November 2006—January 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Volume 6 Issue 4
ST. LUCIA Inside this issue: U.S. VACATIONERS WITH MINISTER OF St. Lucia Minister of 1 TOURISM ELECTED Tourism New Chair of CTO NEW PASSPORTS INVITED TO TO CHAIR THE CTO CTC-29 Review 2 New Executive STAMP FIRST IN THE Committee also elected Our Chapters In Action... 3 CARIBBEAN St. Lucia has been elected as Chair of the Special Offers for New 3 With the January 23, 2007 date for grades, extra nights and gift shop Caribbean Tourism Or- U.S. Passport Holders implementation of the Western Hemi- purchases. ganization (CTO). The sphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) fast Hon. Philip J. Pierre, New Caribbean Airline 3 approaching, Caribbean destinations Replaces Bwee • The government of Jamaica has Minister of Tourism for and private sector interests have launched a new program en- St. Lucia, was elected Destination Roundup 4 upped the ante. couraging U.S. citizens to get at the 46th meeting of Not only are they getting the passports by rewarding vaca- the CTO Board of Direc- Caribbean Presence 4 word out that travelers to the region tioners who make Jamaica the tors during CTC-29 in Dominant at Toronto Show need to get a passport to re-enter the first visit with their new pass- Grand Bahama Island. United States, they are also offering port. Rewards include special In accepting the vacationers special incentives if the THIS ISSUE credits while on the island chairmanship from out- first stamp in their passports is ob- amounting to the basic cost of SPONSORED BY THE going Chairman, the tained at a Caribbean port of entry. obtaining a passport. Hon. Pamela Richards, ARUBA HOTEL The WHTI is a U.S. government • Meanwhile, the Jamaica Tourist Commissioner of Tour- AND TOURISM mandate requiring all travelers from Board (JTB), from Nov. 15, 2006 ism for the U.S. Virgin ASSOCIATION (AHATA) the Western Hemisphere entering or until mid-winter 2007, will hold Islands, Minister Pierre re-entering the United States by air “Jamaican Morning Coffee said: “Her example will DID YOU KNOW . . . as of January 23, 2007, to be in pos- Breaks” at major commuter ter- be hard to follow, but Guadeloupe offers a vast session of a valid passport or other minals in New York, Chicago with the help of the accepted document. US territories, choice of restaurants and and Washington, DC where con- Board of Directors I will including CTO members—US Virgin do my best to carry on cafés – over 700 – including sumers can apply for their U.S. Islands and Puerto Rico—are exempt passports onsite. Free Jamaican the traditions and in- Vietnamese and Lebanese? from this requirement. coffee will be served. For more sure that CTO works Caribbean marketers have cre- information visit www. diligently for the im- For tidbits on ALL CTO ated offers aimed at U.S. travelers visitjamaica.com or call 1-800- provement of the qual- member destinations visit: who might reconsider a Caribbean 233-4JTB (1-800-233-4582). ity of life for the citizens www.DoItCaribbean.com. vacation during the winter, because of this region.” of the new travel requirements. In- Four other govern- centives may include full reimburse- ment officials were To join the CTO Caribbean Please turn to page 3 for more Spe- ment of basic passport fees, compli- elected to serve on the Community Online go to: cial Offers for new U.S. passport mentary spa packages, golf green holders. Executive Committee— www.OneCaribbean.org. fees, attraction tours, room up- (Continued on page 2)
CTO CHAPTER NEWS STARTING JANUARY 23, 2007 Page 2 All travelers arriving in the U.S. by AIR from non-U.S. territories in the Caribbean must present a passport.
CTC-29 REVIEW Advertisement The 29th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-29) success- fully concluded on October 25, 2006 in Grand Bahama Island. Aruba Certified Expert 750 delegates attended the annual conference which was hailed by many as the best CTC ever. Training available Please view the complete gallery of images of CTC-29 at: http://www.onecaribbean.org/information/categorybrowse.php? to all CTO Chapters categoryid=920. Travel + Leisure Youth Congress winners—(left In 2007, the Aruba Tourism Authority is to right) Andrena Athill, Antigua and Barbuda (3rd place); Blake Sonnenfeld, Bermuda committed to doing its part to make sure (winner); Nashara Webster of Anguilla (2nd that CTO chapter members are offered an place). opportunity to increase their Caribbean des- tination expertise.
