Tag: caribbean
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World Tourism Day Message From Patricia Affonso-Dass President, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, “Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all”, is particularly relevant for the Caribbean because no other sector creates more jobs or more opportunities in a wider variety of professions and skills.In addition to the 2.5 million people employed directly, many more benefit indirectly from the industry’s contributions to Caribbean health, wealth, education and the environment. Our infrastructure, schools, hospitals, public services, and parks and recreation facilities are all helped by this dynamic and growing industry – already the world’s largest sector but also its fastest growing.The 2017 hurricanes and Hurricane Dorian that devastated some of our destinations reinforced the indispensable role of tourism in our lives. They remind us that for each tourism employee unable to work because of the storms, many members of their families were also affected.Initiatives such as “Tourism Jobs for Bahamians”, just launched by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) together with the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), are finding interim jobs for displaced industry professionals.There will be more jobs as tourism recovers from the hurricanes and the industry resumes its healthy growth trend, and our task is to spread the benefits more equitably to a wider cross-section of our people. We want to ensure women, youth, minorities, and the differently abled have open gateways to employment, ownership and leadership within the industry. There are over 1,000 different job and career paths in the industry, a fifth of which are at supervisory and management levels. Increasing diversity always strengthens companies and organizations, especially in tourism. Our visitors come from a wide range of backgrounds, so our people who welcome visitors to our shores should also reflect the full spectrum of our rich human diversity.The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, with the support of many of the region’s local associations and our members, is earnest about its mandate to develop our industry’s human resources. Well over 500 Caribbean nationals have received higher education scholarships through the CHTA Education Foundation. More than 1,000 chefs and several hundred bartenders have honed their skills through professional development opportunities that CHTA and the industry have provided through our Taste of the Caribbean initiative.Thousands of employees have benefited from industry-sponsored professional development training, including over 500 who attended “diversity in the workplace” courses over the past year. Earlier this year, CHTA launched its Young Leaders Initiative, in which dozens of young people are developing their leadership skills and their understanding of the industry and the opportunities it offers.This does not include the additional investments that independent hotels, resort brands, airlines, tour operators, attractions, taxi and transportation providers, vendors and other industry stakeholders, with their human resource professionals and employees, are making every day to deliver exceptional hospitality.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.Tourism can benefit every corner of our region and so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate the importance of the industry and the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities it represents. We resolve individually and collectively, as businesses, governments and education and training institutions, to continue to invest in our people.In the Caribbean, “Tourism is Everyone’s Business”.About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied members, and 33 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether helping to navigate critical issues in sales and marketing, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, climate change, data and intelligence or, looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on issues which matter most.For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. -
Exports Of Essential Oils From The Caribbean To Europe Are Increasing Due To The Boom In Natural Cosmetics
It is becoming increasingly common to find natural cosmetic products in large retail stores, perfume stores and supermarkets. In Europe, the cosmetics market is valued at 77 billion euros, making it the largest market in the world and, within this, natural cosmetic products account for approximately 5% of the market. The sector is currently growing at an annual rate of 8-10%. The UK’s certified natural and organic cosmetics market is at an all-time high as sustainable shoppers continue to drive the market for green beauty. Around 50% of British consumers favour cosmetics made from natural ingredients – the highest figure in Europe. In 2018, sales of certified organic and natural beauty products grew for an eighth consecutive year to reach £86.5m, up 14% on the previous year.
The European Union is not only the largest supplier of cosmetics in the world but also the main source of demand for natural ingredients for developing these products, particularly plant-based oils and fats. Around 45% of EU imports of essential oils come from developing countries. “In 2018, Caribbean countries (CARICOM) exported essential oils valued at over 32 million euros to the EU, which represents 8% of all imports to the region”, indicates Damie Sinanan, the competitiveness and export promotion manager of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export). “We are seeing this demand increase year by year, in large part due to greater concern about sustainability and ethics on the part of European consumers. In the past year, exports of essential oils from CARICOM to the EU have grown by 33%”. The UK imports €679K of essentials oils from CARICOM.
Consumers’ growing concern about the side effects of chemical products, dissemination of information about the benefits of natural ingredients and the rise in ethical consumption are some of the factors driving the growth of the natural cosmetics segment within the industry. Four out of ten (41%) British females frequently check the label on the packaging about ingredients of the cosmetics they use. The common concern concentrates on potential risks of harmful chemicals to human health and the possibility of skin irritation.
