Archive for August, 2020

Pure Grenada Recognized as a Safe Travels Destination by WTTC

St. George’s, Grenada W.I. – 27th August, 2020 – The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has recognized the Government of Grenada’s efforts in implementing enhanced health and safety measures and creating a safe, gradual plan in restarting its Tourism industry. In a letter written by President and CEO of the WTTC Gloria Guevara to the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), she thanked the GTA for implementing health and safety measures in line with, “WTTC global Safe Travels protocols, developed to optimize sector wide recovery efforts by rebuilding confidence among travellers.”

This vote of confidence was given after the GTA submitted its health and safety protocols developed for the six subsectors of Tourism to the WTTC for review. The subsectors include: Attractions, Food and Beverage, Accommodation, Transportation, Tourism Services and Watersports. The World Tourism body approved the protocols and has now given its blessing for Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean to use its WTTC Safe Travels Stamp.

The Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is now part of a fast-growing global network of important destinations that have committed to rebuilding confidence among travellers, and within the sector, so “Safe travels” can be enjoyed.

Speaking on the positive news, CEO of the GTA Patricia Maher said, “ We are delighted to be recognized internationally by the WTTC. The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Grenada Tourism Authority have worked closely together to develop protocols for a new way of doing business in the Tourism industry and train and certify more than 1800 personnel. Our partnership has brought us this recognition.”

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen commented, “We are elated that the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) have accepted our protocols and they are of a global standard. This is an important message to share with our visitors as we resume commercial flights to the Maurice Bishop International Airport. We will use the Safe Travels stamp to showcase to the world that we are aligned with the WTTC Safe Travels protocols.”

Destination management authorities and companies using the stamp have confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the Safe Travels protocols. The stamp is an important and powerful signal to travellers, workers and other stakeholders in the sector that Grenada has a consistent global approach to health and safety.

Posted in: 2020 News, Blog, Destination News

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CTO Introduces Virtual Training Programme in Light of COVID-19

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (25 August. 2020) – With face-to-face learning severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has developed a programme of  virtual workshops to assist members seeking training for those in the tourism sector.

The CTO, the region’s tourism development agency, has begun offering some of its more popular programmes, such as taxi training, online to meet the needs of countries whose human resources and capacity development activities have been stalled by the virus.

“The emergency plans implemented by countries around the world, including the Caribbean, to limit the spread of the COVID-19 have disrupted face-to-face teaching and learning and affected the  CTO’s ability to conduct our regular training programmes,” said Sharon Banfield, the director of resource mobilisation and development. “However, it has also presented an opportunity to mobilise technology to develop alternative training opportunities. The CTO recognises this and will work with the membership to execute online training workshops on their behalf.”

Montserrat was the first CTO member country to benefit from the new online training programme after the CTO facilitated a recent four-session virtual training workshop for taxi drivers titled, The Successful Taxi Driver Workshop.

Approximately 25 taxi drivers participated in the programme, which was open to all taxi and transport operators.

“This was a first for all of the participants, and to ensure that we had the full attention of our stakeholders from the transportation sector, we convened the sessions at one central location, with the facilitator doing an excellent job in creating an interactive atmosphere,” said Warren Solomon, Montserrat’s director of tourism. “The Montserrat Tourism Division has a series of training programmes planned for the remainder of the year and this is really to ensure that all of our service providers don’t lose their edge and are ready to bring their A-game when our borders are re-opened.”

The workshop, conducted in two-hour sessions over four days, covered subjects such as:

  • The Branded Experience
  • First Impressions, Lasting Impressions
  • Effective Communication
  • Strive for Continuous improvement
  • Health and Safety in a COVID 19 Environment

“The general consensus was that the workshop was very timely and met the participants’ expectations and fulfilled the session objectives. Participants shared that the workshop was effective in increasing their knowledge of how to be a successful taxi driver as well as their understanding of COVID-19 and the impact it has on their business,” said the facilitator, Joan Leacock.

Posted in: 2020 News, Blog, Corporate News

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Caribbean G-8 Islands Collaborate on Intra-regional Tourism Marketing Campaign

St. Eustatius Dutch Caribbean, August 11, 2020…….As Caribbean destinations across the region reopen their borders in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a group of eight neighboring islands have joined together to rethink and re-imagine their tourism marketing strategy in the post-Covid era.  Nevis, St. Kitts, Saba, Statia, French Saint Martin, Dutch St. Maarten, Anguilla and St. Barths have come together to form a Caribbean Group of 8, recognizing that through a joint collaboration they can amplify their presence in the marketplace and create new travel possibilities and fresh itineraries for consumers.

“We are delighted to launch this new initiative,” said Jadine Yarde, CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority.  “Our common objective is to promote intra-regional travel, capitalizing on our proximity to each other, and today’s travelers’ desire to discover new experiences, collecting passport stamps along the way for bragging rights.”

The collaboration has produced an introductory video, with highlights of what makes each island special and different from their neighbors.  The exciting, two-minute video will be rolled out across all their social platforms starting the week of August 11, 2020.  The underlying message is that there is no better place than the Caribbean for travelers who are ready to venture forth when the time is right.

“St. Eustatius welcomes the coming together of all the neighboring Islands in producing this video which is testimony to our solidarity and our unison as one Caribbean destination, said Charles Lindo, Director of Tourism for Statia.”