Winner of the Conde Nast Traveler “My Carib- Aruba’s Regional and District Sales Manag- bean” Essay contest—Joseph Archibald- Bowers, British Virgin Islands (with BVI tour- ers are anxious to work with CTO chapters ism officials, and Conde Nast Traveler and CTO to provide Aruba Certified Expert (ACE) staff). Training via live group training sessions or by enrolling individual CTO members in the Renee Di Giulio, winner of Travel Agent Special ACE home study program. Award of Recognition; with CTO Secretary General, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (left) and Beginning in January of 2007 the ACE pro- Fernando Abreu, CTO Deputy Director of Mar- keting. gram will feature exciting new benefits and rewards for agents who regularly report their Aruba production. So for any CTO member who is not already an ACE agent – CTO Board Elects New Chairman and Executive Committee now is the time to become one! (Continued from page 1) Third Vice Chairman, St. Kitts and First Vice Chairman, Antigua and Nevis Minister of State for Tour- Barbuda Minister of Tourism & ism, Sports, and Culture, the Hon. Civil Aviation, the Hon. Harold Richard Skerritt; and Fourth Vice Lovell; Second Vice Chairman, Chairman, Grenada Minister of To inquire about ACE training for Jamaica Minister of Tourism, the Tourism, Civil Aviation & Perform- your chapter, contact the Aruba Hon. Aloun N'Dombet Assamba; ing Arts, the Hon. Brenda Hood. Tourism Authority representative in your area or call the ACE Desk at 1-800-TO-ARUBA.
Government members of the new CTO Executive Committee: (Tourism ministers from left to right) Hon. Harold Lovell, Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Brenda Hood, Grenada; Hon. Philip Pi- 2006 ATA erre, St. Lucia (CTO Chairman); Hon. Aloun N’Dombet Assamba, Jamaica; and Hon. Richard Skerritt, St. Kitts and Nevis. CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 3
OUR CHAPTERS IN NEW CARIBBEAN ACTION . . . Special Offers for New U.S. Passport AIRLINE Holders CREATIVITY IN TRAVEL AWARDS PRESENTED REPLACES BWEE
AT CTC-29 For New U.S. passport holders who travel first to ARUBA: Caribbean Airlines, as of Two CTO chapter agents among winners Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort—$25 food and bever- age credit per person, per stay; Jan. 3, 2007 - Dec. 17, 2007; January 1, 2007, will be www.AmsterdamManor.com or 1-800-932-6509. replacing BWIA West In- Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba—$50 car rental dies Airways, which has voucher per person; book now through Dec. 31, 2006 for served the Caribbean for travel through 2007; www.arubaboardwalk.com or 011-297- 66 years. The first Carib- 586-1836. bean Airlines flight will La Cabana All Suite Resort—25% off regular nightly also take off on the first rates; book by Dec. 15, 2006 for travel in 2007; call Reserva- day of the new year. tion Center at 1-800-835-7193. MVC Eagle Beach—$25 food and beverage credit per Tickets purchased person, per stay; valid from Jan. 3, 2007 to Dec. 17, 2007; on BWIA will be honored www.MVCEagleBeach.com or 011-297-587-0110. by the new airline and Westin Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino—$50 food and bev- frequent flyer miles in erage credit per person, per stay; valid now through 2007; Club BWEE will automati- www.Starwood.com/Aruba or 1-866-978-5792. cally be transferred. For Juanita Daniel, with Fernando Abreu, CTO Deputy Director more information go to of Marketing (l) and Kerry Cannon, Jr., Group Publisher, In THE BAHAMAS, Club Peace & Plenty, located on the Island www.caribbean-airlines. Travel Agent Magazine (r) of Exuma, will reimburse the basic cost of obtaining a pass- port for up to two children and two adults. Valid for bookings com or www.bwee.com, or call 868-627-2942. Agents, like most professionals, don’t like the received by Dec. 31, 2006 for travel in 2007; www. idea of sharing secrets with others in the busi- peaceandplenty.com or 1-800-525-2210. ness, but the sharing of information could ac- Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort—$100 resort credit to guests who obtain a passport Caribbean Cuisine tually help sales and should even be consid- now through Dec. 31, 2006 for travel now through June ered a necessity to any successful agency, 2007; www.ourlucaya.com or 1-888-627-7129 for the Shera- and Entertainment says Janie Owen of Marathon Tours & Travel in ton or 1-888-627-7130 for the Westin. in Philadelphia Boston and member of the CTO New England Chapter. In ANGUILLA, Arawak Beach Inn—a special rate and a compli- The Caribbean Tourism Owen was one of three travel agents hon- mentary day-trip to U.S. travelers who make Anguilla the first Organization (CTO) took ored at CTC-29 as part of the Creativity in stamp in their new passport; valid for travel now through June an element of Caribbean Travel Awards program sponsored by Travel 30, 2007; www.arawakbeach.com or 1-877-427-2925. Week in New York to the