CASTOR OIL AND COCONUT OIL, KEY INGREDIENTS IN NATURAL COSMETICS
The Caribbean is not only famous for its heavenly beaches and rum but also for the natural ingredients produced in this region. Specifically, Jamaican black castor oil and coconut oil are two of its star ingredients. The first is used in moisturizing or hydrating products for dry skin, as well as to strengthen hair and prevent hair, eyebrow and eyelash loss. Coconut oil, for its part, is used in moisturizers for the body, lips and scalp, as exfoliants, and even for preventing the appearance of premature wrinkles and spots, thanks to its antibiotic and anti-microbial properties that protect against UV rays and free radicals.
“Apart from the health benefits of these oils and other natural ingredients many Caribbean companies sell in the EU, they also work hard to make products as sustainable as possible, from production to packaging, with the aim of not generating waste or harming the environment”, comments Sinanan. Consumers are demanding that companies use less plastic, more recyclable materials and eco-friendly products and packaging. “In fact, some of the region’s best-selling products in Europe are those that are fully biodegradable, like the soaps from bahamaSpa™, and those made without cruelty to animals and that support eco-trade of local farmers in the Caribbean, like those of True Shade Cosmetics Limited and Sugar Town Organics”.
This year, eighteen Caribbean companies in the cosmetics and nutraceutical industry will participate in the 4th CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum, which is being held from 26 to 28 September in Frankfurt. This event, organized by Caribbean Export together with the European Union and the German Development Agency (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), aims to promote trade relations between the countries of the Caribbean and Europe, as well as to raise the visibility of the natural products and ingredients that originate in the Caribbean region.
“I have seen a shift over the last year alone where more and more consumers are requesting oil-based products for their skin, such as those offered in Europe. We started out from a place of offering plant-based cosmetics and receive many enquiries from concerned persons who are curious about our use of natural produce that are found within the Caribbean and whether our ingredients are indeed 100% natural. We are happy to respond and invite them into our garden space where they can see for themselves. We also share photos and behind the scenes shots on our social media pages,” expressed Anastasha Elliott owner from Sugar Town Organics, one of the participant companies at the event.
BEYOND NATURAL COSMETICS
The healthy lifestyle of Europeans along with the region’s efforts to promote sustainability is driving the demand for natural ingredients beyond the cosmetics industry. In Europe, this demand is concentrated in the EU5 countries, which include Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, and it is being seen in the food sector especially.
Seven in ten consumers would be willing to give up their favourite products in favour of others that do not contain artificial ingredients; and six in ten consumers value the fact that the food they buy or consume is produced sustainably, particularly when they reduce the use of pesticides and are affordable.
“If you take the Dominican Republic for example, the country has dedicated more than 150 thousand hectares to organic farming, and what is produced on that acreage generates over 447 million euros, according to the FAO. In fact, approximately 95% of Dominican organic banana exports are shipped to the European Union, making up nearly 50% of its supply”, states Sinanan. “Interest in ecological and sustainable production and fair trade are helping to make trade relations with Europe more fruitful.”
Link to “Bringing the Authentic Caribbean To Europe” video here
For more information about the 4th CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum, visit: http://www.carib-export.com/businessforum/
For more information about Caribbean Export, visit: www.carib-export.com
About the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export)
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is a regional organization of the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) dedicated to the development of exports and promotion of trade and investment. It is currently implementing the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) financed by the European Union in the framework of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). Caribbean Export’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean countries through the delivery of quality services for export development and trade and investment promotion through the implementation of strategic programs and partnerships.
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The Time To Invest In BPO In The Caribbean Is Now!
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), has the potential to be transformative for countries in the Caribbean and should be further explored and exploited. This is the charge from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) organisers of the 2nd Outsource to the Caribbean Conference (OCC) 2019.
CEO, Yoni Epstein received award from Damie Sinanan, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export and judge Margaret Rose, Regional Director – Site Selection Magazine Hosting the event in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) and with the Curaçao Investment and Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) some 23 countries were represented by delegates looking to explore new sourcing opportunities and discover what the Caribbean has to offer in the BPO sector.
From left; Tessa Jacques, President – CAIPA; Damie Sinanan, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export; Shelly-Ann Mohammed, Head of ACCA Caribbean and Tricia Baltazar, Services Development manager – Caribbean Association of Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO) President of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), Tessa Jacques in her opening remarks of the conference, shared that “We’ve done the homework and the site selection companies and potential investors have indicated to us that they know the Caribbean but have challenges identifying our individual territories. This is not a bad thing. Our goal as CAIPA is to build on this perception of the Caribbean and identify for investors niche opportunities in each of our territories.”
