New JHTA president aims to address staff shortages

The new president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) is laser focused on addressing human resource issues, including worrying staff shortages, across the tourism sector. Recognizing that post-pandemic staff availability is a worldwide problem, Robin Russell said, “We're going to have to look at new and innovative ways of getting persons energized again to…

November 9, 2022

Tourism Development

Jamaica tourism minister: Plug leakages, promote linkages

As the region takes on recovery challenges, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett wants to see a repurposed Caribbean tourism architecture that increases benefits for locals. Speaking over the weekend on 92.9 FM VOB’s “Down to Brasstacks” in Barbados, Minister Bartlett opined that despite strong performances across the sector, with the continuing war in Ukraine, its…

November 9, 2022

Cruise Industry

Optimism, excitement as Caribbean cruise stakeholders meet in the DR

Senior cruise executives from FCCA Member Lines have been busy today meeting with tourism representatives from across the region’s public and private sectors, in an effort to improve cruise tourism business and develop opportunities for growth across the region. Michele Paige, CEO of the FCCA, said the conference represented a “new beginning” after a difficult pandemic,…

October 28, 2022

Hotels & Resorts

Caribbean hotelier calls for urgent climate mitigation

“We are all in trouble (and) if we continue doing what we are doing, global disaster is coming,” said visionary hotelier and eco-pioneer Ewald Biemans, the proprietor of Aruba’s acclaimed Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “Climate change is a fact and if we don’t all take care of it, some of the hotels will have to…

October 28, 2022

Hotels & Resorts

Caribbean entrepreneur Barry Collymore acquires Grenada’s Mount Cinnamon

Peter de Savary, a British entrepreneur, yachtsman, and philanthropist, has opted to reduce his business commitments, and is reportedly pleased that his friend and colleague has become the new owner of Mount Cinnamon. “I am very pleased to be stepping into the shoes of my friend and mentor Peter de Savary,” said Collymore, who will serve…

October 28, 2022

Destinations

Barbados names new minister of tourism

In a reorganization of the Barbados cabinet, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that health and wellness minister Ian Gooding-Edghill will assume the portfolio for the island’s bread-and-butter industry, replacing Senator Lisa Cummins. During the prime minister’s address at the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) 83rd annual conference over the weekend, Mottley announced that Cummins will now be…

October 28, 2022

Tourism Insights

Caribbean must prepare for increased tourism demand

Dr. Basil Springer, a change-engine consultant with decades of management experience, said the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) call for Caribbean destinations to immediately present creative, customer-focused experiences for consideration by the cruise lines should not go unanswered. “Innovative enterprise development is what we need across the Caribbean and we ought to position ourselves to take advantage…

October 28, 2022

Tourism Insights

More locals must benefit from tourism’s spoils, says St. Lucian tour operator

Speaking during this month’s Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) 40th Caribbean Travel Marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico, John Mathurin, the general manager of St. Lucia’s Serenity Vacations and Tours, said while he was pleased to see an “amazing slew of international investors” engaged in the development of the tourism sector, it was important…

October 28, 2022

Sustainable Tourism

WTTC chief bats for Caribbean sustainability

Delivering a recorded address to stakeholders gathered for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Forum in San Juan, Puerto Rico this month, Julia Simpson endorsed policy solutions such as government incentives which reward businesses that adhere to environmental standards and are eco-certified. The global travel leader also called…

October 28, 2022

Cruise Industry

Cruise industry careers are worth exploring, says veteran exec

As more Caribbean nationals turn to the region’s tourism industry for careers of their first choice, a 50-year travel industry veteran believes they are on the right path. In a recent interview in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA, opined that cruise tourism offers myriad opportunities for young…

October 28, 2022

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