CTO offers Caribbean tourism leaders exclusive training in airline route development

BARBADOS (February 12, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in partnership with >Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM) has announced a landmark two-day training event focused on airline route development, scheduled for February 20-21, 2024, at the CTO Headquarters in Barbados.

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of the CTO, explained that “Aviation Marketing, Incentives & Negotiation” marks a significant milestone in the inter-governmental organization’s efforts to strengthen aerial highways to and from the region. “By collaborating with ASM, a part of Informa’s Aviation Week Network and a major international authority in global route development, we are bringing together the best in the field to provide an unparalleled learning experience for our tourism leaders,” she stated.

The event is geared towards high-level tourism professionals such as Ministers of Tourism, Directors of Tourism, CEOs, and other senior positions. It will offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as effective aviation marketing plans, successful incentive strategies, negotiation techniques for new airline routes, and the fundamentals of route development.

The training is expected to draw significant attention from industry leaders looking to gain an edge in the world of aviation due to its interactive approach; intimate, focused learning environment; and opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

The collaboration between CTO and ASM, a leader in aviation strategy and marketing and founder of the renowned Routes events, is a strategic move to bolster the Caribbean’s position in the worldwide aviation market. As the Caribbean continues to evolve as a key player in the global tourism industry, training and networking events are crucial for staying ahead in an increasingly competitive field, the Secretary-General posited.

“We encourage our key stakeholders to seize this unique opportunity to elevate their expertise related to airline route development and reshape their aviation strategies,” said Regis-Prosper.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the CTO on this two-day workshop. Airline negotiations and route support mechanisms have become such an important part of air service development, and this course will provide delegates with the understanding and the techniques required to come to new agreements with airlines that will help bolster the airlift of the Caribbean,” said David Stroud, Managing Director of Strategy and Consulting for Aviation Week Network.

The training session precedes Routes Americas 2024, the leading air service development event in the Americas, scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia from March 19-21. This key industry gathering will bring together senior professionals from airlines, airports and destinations, offering an efficient platform for building high-value relationships with key air service development decision-makers from across the region and beyond.

For more details or to register, interested parties may contact Faye Gill at fgill@caribtourism.com

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CTO Chairman Hails Success of Business Meetings in Saint-Martin

SAINT-MARTIN (February 11, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) concluded its business meetings last week in Saint-Martin, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to strengthen and revitalize the Caribbean tourism sector. Under the direction of Chairman Kenneth Bryan, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands, the CTO has embarked on a transformative journey to reimagine its role and impact within the global tourism landscape.

“When I took over as chairman (in 2022), we decided to go through a reimagining exercise and you can start to see the changes already,” said Chairman Bryan, citing the appointment of Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, the return of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda to the 25-member body, and the re-engagement of destinations such as Montserrat as examples of the progress made.

A highlight of the meetings was the presentation of a comprehensive plan for the year ahead by Regis-Prosper, the first woman appointed to the post in the organization’s history.

This year’s first series of business meetings focused on defining a strategic direction for the upcoming year and reviewing the organization’s accomplishments since Minister Bryan’s tenure began. “The discussions were fruitful and reflective of the vibrant spirit that characterizes our collective efforts,” stated Minister Bryan. “The CTO is moving towards a reimagined, revitalized and relevant future, with a clear focus on overcoming challenges through unity and shared vision,” he asserted.

A significant part of the meetings centered on the critical role of aviation in connecting the Caribbean. Chairman Bryan emphasized the commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and addressing the complexities of aviation logistics, highlighting a resolution to engage with key stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and regional airlines, to advocate for increased seat capacity and facilitate more seamless travel within the Caribbean.

The group discussed the possibility of staging a Caribbean aviation conference: an assembly of airline and airport authority executives; hotel brands; tourism stakeholders; and government ministers with responsibility for tourism, civil aviation, regulatory and finance matters. “We need robust dialogue on the necessary changes to incentivize more connectivity within the region, so we’re going to put our foot down on the gas concerning this because it’s a serious concern for many members, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean.”