From left: Damie Sinanan, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export; Tricia Baltazar, Services Development manager – Caribbean Association of Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO); Shelly-Ann Mohammed, Head of ACCA Caribbean and Tessa Jacques, President – CAIPA Collaboration between the Caribbean countries was the main theme throughout the conference for the region to achieve long term success in the industry. Jamaica is one country applauded by the Hon. Eugene Rhuggenaath, Prime Minister of Curaçao, for its growth in the sourcing sector as it has led the way in the regions BPO industry “Jamaica is a pure example of the success in the BPO industry, with over 36,000 employees from 60 players. Jamaica’s BPO industry has grown on average 20% per year and is expected to continue growing 15-18% in 2019. Congratulations Jamaica”.
Prime Minister of Curaçao Rhuggenaath meets with Damie Sinanan, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export as the Hon. Catherine Hughes, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Guyana Jacques highlighted that in 2010 the Caribbean’s BPO sector provided employment for 47,000 workers, and by 2015 this figure had grown to 74,000 and continues to grow. With companies generating close to US$25million in revenue for every 1000 agents. The opportunity for the Caribbean to capitalise upon technology enabled service delivery is apparent. Ahead of the conference Caribbean Export carried out a poll on the OCC website and found that 60% of all first-time visitors to the site had intentions to expand in the region within the next 12-24 months. This is a strong signal of continued growth in the sector in the near to medium term.
Prime Minister of Curaçao Rhuggenaath “This impressive growth in the BPO sector will accelerate and become even bigger for Caribbean destinations” continued the Prime Minister as he underscored that the success of the Caribbean was deeply rooted in its heritage, diversity, versatility and creativity as “One Caribbean, one nearshore solution for our partners in the America’s, Europe and even Africa”.
Luanna Persaud, Country Director – Qualfon receives award from judge Margaret Rose, Regional Director – Site Selection Magazine and Damie Sinanan, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export At the event, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Caribbean Export, CAIPA, the Caribbean Association of Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO) and the ACCA Caribbean. This is an indication of their commitment to work together to continue supporting the growth and development of the Caribbean’s BPO sector.
Another significant undertaking at the event was the hosting of the first Caribbean BPO of the Year Awards. The event sought to celebrate the accomplishments of Caribbean BPO firms over the period 2017/2018, with a focus on jobs created, investment and innovation in service delivery. The applicants were scored by Anupam Govil of AVASANT, Margaret Rose of Site Selection Magazine and Kirk Laughlin of Nearshore Americas. The winners were announced at the celebratory reception at the Conference, where itelBPO of Jamaica and the Bahamas copped the coveted Caribbean BPO of the Year Award. itelBPO, also won the Caribbean BPO Employer of the Year Award. The winner of the other 2 categories, that is, Caribbean BPO Investor of the Year Award and Caribbean BPO Innovator of the Year Award was Qualfon of Guyana. Accepting the award was Luanna Persaud, Country Director.
The next edition of the Outsource to the Caribbean Conference is scheduled for 2021.
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Strengthening Procedures to Start a Business in the Caribbean
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), has set its sight on improving the business climate in the Caribbean with a focus on strengthening the procedures to start a business in the Region.
The Agencies convened a two-day workshop at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel in Barbados from 9-10th April 2019) to discuss the region’s business climate.
“Our focus will be 3-fold,” notes Suzette Hudson, Snr. Advisor of Investment promotion at Caribbean Export. “We want to assess the current procedures, cost and time to start a business in the Caribbean, guided by the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report, review global best practices with a focus on Jamaica and finally, develop action plans or next steps for that will be implemented in the near-term.”
Jamaica ranks among the top 10 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report for Starting a Business. “It is hoped that in the future we can continue to work with CAIPA to tackle other hurdles that are negatively affecting or may negatively affect the attraction of investment into the Caribbean.”
Participating countries included: Antigua and Barbuda; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Trinidad and Tobago. From these countries 32 stakeholders, the investment promotion agencies, attorneys who assist foreign firms in incorporating their companies, registrars of companies and other private sector interested parties participated.
Commenting during the opening session, Ms. Evelyn Wayne, the Director of Economic Policy and Development, of the CARICOM Secretariat noted that “This initiative is directly aligned to the commitment to adopt a Community Investment Policy for CARICOM States, which, among other things, addresses the modernization of the role of public authorities, to improve investment facilitation procedures.”
“Creating an enabling environment to facilitate investment through regulatory reforms is critical for small States with limited ability to offer incentives for FDI attraction “noted, Ms. Opeyemi Abebe, Trade Advisor with the Commonwealth Secretariat. “At the Secretariat, we are committed to helping the developing and small member States of the Commonwealth address challenges faced in facilitating investment and building that capacity to implement some key interventions that Governments can execute to improve the business climate for attracting investment.” The Commonwealth Secretariat is the international donor, funding the execution of a study to develop action plans to strengthen the procedures to start a business in the Caribbean. The funding from the Secretariat also covered the hosting of the regional workshop.
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Cayman Airways Named Best Airline In The Caribbean By Tripadvisor
The world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, has named Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) the “Best Airline in the Caribbean” and a top “Specialty and Leisure Airline” within the entire North America region.
The announcement comes as part of TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards results for airline categories, issued April 2, 2019. The results identified travelers’ favorite airlines around the globe, with the hallmark of Travelers’ Choice award winners being outstanding service, quality and value.
Cayman Airways has been the National Airline of the Cayman Islands since 1968.
“Cayman Airways, including its subsidiary Cayman Airways Express, prides itself in embedding the very best of Caymanian hospitality into its service, which is reflected by the airline receiving these two important TripAdvisor awards,” said Cayman Airways President and CEO, Fabian Whorms.
“For over five decades, Cayman Airways has been focused on ensuring that our promise of “those who fly us, love us” rings true. In delivering on that promise, the Cayman Airways family goes to great lengths to provide a pleasant and safe travel experience, filled with the best of our warm Caymanian hospitality. The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Cayman Airways are therefore very proud and appreciative of these TripAdvisor awards, which recognizes our efforts to deliver an unparalleled level of service and Caymanian hospitality, making us unique amongst all airlines.”
TripAdvisor notes the Travelers’ Choice award winners for airlines were determined based on the reviews and opinions collected from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide, and took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted over a 12-month period (January to December 2018).
Now in its third year for airline categories, the organization noted that the prestigious 2019 award categories honor 57 airlines in 91 total awards that provide exceptional value and service across the world. In addition to the world list, the Travelers’ Choice awards recognizes the winning airlines in eight regions: Africa & Indian Ocean, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and South Pacific & Oceania.
About Cayman Airways
As the National Airline of the Cayman Islands since 1968, Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, providing regular nonstop service between Grand Cayman and: Miami and Tampa, Florida; New York, New York; Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; and La Ceiba and Roatan, Honduras. Nonstop flights are also offered seasonally between Grand Cayman and Chicago, Illinois, as well as Denver, Colorado. Additionally, Cayman Airways Express operates multiple daily domestic flights between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman with two Twin Otter aircraft and two Saab 340B+ aircraft. The airline currently has about 400 dedicated employees. Corporate headquarters for Cayman Airways is located at 91 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman. For more information and bookings call (345) 949-2311, 1-800-422-9626 (toll free within the USA), or visit www.caymanairways.com.
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Countdown Begins to Fort Lauderdale’s Premier Caribbean Food Festival – “The Taste the Islands Experience”
Dozens of South Florida’s mainstream and Caribbean media were hosted on the grounds of History Fort Lauderdale on April 3rd, for the official media launch of The Taste the Islands Experience (#TTIX2019) event weekend. The team at Island Syndicate, lead producers of the 3-day event, were on hand to meet and greet sponsors, partners, talent, media and other stakeholders in the occasion. Attendees enjoyed Korbel champagne, light island bites, and Caribbean music courtesy of Sir Rockwell. Then the audience was treated to a preview of what the 3-day event would have in store.
L-R: Daniel Abbott, Tyrone Robertson, Calibe Thompson, Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, and David I. Muir | Photography by RJ Deed Island Syndicate Creative Director Calibe Thompson painted a picture of three exciting event days from April 26 to 28, each with delicious culinary profiles and each with unique characteristics. The company’s Brand Strategy Director David I. Muir, host of the Taste the Islands TV show Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, and Friday night TTIX Under the Stars producers Tyrone Robertson and Daniel Abbott interacted with the audience answering key questions about how the events would unfold. Closing with a few words were island partners from Barbados and the US Virgin Islands, who shared their individual experiences and evolving relationship with the team and event.
