hosted by the Curaçao Tourist Board and the Ministry of Economic Development, in partnership with the Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Association.

Building on the five Ps of sustainable tourism – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership – explored during the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in April, Regis-Prosper introduced a sixth P: Peace. 

This addition aligned with the UN World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Peace”, and highlighted tourism’s ability to nurture cross-cultural understanding and drive sustainable development in the Caribbean. She called on stakeholders from all sectors – government, business and community leaders – to commit to sustainable tourism practices that not only nurture economic growth but also contribute to environmental conservation and societal well-being. 

As Curaçao continues to invest in eco-friendly infrastructure, sustainable accommodations, and community involvement, she stressed that the island has the potential to set an example for how tourism can become a transformative force for peace and prosperity across the Caribbean

Save the Date: CMEx Leadership Awards return to Miami

Get ready to celebrate Caribbean excellence again! The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards is returning to Miami on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Following the success of last year’s event, which honored a group of distinguished Caribbean tourism and communications leaders and raised funds for vital educational initiatives, CMEx is set to shine a spotlight on the region’s brightest stars once more. 

Stay tuned for announcements about the 2024 honorees, and how you can be part of this dynamic program dedicated to recognizing the best of the Caribbean.

Port St. Maarten CEO promises exciting FCCA Conference, Oct. 21-25

Alexander Gumbs, CEO, Port St. Maartenqq Click HERE to view video

Anticipation is building as the countdown continues to the 30th Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show.

Thanks to Alexander Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group, cruise tourism stakeholders recently got an exclusive sneak peek into what awaits them from October 21-25, 2024, in St. Maarten. He graciously shared insider details during a Platinum Cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, leaving individuals even more eager for the main event.

Beyond valuable networking opportunities and insightful sessions, attendees can expect to forge lasting connections, create unforgettable memories, and be immersed in the vibrant culture of “The Friendly Island”. 

For more information, visit fccaconference.com.

World’s fastest woman honored in St. Lucia

St. Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred was celebrated at home last week. Photo credit: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Julien Alfred, gold medalist in the women’s 100 meters and silver medalist in the 200 meters at the Summer Olympics in Paris, was celebrated in St. Lucia last week and officially named a tourism ambassador for the island. Alfred will participate in global promotional events for St. Lucia, engaging in media campaigns and advertising efforts aimed at showcasing the destination in key markets.

“With her influence, we aim to attract visitors seeking not just a destination, but an inspiring experience that resonates deeply,” remarked Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire. “Together, we will create a lasting impact on our tourism sector and inspire the world to discover the beauty of St. Lucia.”

Expressing her gratitude, Alfred remarked “I am truly lost for words, and grateful for the opportunity. I can’t tell which is the bigger achievement right now – winning the Olympic gold or being an ambassador to my beloved country. However, rest assured that wherever I roam, St. Lucia will always be my first choice.”

To commemorate her historic achievements, September 27 was declared a public holiday in her honor.

Digital Digest

Kickstart 2025 MARCOM Planning Early

As the Caribbean hospitality sector’s marketing landscape evolves, 2025 will be a pivotal year for strategic recalibration, and the time to plan for the new year is now!

Organizations need to jumpstart their MARCOM planning to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s why early planning is essential:

• Ensure Consistent Communication: A well-structured platform enables customer-centric messaging across all channels, fostering brand awareness and loyalty.
• Anticipate Market Shifts: Early planning allows companies to respond to changes in the market and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Leverage the Latest Technology: Stay on top of emerging tools and innovations that can streamline marketing efforts.
• Utilize Data Insights: Use early planning to interpret valuable data and make informed decisions.
• Maximize Opportunities: Take advantage of the exciting trends and opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Implementing an omnichannel strategy maximizes outreach, ensuring that every touchpoint – social media, email, media relations, influencer engagement, and digital advertising – works harmoniously.

In today’s digital age, the early establishment of a robust MARCOM foundation will position brands for success in 2025 and beyond.

Quotable Caribbean

“With the Caribbean’s heavy reliance on the travel and tourism industry, we must be mindful of the region’s exposure and vulnerability to infectious disease and pandemic risks and the necessity for health to be intertwined into Caribbean tourism to promote sustainable tourism, sustainable economies, (and) social and economic well-being.” – Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

Medical Moment

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in October as an international health campaign aimed at promoting awareness, early detection, and prevention of breast cancer, a disease that affects 2.3 million women worldwide each year.

In the Caribbean, data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBCAN) estimated 15,000 new breast cancer cases in 2020. From 2003 to 2013, breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in 21 out of 23 Caribbean territories.

Although breast cancer is predominantly seen as a disease affecting women, cases among men have been on the rise. Men diagnosed with breast cancer often face higher annual death rates per 1,000 persons compared to women, likely due to delayed diagnosis, as the condition is rarer in men and often goes unrecognized until later stages.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, individuals are encouraged to assess their personal risk for the disease, perform regular self-examinations, and schedule timely breast cancer screenings.

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