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A leading Caribbean publishing house reports a positive response from the tourism industry to its expansion into new media and building on its traditional skills to develop newer online talents.

The Toute Bagai Publishing Company, producers of MACO publications, believes
diversifying its product base, with the launch of the MACO portal www.macocaribbean.com is better serving the changing needs of regional and international travelers.

A number of leading Caribbean destinations are profiled on the MACO portal with support from their respective tourism boards and authorities.

Neysha Soodeen, managing director of the Trinidad and Tobago-based company,
was pleased the MACO portal was able to load fresh organic information onto the site, unlike others which retain content for two to three years.

“Travelers outside the region want to travel deeper into the Caribbean. They want an authentic experience that many tour operators do not offer. Whatever is hot and happening at that moment will be promoted on each island’s home page. We will highlight attractions and festivals unlike other portals which focus solely on hotels and resorts. This is where we differ from other portals,” Soodeen contended.

“Travelers need to choose a destination first, before they choose where to stay. In the Caribbean, each island offers something unique, which separates one from the other. That is what we highlight and feature on a weekly basis,” Soodeen advised, adding “initially we will be targeting regional travelers, who already know the MACO brand, and who trust our recommendations with their eyes closed.”

Online statistics from portal visitors, she added, will be mined and collated to more efficiently execute extra-regional promotional and partnership strategies.

She contends the fact that her company works closely with most Caribbean tourism departments, coupled with interest from its readers for information on Caribbean travel, serves as the impetus for entering the Internet marketing sector.

The special value of the MACO portal was recently lauded by Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Hugh Riley who describes MACO as a magnet for readers with a yen for the finer things in life.

“The company exemplifies the vibrancy and creativity for which the Caribbean is world famous,” he opined. In addition, over the years its publisher, Neysha Soodeen, has found a formula for success “based upon the right mix of energy, cutting edge techniques and good old-fashioned hard work.

“The result is a consistently desirable publication whose stunning good looks appeal to people who are Caribbean and those who wish they were,” Riley noted.

“MACO has been a trusted source of Caribbean content for almost 15 years, showcasing the Caribbean to the world through its various publications. Now, with a few clicks on their tablets, smartphones and computers, readers and travelers can access our recommendations on the best places to stay, eat and play on each island,” Soodeen reported.