Media, sponsors and guests enjoying the presentation | Photography by RJ Deed Building on last year’s success, the main event on Saturday, April 27th will maintain standout features like their Island Pavilions-this year featuring Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands; Restaurant Row-featuring regulars like Reed’s Catering with their signature conch salad, and newcomers like Yani Booze alcoholic cupcakes; the chef and mixologist demos on the main stage, glam and massage studios, and the Culinary Museum activation. New Saturday features will include the Arrival / Departure Lounge stage-with live music, rum sommelier presentation, and chef panel; guided Tasting Tour offering a virtual tour of favorite Caribbean destinations; and The Julian Marley Experience-where purchasers of full price tickets get an autographed CD and a meet and greet with the singer.
Event partners Seymour Bailey (Barbados), Caroline Racine (USVI), and Tara Chadwick (History Fort Lauderdale) | Photography by RJ Deed On Friday, April 26, the weekend will begin with a night of live island music, and multiple courses of passed gourmet tapas prepared by visiting chefs from the Caribbean. The weekend will draw to a close on Sunday, April 28 with Brunch on the Sunny Side featuring a Caribbean brunch buffet, curated mimosa bar, and couture fashion show.
See the complete event photo album on Facebook.
Learn more about The 2019 Taste the Islands Experience at www.ttiexperience.com.
Event Details
Title: The Taste the Islands Experience Weekend
What: An all-VIP food and drink experience with gourmet island bites, Caribbean cocktails, celebrity chefs, great music, cultural presentations, and fabulous people
When: Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28, 2019
Where: Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Audience: Food and spirits enthusiasts with a taste for island indulgences
Price: $55 – $250
Information: www.ttiexperience.com“The 2019 Taste the Islands Experience” is produced by Island Syndicate, an agency that creates exceptional content and unforgettable experiences inspired by the Caribbean. For more information and to stay up to date on “Taste the Islands Experience” events, please visit www.ttiexperience.com.
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Caribbean Menswear Designer Ecliff Elie Effectively Leaves His Mark on Carnival; Calls for Glamorization of Caribbean Fashion Industry
From Superblue to Swappi, Teddyson John, Problem Child, V’ghn, Ricardo Drue, Shurwayne Winchester and Bunji Garlin, Trinidad and Tobago menswear designer, Ecliff Elie kept extremely busy this past carnival season. His stylish suits were strutted across stages at fetes around the country, almost nightly in the past two months, with each artiste expressing a sense of comfort in wearing the Ecliff Elie brand.
Resort wear and suits have grown in popularity among men in the Caribbean, in the past few years- Elie’s brand powerfully marketing sophisticated looks for all ages and sizes via its social media portals. Over the years, the brand has delivered unceasingly to customers who’ve agreed that the Ecliff Elie fit, is certainly a cut above the rest. “Quality and customer service are our priority. This season, we had a lot to deliver for a number of Soca artistes who performed across the length and breadth of the country, nightly. Swappi was one of them. We had to ensure that his look matched his personality and of course, with his energetic stage shows, it was imperative that his clothing was breathable and comfortable,” explained Elie. He said it took tremendous team work to accomplish the many looks brought to the table during consultations with each act, to ensure that the styles desired, were delivered on time. For the International Soca Monarch, four artistes wore clothing designed by Ecliff Elie. Swappi, Teddyson John, V’ghn and Ricardo Drue all chose the designer to meet their apparel needs and they were not disappointed.
“Working with Ecliff has been a great experience,” said Groovy Soca Monarch winner, Swappi. “Ecliff is a great individual. He’s a nice person – a very talented man, and he’s very professional. I can see myself working with him throughout the rest of the year and onward,” he said. Swappi wore the brand with a sense of ease and comfort, like many had never seen before. Online, many commented that his clothing matched his personality well, proof that fashion and music certainly can compliment each other.
Ecliff Elie continues to lead the way in Caribbean menswear and style. The business of fashion in the Diaspora, still a matter of much consultation and debate, Elie says he hopes more emphasis will be placed on equipping young professionals with the resources needed to better their professional skills.
“There are some professions that are glamorized more than others. There is often a sense of dissuasion placed on careers in tailoring and being a seamstress, but how could a design house be built without competent tailors and seamstresses? The business of fashion is vast and incorporates so many careers. Maybe it’s time for us, as a Diaspora to channel our energies into glamorizing the Caribbean fashion industry, showing young people the various avenues to build on, and make true success stories out of these parts,” he recommended.
