By Sandra Scott

“We had many flight cancellations for December, January, and February. And with the cancellations, travellers don’t necessarily re-book, and in talking to many of our repeat visitors, there was a concern about leaving their homes unattended for an extended period as they’re not sure whether they would return home to frozen or burst pipes, roof problems, or snow-related issues, so many weren’t comfortable leaving home for a vacation. We have not seen the growth we were expecting due to the record snowfall.” – Sandra Scott, Deputy Director of Tourism, Jamaica (Jamaica Gleaner)

“Certainly BA (British Airways) continues to actively campaign to encourage the UK government to remove the (APD) tax. We do keep a close eye on how this impacts travel especially to the Caribbean because it is in one of the higher bands.” – Diane Corrie, Commercial Manager – Caribbean, British Airways (Barbados Nation)

“The late Prime Minster David Thompson of Barbados had the vision when he launched the Barbados Entrepreneurs’ Equity Capital fund, supported by the CBET Shepherding Model, in November 2009. On that occasion he committed to provide an incentive to the private sector to capitalise a series of funds. This incentive was in the form of a government guarantee of the capital invested in the fund(s) by the private sector over the 10-year life of the fund(s). The private sector was canvassed and was willing but, unfortunately, the Prime Minister passed away in 2010 before the incentive was formally passed by the Government and the idea died with him. What a pity!” – Dr. Basil Springer, Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. (Barbados Advocate)

“With the region still feeling the effects of the global financial crisis, CPL (Caribbean Premier League) has been a real shot in the arm for the Caribbean. The tournament could trigger an even bigger revival, because as it grows and the brand becomes more recognised, we anticipate that the impact on the economies will be much greater.” – Dr. Densil Williams, Professor, University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

“As the organization responsible for leading sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean, the CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) is constantly seeking new ways to identify how our region’s economy and local communities in particular can gain the maximum advantage from tourism. Our collaboration with the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) allows us to take this discussion to the global stage and to access international training, knowledge and resources for our members.” – Hugh Riley, Secretary General, Caribbean Tourism Organization

“I learned that good judgment comes from experience and that experience grows out of mistakes.” – Omar Bradley, U.S. Army general

“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” – Cavett Robert, American lawyer and professional speaker

“Quotable Caribbean” is compiled by Marketplace Excellence Corporation, a full-service, integrated marketing agency committed to excellence in the fields of public relations, marketing and media coaching.

PHOTO: Sandra Scott, Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism