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Haiti Chaos Update

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti, March 18th. 2024 – The situation in Haiti is worsening at an alarmingly fast rate, the suffering of Haitians especially women and children, now increased. On Saturday, March 16,  reports say a UNICEF container, one of 17, with maternal, neonatal and child survival essentials was robbed in the capital Port au Prince,  depriving vulnerable women and children of vital health supplies. Hospitals across Haiti are forced to close, leaving only 4 out of 10 hospitals functional and two surgical operating facilities. Also, the main Airport in Port-au-Prince, reports say, remains closed after a recent gang attack. Now, despite the recent developments by CARICOM officials towards political stability, there is push back from gangs as leader Jimmy Cherizier is reported saying they will not recognize decisions made by CARICOM.

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A CHAMPION FOR JAMAICA: TRAVEL ADVISORS IMMERSE IN “JAMAICA LOVE” DURING SANDALS® RESORTS’ LARGEST CARIBBEAN TRAVEL ADVISOR EVENT EVER

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Dr. The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Jamaica Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett; SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart; and Gary C. Sadler, shared the morning with local Jamaican entertainers and artisans just outside the Montego Bay Convention Center.

 

~ Weeklong “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024” Celebrates Destination, Highlighting Connections Between Public and Private Sectors and Major Tourism Infrastructure Investment ~

 

Dr. The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, gave the keynote speech at the Jamaica Love Showcase, where he shared plans for more seamless connectivity around the island via new bypasses and international airports.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – Family-owned and operated Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean’s most awarded luxury all-inclusive resort company, made an impressive case for its home country of Jamaica recently, welcoming nearly 1,000 attendees to its Jamaica Love Showcase, where Dr. The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica applauded the resort brand on its far-reaching impact, “Sandals represents the best example of Jamaica fulfilling its potential.” The prime minister in his keynote address also announced that new airports, roadways and other infrastructure will better connect the island for visitors.

The Jamaica Love Showcase is part of a week-long event from October 13-20 aptly named the “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024,” and is immersing travel advisors and partners into the celebrated island’s beauty, safety and limitless opportunity, with a diverse itinerary that includes comprehensive Sandals Resorts and Beaches® Resorts tours, Island Routes excursions, Sandals Foundation activities, and exclusive networking events.

The Jamaica Love Showcase

Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, on stage at the Jamaica Love Showcase, where he thanked travel advisors and reaffirmed the brands’ commitment to their craft and to the Caribbean – a region with a bigger future anywhere on the planet.

Designed to demonstrate the crucial connections between public and private sectors that create the foundation for successful tourism, the unprecedented Jamaica Love Showcase welcomed hospitality executives, international media and more than 700 travel advisors to the Montego Bay Convention Center on October 16th. A vendor market of local artisans, music by the Silver Birds steel drum orchestra, and culinary displays reflecting signature dining experiences from across the resort portfolio set the tone for the Jamaica-centric event. Speakers from the highest echelons of government took the stage including Hon. Prime Minister Holness, US Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry, and Jamaica Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett. Strategic partners, including executives from American Airlines, Air Canada Vacations, Travel Leaders, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), also addressed the audience with compelling insights and a bright path forward for the destination. Adding to a dynamic lineup of speakers, two resonating thought leadership panels highlighted innovations in hospitality, sustainability, continued team member engagement and more.

“Jamaica’s tourism is everybody’s business, an intertwined ecosystem that brings farmers and taxicab drivers, travel advisors and prime ministers, fishers and pilots together as one,” said Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, who also serves as an Ambassador/Special Investment Envoy for Tourism for Jamaica. “The story of Sandals is the story of Jamaica… to always, together, work toward better. That is at the heart of our superbrand and forged in our homegrown values of hard work, exceeding expectations and trust in those who lift you up, who believe in you. That is the lasting legacy of my father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, who taught me to cherish relationships with those who care as much as you do, who share your dreams of better and who will complement your gifts with their own,” said Stewart.

Jamaica Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, gave the closing speech at the Jamaica Love Showcase, where he acknowledged Travel Advisors as the island’s most important partners in making tourism the number one economic activity in Jamaica, enabling 11 consecutive quarters of economic growth.

A Lasting Relationship with Travel Advisors

Opening remarks were delivered by Gary C. Sadler, OD, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc. (UVI), an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, who spoke about the importance of travel advisors in the brand’s success.

“Travel advisors are the single most effective tool in changing hearts and minds and most importantly, moving the needle,” said Sadler. “We know that informed advisors, prepared with firsthand knowledge and experience, are the ambassadors for this moment. They have the trust of their clients and this event was designed to empower them further, giving them the tools they need to promote Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica confidently and passionately.”

Following a group Reading Road Trip experience earlier in the week, Chairman’s Royal Club travel advisors attending the Jamaica Love Tour surprised their hosts with an $81,000 USD donation to the Sandals Foundation on the Jamaica Love Showcase stage.

Accuracy and Advocacy

One of the key themes woven throughout the conference was aligning perception with reality when it comes to the success of Jamaica and the safety of visitors in Jamaica.

Sandals Resorts’ Chief Experience Officer Jessica Shannon led discussions on the state and future of sustainability in the Caribbean, the company’s commitment to investing in its people, and the wider impact of its role in the island’s Linkages Council.

“There is only one Jamaica,” said Stewart. “Jamaica is having a moment. It’s an extraordinary moment. Our unemployment is at 4.5% right now. Our debt to GDP [ratio] has been cut in half… Our national reserves are 3x higher than they were while I was growing up. The Jamaica brand has never been bigger. Jamaica is a rockstar Caribbean island and has never hit harder.”

During his address, Hon. Prime Minister Holness ensured that his administration is working hard to reinforce that Jamaica’s brand is a safe, secure, sustainable, and seamless destination.

“There are so many things that are happening in Jamaica that have not yet made it into the consciousness of the world, so that Jamaica is properly placed and positioned in the minds of our tourists, visitors, and people who would want to do business with us,” said Hon. Prime Minister Holness. “Our friends in the tourism and travel industry who are here are very important partners in us achieving our goals. It’s important that when advisors bring visitors to Jamaica, it’s clear they are not just helping the hotels. The dollar of that visitor is making its way into the pocket of a family that will benefit, grow and develop.”

Major Tourism Infrastructure Unveiled

Gary C. Sadler, OD addresses a spirited group of Travel Advisors and industry partners as the master of ceremonies at the Jamaica Love Showcase in Montego Bay.

Received with great fanfare, Hon. Prime Minister Holness also announced the incredible investment the destination is making in the island’s infrastructure, most notably with a new international airport in Negril, a new terminal at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, improvements to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and building new roads on the southeastern coast to better connect the island, which will create an entirely new dimension of tourism in Jamaica.

Investment in Jamaica is Investment in the Future

Summarizing the impact of the day, Jamaica Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett was frank. “This is perhaps the single most immersive tourism, thought leadership summit, that Jamaica has ever had. And it is important that it happens now. And it is important that it is happening to the number one indigenous product of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International,” Minister Bartlett. “I felt what it means to regenerate, to reimagine, to reposition, to reconcile, and to create, in fact, the renaissance, that will move Sandals and Jamaica tourism to the next level.”

Travel Leaders’ Stephen McGillivray addresses the crowd during the Jamaica Love Showcase: “This is our opportunity to use our influence as professional advisors and deliver a message to our clients that Jamaica is a top choice for 2025 and beyond.”

Since Sandals Montego Bay opened its doors in 1981, the brand has continued to invest in Jamaica, developing programmes such as the Sandals Corporate University to uplift and prepare rising hospitality talent, to the Sandals Foundation, the brand’s philanthropic partner aimed at improving the lives of Caribbean communities where the brand operates — and, most importantly, Sandals’ expansive development and continued innovation in the hospitality space that keeps Jamaica one of the most visited destinations in the world.

“Always, we move toward better,” said Stewart. “This is Sandals 2.0 – a new chapter built on innovation, deeper connectivity, and the same commitment to excellence that’s always set us apart. Together, with our incredible partners and the community that inspires us, we’re continuing to build Brand Jamaica. This gathering is a testament to the connectivity between our organization, government and our travel partners in the private sector, demonstrating that together, we can affect significant and meaningful change in our beloved destination, recognizing Jamaica for its beauty, convenient accessibility, affordability, safety and endless possibilities. Jamaica is here and ready for you now.”

Sandals and Beaches Team Members perform for a group of 700 Travel Advisors at the Jamaica Love Showcase in Montego Bay on October 16th.

An array of local entertainers, including Jamaican singer-songwriter Christopher Martin, energized the crowd with performances and special surprises throughout the showcase.

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Caribbean News

SAINT LUCIA CRUISE PORT HOSTS INAUGURAL CRUISE CONNECT CONFERENCE, CELEBRATING GROWTH AND ENVISIONING A BRIGHT FUTURE

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Castries, Saint Lucia – Saint Lucia Cruise Port hosted the first Cruise Connect Conference on Thursday, October 3, 2024, bringing key stakeholders in the cruise tourism industry together in anticipation of the start of the 2024-25 cruise season. Attendees included government officials, cruise agents, tour operators, excursion leaders, and other prominent figures in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. The event marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance its cruise tourism offerings and strengthen its position as a premier cruise destination.