Reflecting on his tenure as chairman, Minister Bryan is encouraged by the progress made, particularly in stabilizing the organization’s fiscal position, increasing membership confidence, and positioning the CTO prominently in global tourism discussions. The CTO’s efforts have also focused on leveraging technology, artificial intelligence, and digital media to enhance the Caribbean’s appeal as the world’s leading warm-weather destination.

The CTO’s vision also encompasses a rebranding of the organization and a reinforcement of the foundational spirit of Caribbean kinship. “Our goal is to ensure that every member state feels tangible value from its involvement with the CTO, fostering a sense of belonging and collective achievement,” commented Minister Bryan.

He said CTO’s strategic direction, under the Secretary-General’s leadership, promises a dynamic and inclusive future for Caribbean tourism, one that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a deepened sense of regional camaraderie.

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CTO Celebrates 35 Years, Announces 2024 Theme

BARBADOS (January 22, 2024) – Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Dona Regis-Prosper has welcomed 2024 by recognizing January as the organization’s 35th anniversary and inviting regional tourism stakeholders to join the CTO in a yearlong journey of celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes and experiences that define the Caribbean.

Introducing the CTO’s theme for this year, “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, Regis-Prosper explained that it underscores the CTO’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices. “This is a call to embrace the uniqueness of each destination while recognizing the shared thread that binds us together as one vibrant and diverse Caribbean family,” she stated.

The Secretary-General reflected on the resilience and recovery of the Caribbean tourism sector in 2023, acknowledging the challenges faced and the collective strength demonstrated. “Our Caribbean tourism sector demonstrated remarkable strength and adaptability in the face of challenges and uncertainties,” she noted, adding, “We persevered, worked together, and welcomed visitors back to our beautiful destinations.”

Regis-Prosper highlighted the successful reintroduction of hallmark CTO events, including Caribbean Week in New York and the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), and the revitalization of tourism offerings in the region, “ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all who chose to experience the magic of the Caribbean.”

The Secretary-General also noted the strides made by members in sustainable tourism, and the CTO’s ongoing focus on effective communication. She emphasized the critical role of research in reimagining Caribbean tourism and positioning the CTO as a leading research authority in the field.

She underscored the importance of the region hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, describing the tournament as an opportunity to showcase the region’s hospitality, cultural richness, and sporting prowess to the global community.

The tourism executive invited stakeholders to join the CTO in its endeavors to promote the region, expressing eagerness to engage with industry officials at upcoming CTO events such as the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, April 22-24, 2024, in Grenada.

The 25-member intergovernmental organization’s priorities for the new year include sustainable tourism, membership services, communication and market engagement, research, and the revitalization of the CTO.

Watch: https://youtu.be/Pisa5-36MpQ?si=97uGphasP2Mhkm55

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CTO Statement on COVID-19

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (12 March 2020) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) continues to closely monitor the coronavirus virus (COVID-19) situation. We continue to engage our member countries, as well as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and our tourism partners, to inform travel-related health measures that are proportionate to the public health threat and based on local risk assessment.

While there continues to be a limited number of imported coronavirus cases and no cases of local transmission in the region, the health authorities across our membership are taking the necessary steps to limit the number of new cases and to curb the possible spread among our populations from the confirmed imported cases.

The CTO would like to emphasise that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not called for any travel and trade restrictions as a result of the coronavirus. As a matter of fact, the WHO continues to advise against such restrictions. Local populations and visitors alike are assured that the Caribbean remains open for business.

Consequently, we advise travellers to follow the health and travel advisories issued by the authorities and to take appropriate precautions.

  • Closely monitor www.carpha.org and www.onecaribbean.org for important information and updates
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid travelling if sick.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
  • Follow local authority instructions
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene
  • Refrain from touching mouth and nose.
  • Follow proper food hygiene practices

In addition, before you travel, please check whether any travel restrictions have been issued by your intended destination.  You should also consider investing in  comprehensive travel insurance.

 

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