Agent magazine and CTO.Passport In ST. LUCIA, Ladera Resort will reimburse the cost to obtain a King of Prussia Mall in Owen, who won in the category “Creativity passport to travelers who make St. Lucia their first visit with Pennsylvania on Friday, in Niche and Special Interest”, puts together their new passport. As an added incentive, Ladera will also November 3. packages for people interested in traveling to provide guests with a leather passport case, a complimentary Cooking demonstra- destinations that host marathons. 30-minute Jet-Lag massage at the Ti Kaye Posé Spa and a tions were done by Chef The award for “Creativity in Bridal and beverage from the bar. Valid Jan. 1, 2007 to Dec. 21, 2007; Murphy, sponsored by Romance Travel” went to Scott Winsten, presi- www.ladera.com or call 1-800-738-4752. Antigua and Barbuda and dent of International Tours Fifth Avenue, New a chef sponsored by local MARRIOTT AND RENAISSANCE Caribbean Resorts—with ho- York for the company’s HoneymoonsAndWed- tels in Aruba, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Curacao and restaurant, Bahama dings.com web site. St. Kitts—are offering a $100 resort credit for those who Breezes. Caribbean en- The “Creativity in Meetings and Group make any one of these destinations their first visit after ob- tertainment was spon- Travel” award went to Juanita Daniel of Pre- taining their new passport. Valid Jan. 1, 2007 to April 30, sored by Aruba. mier Destinations, Slidell, LA for her creative 2007; www.paradisebymarriott.com or call 1-888-PARADISE. The event, held at Layaway Plan for prospective groups. Daniel is the Macy’s store, was a member of the CTO New Orleans Chapter. SUPERCLUBS—with resorts in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Cura- planned to lead off a Car- For information on the 2007 contest, cao and Dominican Republic—offers travelers who obtain new ibbean Weekend in Phila- passports or renew older ones, a credit of the basic cost of please send an email to: obtaining a passport towards a vacation package. Book by delphia. Attendees were [email protected]. Jan. 8, 2007, for travel anytime in 2007; www.SuperClubs. invited to visit the Carib- com or call 1-800-GO-SUPER (1-800-467-8737). bean Section at the Phila- delphia Inquirer/Daily CHAPTER NOTES For updated information on how the Caribbean is re- News Travel Show held sponding to the new U.S. travel requirements, go to: on Sat./Sun., Nov. 4/5. ● The annual CTO Chapter Presi- http://www.onecaribbean.org/information/ The Caribbean Sec- dents Retreat will be held No- categorybrowse.php?categoryid=759. tion at the show was the vember 30 to December 3 in St. For U.S. passport information: www.travel.state. largest and most exciting, Lucia. Welcome New Chapter gov/passport. and attracted the most Presidents! attendees.
ago, Dominican Republic with www.flycsa.com or www. connections via New York and flycaribbeanstar.com or call Caribbean Published by the Caribbean Tourism Organization New Jersey as well as a daily 866-864-6272. non-stop from New York (JFK) dominant at 80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor New York, NY 10004, USA to Punta Cana, Dominican Re- • JetBlue launched service to Travel and public starting Dec. 9, 2006. On Bermuda on May 4, 2006 with Phone: 212-635-9530 Dec. 15, 2006, Delta will add a daily non-stop service from Leisure Show Fax: 212-635-9511 daily non-stop flight from At- For contributions and feedback: New York (JFK). [email protected] lanta to Puerto Plata, Domini- On Feb. 2, 2006, JetBlue in Toronto Compiled and edited by Ronald Allen can Republic. introduced daily service be- The Caribbean section of the Meanwhile, on Dec. 16, tween Boston and Nassau, The recently held Travel and Lei- 2006, Delta is scheduled to of- Visit us at Bahamas, complementing ex- sure Show—a trade and con- www.DoItCaribbean.com fer non-stop service from At- isting service between Nassau sumer show held each year in lanta to Martinique every Sat- and JFK. Toronto, Canada, featured urday. For more information On Sept. 15, 2006, JetBlue more than 28 booths show- CTO Chapter News accepts no visit www.delta.com or call launched a daily non-stop flight casing CTO member countries and hotels, airlines and tour responsibility for the accuracy of 800-241-4141. from JFK to Aruba. For more information reprinted from member operators that promote vaca- destination and other websites. The information visit www.JetBlue. tions to the Caribbean. information presented in this • Northwest Airlines will com or call 800-JET-BLUE. The Caribbean Pavilion newsletter is provided as a service add a new non-stop flight from was the dominant and most to our members and should be verified at all times by the relevant Detroit Metropolitan Airport to • Spirit Airlines began non- exciting area of the authorities. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Is- stop daily flights from Ft. show. Visitors to the show lands effective Jan. 6, 2007. Lauderdale, FL to Grand Cay- experienced the sights, CTO Chapter News welcomes Feed- Visit www.nwa.com or call sounds and tastes of the Car- back. Please send your comments to man, Cayman Islands on Feb. 800-345-7411. ibbean and were able [email protected]. 9, 2006. This flight offers con- to purchase their Caribbean nections from its Ft. Lauderdale vacation right on the spot at Destination Roundup • Air Montserrat begins hub to Grand Cayman from At- special show prices. charter service between Mont- lanta, Atlantic City, Chicago/ The entertainment high- New and Recently serrat and Antigua starting O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, De- lighted in the Caribbean Pavil- Launched Air Services to December 1, 2006. For more troit, Los Angeles (LAX), New ion included a Barbados steel the Caribbean information visit www. York LaGuardia, Orlando, the band, a Cuban musical group, Aruban musicians and salsa airmontserrat.com or call 877- Providence/Boston area, Tampa dancers. Chef Philman NEW AIR-MRAT (247-6728). and Washington, D.C./Reagan Air Jamaica will provide George, known as "The Rhym- • National. Visit www.spiritair. ing Chef" of Antigua, catered non-stop flights from New RECENTLY LAUNCHED com or call 800-772-7117. the food for the trade evening, York (JFK) to Hewanorra In- SERVICES serving Caribbean delicacies ternational Airport in St. Lu- • Caribbean Sun Airlines/ • US Airways has continued to all in attendance. cia, four times per week, with Caribbean Star Airlines’ new its nonstop service between continuing service to Barba- schedule went into effect April Washington, DC/Reagan Na- dos, effective Jan. 11, 2007. 