“Saba welcomes this collaborative initiative and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean, a safe haven where culture, history and nature abound,” stated Glenn Holm, Director of Tourism for the Saba Tourist Bureau.

Nevis, St. Kitts, Saba, Statia, Saint Martin, St. Maarten, Anguilla and St. Barths represent a combination of current and former Dutch, British and French island territories. Each island is a unique encounter, reflecting the vibrant Caribbean culture, creativity and hospitality which has made the region the preferred destination for travelers across the globe.  Together they offer a huge array of experiences, cuisines, art, music and literature, against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, spectacular beaches, land and water sports, and boutique accommodations at a range of price points.

For more information, and to view the video, visit  any one of the participating islands’ websites or social platforms: Nevis; St. Kitts; Saba;  Statia;  French Saint Martin;  Dutch St. Maarten;   Anguilla and St. Barths.

Posted in: 2020 News, Blog, Destination News

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CTO Scholarship Foundation Awards Five Caribbean Students for 2020/2021

NEW YORK, NY (August 10, 2020) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation is awarding two scholarships and three study grants for 2020/21 despite the fundraising challenges that the organisation has endured during the COVID-19 crisis. The five students receiving funds will be studying tourism and hospitality management as well as culinary arts at universities in the U.S., the Caribbean and Ireland.

“While we always want to do more than we have the funds for, we are proud to be able to help these five students further their tourism education and return to the Caribbean as future leaders in tourism,” said Jacqueline Johnson, CTO Foundation chairman and president of the Global Bridal Group.

The main aim of the CTO Foundation is to provide opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality, language training and other tourism-related disciplines. The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

2020 Scholarships and Grants

This year scholarships and grants went to the following Caribbean students:

  • Antonia Pierre, Dominica, received the Bonita Morgan Scholarship to study tourism management at the University of the West Indies.
  • Allyson Jno Baptiste, Dominica, was awarded the Audrey Palmer Hawks Scholarship to study hospitality management at Monroe College in New York.  She will begin her studies online.
  • Jenneil Gardener, Jamaica, will get a study grant for a programme in tourism management at the University of the West Indies.
  • Venessa Richardson, Saint Lucia, gets a study grant for courses in hospitality management at Monroe College in Saint Lucia.
  • Chelsea Esquivel, Belize, will get a study grant for her studies in culinary and gastronomic sciences at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Galway, Ireland.

The CTO Foundation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit corporation, registered in the State of New York, and formed exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Led by a volunteer board of directors, the foundation’s first set of scholarships and study grants were awarded in 1998.

Since 1998 the CTO Foundation has provided 117 major scholarships and 178 study grants to deserving Caribbean nationals, amounting to over US$1 million. Over the years, major foundation sponsors have included American Express, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Interval International, JetBlue, Royal Caribbean International, The Travel Agent Magazine, LIAT, Architectural Digest, CTO chapters worldwide and numerous allied members.

“The CTO Foundation wishes to thank everyone who submitted applications for the 2020 scholarships and grants and encourages those that were not fortunate enough to get a scholarship or grant this year to re-apply next year,” said Johnson.

For more information visit the CTO Foundation website at: http://ctofoundation.org/

Posted in: 2020 News, Blog, Scholarship Foundation

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Saint Lucia Welcomes Caribbean Visitors Through “Bubblecation” Campaign

The Caribbean’s Leading Destination Marketing brand, Caribcation, has just introduced its latest marketing campaign, “Bubblecation”. Travellers from countries within the designated Travel Bubble can reconnect with family and friends or enjoy a romantic getaway in Saint Lucia.

The Bubble Countries approved by the Department of Health and Wellness currently include; Antigua, Barbuda, Aruba, Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos.

Visitors within the Bubble Countries with a travel history from these areas in the last 21 days will be exempt from quarantine; however, they are required to obtain a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Negative test result no more than seven (7) days prior to date of travel, and are subject to mandatory screening on arrival. Bubble Visitors are also subject to all applicable on-island protocols including testing, quarantine and isolation where necessary.

“We look forward to welcoming back our Caribbean brothers and sisters through Bubblecation, which for us, would be a wonderful avenue to again share our common cultures and friendship. The important Caribbean market welcomes well over 85,000 visitors annually and with the commencement of commercial flights within the region we anticipate a positive growth trajectory.” Said Christopher Gustave – Marketing Manager for Caribbean and Events.

Visitors within the bubble desirous of traveling to Saint Lucia are to prefill the mandatory Arrival Registration Form located on www.stlucia.org/covid-19 .

Additionally, visitors can utilize www.caribcation.org to assist in direct bookings of their accommodation at a wide variety of authentic community properties which include; villas, Airbnb properties and small hotels.

Airlines around the region including Caribbean Airlines, One Caribbean, Air Antilles, and Inter Caribbean have committed to serving the region. Travellers should check with the airlines for flight schedules.

The health and safety of our local communities remain paramount and as such, with the scheduled resumption of regional aviation services in the weeks ahead, Caribcation will work with approved sector operators including accommodation properties, car rentals, restaurants, tour operators, shopping centers, Taxi Associations, yachting and water based adventure tour providers to create a safe visitor experience.

Interested approved operators should sign up at www.caribcation.org or call 1-758 458-7101 for more information.

Posted in: 2020 News, Blog, Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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