Follow @ecliffelie on Instagram and Facebook for continued updates on the brand that is making inroads in menswear design.
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CHTA President Hails Caribbean Diversity, Beauty And Strength Of Its People
President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Patricia Affonso-Dass hailed the diversity of the region, its incredible natural beauty and people as core strengths as she called for the Caribbean to be better known as the most welcoming region in the world.CHTA President Patricia Affonso-Dass addressing Caribbean Travel Marketplace delegates yesterday. At left is CHTA’s Director General and CEO Frank Comito. Kicking off the 37th annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Caribbean’s largest tourism marketing event, in Montego Bay, Jamaica yesterday evening, the Barbados-based hotelier said it was time to change the way the world references the region, “from the most tourism-dependent in the world to the world’s most desirable, most tolerant and inclusive, most welcoming, most hospitable, most facilitative and investment-friendly, and most environmentally sensitive region in the world.”Speaking on behalf of the region’s preeminent private sector trade association and its 33 national hotel and tourism associations, the president warmly welcomed delegates to the conference.Caribbean Travel Marketplace is hosting the largest group of buyers in its history from the widest number of countries. Sixty new buyer companies out of about 145 have joined the conference this year and CHTA is welcoming the largest contingent of Chinese travel buyers to date along with new buyer companies from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.“Our relationship with you, our buyer partners, and your active engagement in promoting and selling our region is integral to the sustainability of our economies and, by extension, the livelihood of our people, and I would like to encourage you to get more actively engaged with the association,” she implored. “The diversity of buyers attending Marketplace from around the world ironically reflects the diversity of our Caribbean offerings – a united region with an incredible array of offerings with their own distinct natural beauty, history and culture. This is one of our core strengths,” she added.Pointing to the region’s people, she wants the Caribbean to be known as a region where genuine service is delivered by “regionally proud, highly trained professionals who understand the critical importance of their role and their importance to the success, sustainability and economic viability of the region.”Affonso-Dass, who has championed the theme of “people development” even prior to assuming the role of president last year, asserted that the people of the region are “our most important asset and our most marketable commodity.”In a world that often appears dominated by divisiveness, fear and uncertainty, the CHTA president’s dream is for the Caribbean region “to continue to stand strong and united, to be synonymous with a genuine welcome, an authentic experience and excellent service delivered with soul and pride.”She told the 1,000 delegates attending the opening reception that “more and more of our customers are telling us that what they are seeking is a personal connection with our people, a genuine experience, and an opportunity to feel that their being here makes a positive difference. Our responsibility is to ensure that our people have the right training, real opportunities for development and a chance to derive the greatest value for themselves and their families from the industry in which they work.”The CHTA president thanked those in attendance who are supporting the CHTA Education Foundation, calling on more of the delegates to invest in the region’s people. To date the foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 400 Caribbean nationals and in 2018 provided certificate training to several hundred employees.Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2019 is produced by CHTA in collaboration with co-hosts the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Ministry of Tourism. It is the leading event in the Caribbean tourism industry where delegates from Caribbean countries meet with buyers from more than 20 markets.
This year’s host sponsors are Appleton Estate Rum Experience, Interval International, Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, JetBlue Vacations, MasterCard, Sandals and Scotiabank, while Platinum sponsors include 7 Pillars: Marketing on Demand, Adara, AMResorts, Figment Design, Marketplace Excellence, OBMI, Sojern, STR, TravelClick, Travelzoo, and the United States Virgin Islands.Gold sponsors are AeroMD, American Airlines, ARDA, Arrivalist, Best Western International, BlackDoctor.Org, Bonnier Corporation, Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Delta Air Lines, The Discoverer, EPICA, Expedia Group, FirstCaribbean International Bank, Flip.to, Golf Channel, HCP Media, HEBS Digital, Matador Network, Meredith, NextPax, The New York Times, Northstar Travel Group, Prevue magazine, Questex, Rainmaker, Recommend magazine, Robb Report, Simpleview, SiteMinder, St. Maarten, St. Martin, TL Cooper Media, travAlliancemedia, Travel + Leisure, Travel Relations, TravPRO Mobile, TripAdvisor, Trip Mate, and The Wall Street Journal.About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied members, and 32 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether navigating new worlds like social media, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, climate change, data and intelligence or, looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on issues which matter most.For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.