2, 2006 expanding the sister tional and Bermuda for the Visit www.airjamaica.com or airlines’ services. Caribbean period November 2006 to call 800-523-5585. Sun has a new daily non-stop March 2007, a flight previously flight from Antigua to Trini- run only during the summer • American Eagle will add dad while Caribbean Star months. Visit www.usairways. two more daily flights to An- added a third daily flight be- com or call 800-622-1015. guilla departing from San tween Grenada and Barbados. Juan, Puerto Rico starting On July 13, 2006, Carib- • Winair has added a fifth Dec. 14, 2006. Visit www.aa. bean Star resumed daily service flight to its Montserrat/ com or call 800-433-7300. between Trinidad and George- Antigua schedule. Flights de- To our town, Guyana, and on July 19, part for Montserrat as early as Governments, • Continental will add a 2006, Caribbean Sun launched 7:00 am and return to Antigua second weekly non-stop flight new service between its hub in as late as 5:00 pm. Visit www. Allied members and from Newark, NJ to Bonaire San Juan, Puerto Rico, and fly-winair.com or call 866-466- starting Dec. 16, 2006. Visit Santo Domingo, Dominican 0410. Industry partners, www.continental.com or call Republic. This is the carrier’s from the Chairman, 800-231-0856. first service to/from Santo Do- For updated information on air mingo. Customers are offered services to the Caribbean, Secretary General • Delta is adding a daily eight daily nonstop flights. please visit www. flight from Atlanta to Santi- For more information go to onecaribbean.org. and staff of CTO. SAVE THE DATE!! Caribbean Week 2007, New York City—June 9-16
February—April 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Volume 7 Issue 1
TEN CRICKET WORLD CUP Inside this issue: NEW COMPANY TO VENUES FUNCTIONING AS New Company to Benefit 1 the Entire Caribbean BENEFIT THE ENTIRE SINGLE DOMESTIC SPACE Ten World Cup Venues— 1 Effective February 1 to May 15, 2007, ten Single Domestic Space CARIBBEAN Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations began to operate as a single domestic space American Airlines Offers 2 The Caribbean Tourism advertorial sections across allowing travelers smooth movement Lowest Published Fares Organization (CTO) and the North America to promote throughout the zone in advance of the Caribbean Hotel Associa- the region; and merchan- Caribbean Week in To- 2 Cricket World Cup. ronto—Sep. 26-30 tion (CHA) have launched dising of the Caribbean The nine host venue countries of the the Caribbean Tourism brand and logos. ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 - Antigua and Our Chapters In Action... 3 Development Company A new Caribbean Web- Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Ja- (CTDC), a private, for profit site will be launched in maica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vin- Destination Roundup 4 entity registered in the Cay- 2007 and the creation of a cent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and man Islands and designed series of media bulk pur- Tobago – together with Dominica, will func- to develop marketing initia- chasing agreements will And, on the Allied Front... 4 tion as a single domestic space. tives to further support the help members of both or- The designation is one of the key com- promotion of the region. ganizations reach greater ponents of the security plan put in place for The goals of the new economies of scale and the March 4 to April 28, 2007 international THIS ISSUE company include: promo- enable both the private sporting event. SPONSORED BY THE tion and protection of the and public sector entities UNITED STATES VIRGIN Caribbean brand; promo- to launch expanded adver- Special CARICOM Visa required for ISLANDS DEPARTMENT tion and protection of the tising and marketing cam- some visitors. OF TOURISM interests of the owners; paigns. For more info: www.CARICOMvisa.com creation of synergies which The CTDC will also DID YOU KNOW . . . might not otherwise go to oversee the cooperative George Washington left the Meanwhile, a special CARICOM visa will the partners; and generat- efforts of the two organiza- be required of some visitors to travel to any American mainland only ing revenues for the bene- tions at consumer travel of the ten countries that form the single do- fit of the Caribbean people. shows and the popular once – in 1751 to visit his mestic space for the period February 1—May sick brother in Barbados? CTDC will be responsi- Caribbean Week in New 15, 2007, if they are nationals of countries ble for a variety of projects York. Other events such as not mentioned below. For tidbits on ALL CTO which are marketing fo- music festivals, a Carib- Citizens of the following countries DO cused as well as event ori- bean beauty pageant and NOT require the CARICOM visa: USA and member destinations visit: ented. Some of the pro- a Caribbean fashion show www.DoItCaribbean.com. territories; Canada; UK and territories; jects already under the are among the long-range France and territories; Germany; Ireland; auspices of the CTDC – the plans. In addition, the Italy; Japan; the Netherlands and territories; To join the CTO Caribbean Caribbean Gold Book, re- CTDC will be looking at a Spain; and nationals and residents of CARI- Community Online go to: branded as Caribbean- co-branded affinity credit COM member states (except Haiti). www.OneCaribbean.org. Travel.com; the launching card. For more: www. For more information on the CARICOM of a series of newspaper onecaribbean.org. visa, please go to: www.CARICOMvisa.com.
CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 2
AMERICAN AIRLINES OFFERS LOWEST CARIBBEAN STAR AD PUBLISHED FARES FOR CTO CHAPTER MEMBERS Members of CTO Chapters may by American Airlines or American travel to the Caribbean from the Eagle during the months of May/ Continental USA and Canada June/September/October 2007. using the lowest published fare, The fare is $149 per person plus which will be provided at the applicable tax and security time of ticketing. For reserva- charges. Call 1-866-269-5008 tions, please dial 1-866-269- and refer to Star File CARIB FAM 5008 and reference Star File 07. CRB SPECIAL EVENTS. Tickets Government tourism offi- will be issued by American Air- cials, authorized hoteliers and lines in Miami. the media should contact the FAM TRIP TRAVEL is offered CTO New York office at 212-635- to all valid IATAN travel agents 9530 or [email protected] based in the Continental USA for information on special Ameri- and Canada to visit any of the can Airlines fares. Caribbean destinations served
CARIBBEAN WEEK IN TORONTO—SEP. 26 - 30 Caribbean Week in Toronto will away promotions; and a cultural be held September 26 to 30, event featuring Caribbean musi- 2007. cians and artists. A number of activities are Travel agents will have the being planned to showcase the chance to win amazing Caribbean Caribbean to the media, trade vacations by participating in the and consumers. These include: Caribbean Week window display Celebrity Chef program; Carib- contest and the Caribbean Spe- bean Village at the Toronto Travel cialist training programs being Show; Governments of the Carib- held during the week. bean Charity Ball; Caribbean F o r m o r e : w w w . Wedding; Caribbean travel give- caribbeanweek.ca.
SAVE THE DATE!!
MAY 21-24, 2007 THE CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM and THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION Invite you to the 9th ANNUAL CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT “Keeping the Right Balance: Health and Wellness – Communities, Environments and Economies”
THE WESTIN CASUARINA RESORT & SPA, GRAND CAYMAN
LEARN MORE ABOUT: Opportunities and Challenges in the Health and Wellness Tourism Market; Community Sports Tourism; Integrated Coastal Zone Management; and The Caymanian Tourism Product
For more information about the Conference contact: CTO at 212-635-9530 OR 246-427-5242 For more information about the Cayman Islands visit: www.caymanislands.ky and http://www.divecayman.ky CTC-30 WILL BE HELD IN PUERTO RICO, OCT. 19—24, 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 3
OUR CHAPTERS IN ACTION . . . Antiguan Chef Featured at In this issue, Mincke Pijpers, assistant manager CTO Holland Caribbean Weekend in Chicago Chapter, reports on the Caribbean Training Program (CTP) Caribbean Weekends to be held in key cities in the USA and Canada in 2007 In October 2005, the CTO Hol- their status online at any time. land Chapter launched its CHAPTER NOTES Antigua & Barbuda’s Chef Murphy was the ‘Caribbean Training Program’ CTP Evenings featured chef at the Caribbean Weekend The 2-year term of the CTO in Chicago, held in conjunction with the for the Dutch travel industry. The Chapter organizes Chapter presidents ended in One and a half years later, the CTP evenings twice a year. At December 2006. The following Adventures in Travel Expo on January 27 Dutch Chapter is very pleased these events, representatives individuals will head up the and 28. CTO Chapters for the period Known for his culinary talents in help- to give an update on this pro- from tour operators, accom- January 2007 to December gram. modations, airlines and na- 2008. ing to promote the twin island destination, The ‘CTP Program’ is tional tourist offices interact The Chapter Boards also and with 14 years in the catering industry, elected new representatives to Murphy showcased his specialty—food based on the UK Chapter ver- with the travel agents. A spe- serve a corresponding 2-year sion. Dutch travel agents log cial guest speaker is also in- period. carving and sculpting. in with their