The day began with an insightful review by Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister of Tourism, who provided a comprehensive overview of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry. The Minister highlighted the impressive gains made over recent months and shared the government’s ambitious vision for the future. Special emphasis was placed on the role of cruise tourism as a critical driver for the country’s economy, with ongoing and future plans to capitalize on the growing demand.

In his remarks, Minister Hilaire said, “Saint Lucia is poised for even greater success in cruise tourism. We are committed to leveraging the unique appeal of our island to attract more visitors, increase stayovers, maintain standards and ensure that our cruise guests have unforgettable experiences that will keep them coming back year after year.”

Gasper George, Director of Operations and Product Development, and General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, provided an overview of emerging global cruise tourism trends and challenges while highlighting the Caribbean’s strong position as a sought-after destination. His insights set the stage for discussions on how Saint Lucia can align itself with these trends to ensure continued growth.

Lancelot Arnold, Regional Director for Global Ports Holding (GPH) Eastern Caribbean and General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, presented the audience with an in-depth analysis of port data, focusing heavily on high-impact traffic days. Arnold outlined operational strategies designed to maximize guest experiences during peak periods, underscoring the importance of efficient port management and seamless coordination with local stakeholders.

Mike Maura, Jr., Regional Director for GPH Americas, also delivered remarks, outlining the company’s broader regional and global plans for the cruise industry and sharing specific development initiatives planned for Saint Lucia. He noted, “Saint Lucia holds incredible potential for growth in cruise tourism. GPH is committed to working with local partners to enhance the port’s infrastructure, improve guest experiences, and support the island’s overall tourism objectives.”

The Cruise Connect Conference showcased Saint Lucia’s dedication to enhancing its cruise tourism offerings, fostering an open dialogue among local industry stakeholders and international partners.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Saint Lucia Cruise Port team and key industry partners, Saint Lucia is strategically positioned to attract increased cruise traffic and provide exceptional experiences for its guests.

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CTO Highlights Importance of Cultural Tourism at UNESCO Transcultura Event

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CTO’s Narendra Ramgulam with Vidya Narain, Secretary General to the National UNESCO Commission Suriname, at WTE in Genoa, Italy

Sustainable Tourism Consultant Narendra Ramgulam participates in global talks in Genoa, Italy

 

BARBADOS – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) emphasized the importance of cultural tourism at the 15th World Tourism Event (WTE) in Genoa, Italy. The event was organized last month by UNESCO’s Transcultura program and centered around the theme, “Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union through Culture and Creativity.”

Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Consultant, underscored the importance of promoting the rich, diverse heritage of the region while driving economic growth: “By highlighting our unique traditions, music, cuisine, festivals, and historical sites, cultural tourism enhances the Caribbean’s global appeal and attracts a wider audience of travelers seeking authentic experiences,” he noted.

Ramgulam further asserted that this type of tourism promotes the preservation of local cultures and strengthens community identity, while also creating opportunities for sustainable development. Cultural tourism diversifies the Caribbean’s tourism offerings, reduces reliance on traditional sun-and-sea tourism, and spreads the economic benefits across more areas of the region, fostering inclusivity and resilience.

The WTE, a prestigious international event, brought together tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to focus on the sustainable development of heritage tourism products. As part of the UNESCO Transcultura initiative, funded by the European Union, the Caribbean region was prominently featured, with a dedicated stand showcasing its unique World Heritage destinations and vibrant regional culture.

Ramgulam represented the Caribbean during a panel discussion alongside former CTO Sustainable Tourism Specialist Amanda Charles. Together, they addressed the challenges and opportunities of sustainable cultural tourism in the Caribbean.

“We are honored to have participated in this event, which not only highlights the unique cultural heritage of the Caribbean but also underscores the critical importance of sustainable tourism practices,” said Ramgulam. “It was an invaluable opportunity to share our region’s experiences, connect with global tourism leaders, and explore strategies to foster a more resilient tourism sector.”

The event also provided an essential platform for networking with UNESCO officials and other tourism leaders. Ramgulam’s presentation received positive feedback, and UNESCO has expressed interest in inviting the CTO to future events, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, emphasized the significance of the event: “This experience in Genoa reaffirms our commitment to advancing sustainable cultural tourism in the Caribbean. Engaging in international dialogue and sharing best practices are crucial steps toward shaping a more sustainable future for our region’s tourism industry while preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

Regis-Prosper highlighted that, for the first time, the CTO has presented sustainable heritage tourism strategies in the Caribbean to such an international audience. This achievement reaffirms CTO’s vital role in promoting the region globally and underscores the value it offers to its members by amplifying their presence on the world stage. “As the Caribbean continues to participate in global conversations on sustainable tourism, CTO is eager to build on the momentum from the WTE and strengthen partnerships that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the region,” she asserted.

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