“We are determined to collaborate with our community, the private sector and educational institutions to advocate for cogent curricula to meet the needs of this rapidly changing sector, so (that) many more of our people can benefit from all of tourism’s contributions to our economy and society.” – Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

“Building upon a rich foundation, we have the responsibility to make more opportunities to develop our people and our industry, anticipating technological and consumer demand-driven changes which are now a constant. The recent collapse of the world’s oldest travel agency offers more lessons. While never losing sight of the fundamentals of hospitality, the dynamics of our industry demands our adaptability and responsiveness to change if we are not to face a similar fate.” – Patricia Affonso-Dass, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

“Your destination must be not only present but ‘come alive’ in mobile placements across the web, with links to simple and fast booking options once a customer shows interest.” –Mike Pezzicola, Head of Commercial, JetBlue Travel Products

“(Cameron Bellamy’s record-setting swim from Barbados to St. Lucia) … is an inspiration to athletes worldwide, but especially to our local St. Lucian swimmers, who can see what’s possible with disciplined training and a tough mental set.” – Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts

“We want to break communication barriers and be on target with travelers’ demands. Anticipating guests’ needs and giving them a highly secure digital voice assistant in their rooms to serve as a personal concierge is a first step towards meeting that goal. And, with Volara-powered Alexa devices in our rooms, we don’t have to waste money printing traditional in-room collateral; the device is making us more eco-friendly, which is so important to an island destination.” – Aliya Dunstan, Sales and Marketing Manager, Locale, Grand Cayman

“Lack of appropriate funding of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) has been and still is the most critical constraint to enterprise development. This issue was once again a topic of discussion in the Barbados press … it is a prime example of Implementation Deficit Disorder. Basically stated, this means it is not enough to embark on a study and develop a plan. The public and private sectors must embrace a national policy of innovation, investment and implementation, if we are to have a chance to make a difference.” – Dr. Basil Springer, Change-Engine Consultant

“Never confuse those who are attached to you with those who are assigned to you. Because there are some people that God has assigned to your life, and those who are assigned to you will never forsake you. There are other people who are attached to you for what you can do for them. And when you no longer serve that purpose for them they are no longer committed to you. They weren’t ever committed to begin with to tell the truth … they were self-serving.” – Bishop Dale C. Bronner, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral

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.