personal user- vited. Last year a freelance Here are the new presi- Caribbean Weekends are mini ver- dents: name and password on the photojournalist came to in- sions of the successful Caribbean Week website www.yourcaribbean. form travel agents about his Eastern USA in New York, and will be held in major cit- CONNECTICUT—Susan ies in the United States and Canada. nl. Here they can find all kinds Caribbean travel experience. Forsland-Bridgeman of useful information varying He had visited 13 different [email protected] Other cities to host Caribbean Weekends from airline information to Caribbean destinations in a 4- GREATER ATLANTA—Joy in 2007 are Washington, DC, Atlanta and White (Interim) Philadelphia. destination information, spe- week period! The most beauti- [email protected] cial agent offers and much ful Caribbean pictures you’ve GREATER PHILADELPHIA Please call 212-635-9530 for infor- more. The Caribbean informa- ever seen supported his TRI-STATE—Pattie Mitchell mation on all CTO events for 2007. traveldreams10@yahoo. tion is tailor-made for the story… com travel agents. Every GREATER WASHINGTON— month an e-zine with Robert Bush [email protected] Caribbean info is sent LONG ISLAND—Karen Byrnes to the CTP database, [email protected] which consists of al- MARYLAND—Richard Brom berg most 1000 loyal travel [email protected] agents. NEW ENGLAND—Felicia McLaughlin [email protected] Three educational levels Central USA GREATER CHICAGO—Mary Travel agents that Margaret Reuther join the CTP Program, [email protected] can reach three differ- CTO Holland Chapter members in Bequia GREATER DETROIT—Diane Dumas Dominica’s booth at the Chicago Show ent levels: bronze, sil- [email protected] ver and gold. Reaching a spe- Fam trip GREATER HOUSTON—Bonita cific level means a bonus! The In November 2006, the Simonton CARIBBEAN AUTHOR TO READ BOOKS TO [email protected] CHILDREN DURING CARIBBEAN WEEKEND travel agent will receive a re- first 15 travel agents that NORTH TEXAS—Judy Jack IN WASHINGTON, DC ward, a motivating package reached the bronze level, son which may include different where invited for a Caribbean [email protected] Dawne Alexis Allette, a renowned children’s SOUTH FLORIDA—Ruby kinds of Caribbean gadgets— Fam trip. The fam trip was book author and motivational speaker will Henry share her inspiring song lyrics and amusing reggae CD, sunglass, cocktail hosted by Barbados and St. Rhenry@visitjamaica-usa. glass, bag, etc). Of course, the Vincent and the Grenadines com picture books with children at the Adven- tures in Travel Expo on Saturday, March 3 higher the level attained, the (please see photo). Most of Western USA better the reward (it can be a the agents on the Fam had CASCADE—Randall “Randy” at 1:00 pm in Washington, DC. Ms. Allette free upgrade to Comfort never visited the Caribbean, Wolven is a native of Grenada. [email protected] The program for Caribbean Weekend in Class)! so for them it was a real Carib- GREATER LOS ANGELES— Travel agents do reach bean experience! Earnest Spears Washington, DC includes—Caribbean Re- the various levels. They earn The CTP has been a suc- [email protected] ception at the National Geographic Head- SAN DIEGO—Anne Chu quarters on Friday, March 2 from 6:30pm to points by having creative win- cess thus far! The travel [email protected] dow displays, participating in agents mail us every day with NORTHERN CALIFORNIA— 8:30pm; Caribbean Food and Entertainment consumer fairs and Caribbean their initiatives, ideas and Evelyn “Evie” Carlock at Macy’s Pentagon City on Saturday, [email protected] March 3 (12:30 to 2:30pm); and the Adven- road shows, successfully com- suggestions. PACIFIC NORTHWEST—Kim pleting the online exam (30 For more information on Ulavale tures in Travel Expo at the Washington Con- questions per level) and, of the CTP please contact [email protected] vention Center on March 3 and 4. SACRAMENTO—Caroline All events will feature Caribbean chefs course, by making Caribbean Mincke Pijpers at Washington bookings! They can check [email protected]. [email protected] and entertainers.