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Caribbean Tourism Stakeholders Work To Protect And Regrow Coral Reefs
Recognizing the environmental and economic value of healthy coral reefs, and the dangers posed by warmer oceans and more intense hurricanes, a group of tourism-focused organizations have joined forces to help protect and regenerate Caribbean reefs.
The Caribbean team on assignment in Punta Cana this month. The nonprofit Tourism Cares, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and the Grupo Puntacana Foundation in the Dominican Republic have partnered on a Coral Restoration Capacity Building Project to assist three Caribbean destinations which suffered serious reef damage from the devastating storms of 2017.
Two individuals each from Dominica, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands recently spent a week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, completing a Coral First Aid Certification training program. Additional individuals from the affected territories will now be trained by these graduates to assist with major restoration efforts.
Marine scientists have confirmed that coral reefs, which make up only one percent of the ocean floor but support 25 percent of marine life, have declined in the Caribbean by as much as 50 to 80 percent in 30 years.
“CHTA, through our affiliate Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), has a longstanding working relationship with the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and we’re delighted to be able to draw upon the Foundation’s expertise to provide this training,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s CEO and Director General.
The Grupo Puntacana Foundation’s President Frank Rainieri was a founder of CAST and served as its first Chairman in 1997. The Foundation, with its own Center for Marine Innovation, has more than 14 years of experience in coral restoration. Having one of the largest coral nurseries in the Caribbean positions it as a leading coral gardening training institution.
“We have an environmental responsibility to regenerate these natural treasures because without reefs, there would be fewer beautiful beaches and without our beaches fewer tourists would visit, so coral gardening is both an ecological imperative as well as a significant economic driver for our region,” Comito stated.
Jake Kheel, Vice President for the Grupo Punta Cana’s Corporate Environmental Programs, noted that the Foundation is “pleased to have this opportunity to share with our Caribbean colleagues best practice techniques for reef restoration”. He asserted that in addition to the regional environmental and economic impact of coral reefs, they also play a key role in the global ecosystem.
Paula Vlamings, CEO of Tourism Cares, believes this “smart partnership” between major organizations is crucial for hurricane impacted destinations: “We thank all the supporters of the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund who made the sharing of resources possible.”
Argel Horton and Emily Graff (British Virgin Islands); Augustus Bernard and Donna Mitchell (Dominica); and Logan Michelle and Jason Quetel (U.S. Virgin Islands) took part in the training program.
While in the Dominican Republic, the participants interacted with world expert in coral restoration Dr. David Vaughan, who is from the Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys. Dr. Vaughan instructed participants on a new methodology of coral restoration known as micro-fragmentation, which he developed to reverse coral degradation through its rapid regeneration and transplanting onto dead reefs.
Upon completion of the Coral First Aid Certification these graduates are now able to, among other skills, identify, construct and prepare at least two different types of nursery propagation platforms; set up new nurseries; properly attach coral fragments for propagation; perform regular maintenance; collect performance data using established standardized procedures; and properly harvest and transport coral fragments and colonies.
About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing tourism interests for national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working together with 1,000 hotel and allied members and 32 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether navigating new worlds like social media, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, data and intelligence or looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on matters that matter most.
For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
The Grupo Puntacana Foundation
For the last 25 years, the Grupo Puntacana Foundation has confronted some of the Caribbean tourism industry’s most significant social and environmental challenges, successfully implementing diverse programs that have made it a leader in sustainable tourism. The Foundation initiated one of the Caribbean’s largest coral reef restoration projects while implementing numerous market-based community development projects. The Foundation designed and implemented Zero Waste at Puntacana Resort & Club, the first and largest corporate recycling program in the Dominican Republic. In addition, the Foundation runs the Center for Sustainability and the Center for Marine Innovation, two think tanks that work with world experts to conduct research and design experiments related to sustainable development. The Grupo Puntacana Foundation’s sustainability efforts have been recognized and awarded by the World Tourism Travel Council, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic Traveler.
About Tourism Cares
Tourism Cares, Inc. is a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances the travel industry’s positive impact to help people and places thrive. We believe it’s in all our best interest to support the destinations our industry depends on so that communities, travelers and businesses can prosper. We mobilize the entire industry to use its business as a force for good by convening, educating and motivating all sectors to make a positive impact through travel. Learn more at TourismCares.org and @TourismCares.