DEFY THE EVERYDAY AND weekly non-stop flights. Visit: EDUCATION CORNER www.airjamaica.com. WIN A TRIP TO DOMINICA Published by the ANGUILLA LAUNCHES NEW Caribbean Tourism Organization Dominica is celebrating the com- • Spirit Airlines will launch ONLINE EDUCATION 80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor missioning of its new website by nonstop service five days a PROGRAM New York, NY 10004, USA hosting an online contest now week from Fort Lauderdale to through March 31, 2007. The Anguilla Tourist Board of Phone: 212-635-9530 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on Those wishing to enter the Canada recently launched its new Fax: 212-635-9511 April 12. The airline already contest need only log on to www. online education program with For contributions and feedback: serves San Juan from its Fort discoverdominica.com, the official YourWorkshops.ca. Named the [email protected] website of Dominica, and answer ‘Anguilla Travel Connoisseur Compiled and edited by Ronald Allen Lauderdale hub. Spirit has also Workshop’, the program is de- announced non-stop service the multiple choice questions about the destination. signed to be fun, educational and between Fort Lauderdale and interactive to help travel agents Visit us at The winner will receive a 6- St. Maarten beginning April learn about the island’s world www.DoItCaribbean.com day/5-night stay for two at Cali- renowned beaches, range of ac- 20, 2007. Service will be of- bishie Lodges in Dominica; select commodations, gourmet restau- fered three times weekly. For activities courtesy of Wacky Roll- rants, land and sea activities, CTO Chapter News accepts no details, visit www.spiritair.com. ers, Jungle Trekking Adventures, among other attributes. responsibility for the accuracy of Anchorage Hotel Whale Watch & Agents who successfully information reprinted from member Dive Center and Irie Safarie Snor- complete the course will receive a destination websites. The Program for CARIBBEAN keling Tours; airfare from the con- certificate, be recognized as a information presented in this tinental US provided by American Certified Anguilla Travel Connois- newsletter is provided as a service WEEK in New York 2007 seur (ATC) and receive two CITC to our members and should be Airlines/American Eagle; and (Canadian Institute of Travel verified at all times by the relevant ground transfers provided by Counsellors) credits. authorities. Sat. June 9 Combined Taxi Incorporated. For information, contact Sari —Caribbean Celebrity For more, please go to: www. Ruda at sari.ruda@go-anguilla. CTO Chapter News welcomes Feed- Cricket. Match discoverdominica.com. com. back. Please send your comments to Sun. June 10 [email protected]. —Caribbean Gospel Events AND, ON THE ALLIED bean & Latin America MMG Mardiks, Inc. Destination Roundup (Gospel Brunch; Gospel per- FRONT . . . M. Shanken Communications formances at various churches; The following CTO preferred part- Menlo Consulting Group Gospel Concert) ners have recently joined or re- Metropolitan Washington Air- • On Sunday, February 4, newed their membership with ports Authority 2007, TNT Vacations Mon. June 11 the organization for 2007. Michael J. Pierson Associates, launched new non-stop char- —Caribbean Celebrity Chef Inc. ter service from Boston to Program begins Architectural Digest MTV Networks . Town Hall Meetings Black Enterprise Magazine National Bank Financial Montego Bay, Jamaica. This Blue Group Media National Geographic Traveler service will operate on Sun- Tue. June 12 Bridal Guide Magazine NCP Promotions Limited days through April 15. For —Caribbean Fair Calabash Technologies New York Daily News more information or to book a Wed. June 13 Caribbean Travel & Life Maga- New York Magazine zine Princess Cruises trip visit: http://www. —Caribbean Marketing Casa de Campo Rosen College of Hospitality tntvacations.com. Workshop & Awards Lunch- Cave Shepherd Management eon Chukka Caribbean Adventures Ruder Finn, Inc. Cloutier Direct, Inc. Scuba Diving Magazine • Delta has scheduled non- . Caribbean Media Marketplace Condé Nast Traveler Smith Travel Research stop service from Atlanta to Fri. June 15 Florida-Caribbean Cruise Asso- Southern Living Magazine Martinique every Saturday. —Governments of the Carib- ciation Stansfeld Scott & Co. Delta also provides bean State Ball gkv communications Tourism Development Corpora- Gordon Media Group tion weekly service to Guade- Sat. June 16 Gourmet Magazine Town & Country Travel Magazine loupe from Atlanta. Begin- —Caribbean Beach Volleyball Interval International Travel Impressions ning April 14, 2007, Delta ISM Strategic Marketing will offer weekly service to J Walter Thompson For information on CTO member- For more information on Carib- Jay Stelzer & Associates, Inc. ship, please go to: Tobago and four flights a bean Week 2007, call Kahn Travel Communications http://www.onecaribbean.org/ week to Trinidad from At- 212-635-9530 or go to: Laura Davidson Public Relations information/documentview.php? lanta. For more information www.caribbeanweekny.com Lou Hammond & Associates rowid=851. visit www.delta.com or call LVMH Watches & Jewelry Carib- 800-241-4141. LIAT AND CARIBBEAN STAR AIRLINES ENTER COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT
• Air Jamaica has resumed On February 1, 2007, LIAT (1974) Ltd. and Carib- airline designator although some planes will be daily flights to Barbados bean Star Airlines, Ltd. officially commenced a clearly branded as Caribbean Star Airlines. from New York JFK and also commercial agreement that facilitates a combined The two airlines will continue to operate as offers four weekly non-stop flight schedule and rationalization of air travel ser- separate carriers under their own management vices across the region. The agreement of LIAT and until the proposed merger of the airlines is imple- flights to St. Lucia. Grenada Caribbean Star means the flights of both airlines mented. For more information, please visit: www. also benefits from three will be marketed as LIAT and identified by the “LI” liatairline.com and www.flycaribbeanstar.com.
PLEASE JOIN US for Caribbean Week in New York—June 9-17 www.CaribbeanWeekNY.com
May—July 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Volume 7 Issue 2
GOSPEL BRUNCH AND Inside this issue: PUERTO RICO TO HOST BEACH VOLLEYBALL— 12 Year Old Wins “In My 1 NEW FOR CARIBBEAN View” Photo Contest CTC-30 OCT. 19-24 WEEK IN NEW YORK Travel Agents Invited to 2 The 30th Annual Caribbean the island of Puerto Rico and Book Vacations Tourism Conference (CTC-30), by other CTO member coun- themed “The Next Generation: tries, and awards events – Two new events have been added to Our Chapters In Action... 3 Learning from the Past, Pre- including the third Annual the program for Caribbean Week in paring for the Future”, will Creativity in Travel Awards for New York 2007—a Gospel Brunch to Caribbean Week in New York 3 take place in San Juan, Puerto travel agents. be held at Caribbean Restaurant, City Program Rico from October 21 to 24, For more information, go Island, Bronx on Sunday, June 10; 2007. to: www.onecaribbean.org. Destination Roundup 4 and Caribbean Beach Volleyball at Business meetings involv- Long Beach, Long Island on Saturday PUERTO RICO, a U.S. common- ing senior tourism officials, the and Sunday, June 16 and 17. Netherlands Antilles Qualify 4 wealth, offers the best of a tropical Board of Directors, chapter The Gospel Brunch, themed for Tax Rebates presidents and various CTO island rooted in over 500 years of “Caribbean Culture on the Sound”, is committees will immediately history and authentic Latin culture Caribbean Week in Toronto 4 only one of three gospel activities for Program precede the conference from with the benefits of being a do- October 19-21. The Opening mestic destination where English Caribbean Week. The others—a Gos- Ceremony will take place on is widely spoken and the currency pel concert, and performances by THIS ISSUE Sunday, Oct. 21. is the U.S. dollar. Puerto Rico gospel artistes at various area SPONSORED BY THE Program highlights in- invites leisure and business trav- churches on Sunday, June 10. UNITED STATES VIRGIN clude hotel and site inspec- elers to experience the Island’s The Caribbean Beach Volleyball ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF tions for travel agents, trade diverse activities including golf, matches are part of the qualifying TOURISM show, specialized workshops, scuba, nature, adventure, relaxa- round of the First Annual Caribbean DID YOU KNOW . . . the very popular Condé Nast tion, nightlife and its internation- Beach Volleyball Championship Tour- Traveler “My Caribbean” Essay nament which will take place Novem- The author Jean Rhys, who ally recognized culinary scene. Contest and the Travel + Lei- For more information about ber 3-4, 2007 in Isla Verde, Puerto wrote "Wide Sargasso Sea", sure “Youth Congress.” Puerto Rico, call 1-800-866-7827 Rico. was born on Dominica? In addition, there are or visit www.gotopuertorico.com. For more information, go to: media activities presented by www.caribbeanweekny.com. For tidbits on ALL CTO member destinations visit: 12 YEAR OLD WINS 2ND ANNUAL “IN MY VIEW” PHOTO CONTEST www.DoItCaribbean.com. The second annual Caribbean Youth Photography The winning entries showed “the color and Contest, “In My View”, sponsored by National Geo- vitality of the Caribbean islands”, said photo editor To join the CTO Caribbean graphic Traveler and the CTO, was won by Joshua of National Geographic Traveler, Dan Westergren. Tourism Community online Tuson (12) of Grenada. Second and third-prize Joshua’s prize package included a trip to the go to: winners are Dylan Hunter (13) and Matthew Osman Washington, DC Headquarters of the National Geo- (17) respectively, both from the British Virgin Is- graphic Society. Photos taken during Joshua’s trip www.OneCaribbean.org. lands. (Please see “In My View Photo Contest” on page 2)
CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 2
TRAVEL AGENTS INVITED TO BOOK CARIBBEAN VACATIONS AT FIRST ANNUAL CARIBBEAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT The Caribbean Tourism Organiza- qualifier tournaments that will be tion (CTO) is inviting travel agent played at resort beaches along the chapter members to the First An- East Coast of the United States. nual Caribbean Beach Volleyball The other tournaments will take Tournament which will be held in place: July 14-15 - Point Pleasant Long Beach, NY on June 16-17, as Beach, NJ; July 28-29 - Newport, part of Caribbean Week in New RI; September 29-30 - Myrtle York. Agents are especially encour- Beach, SC; and October 20-21 - aged to network with the specta- Clearwater Beach, FL. Cash prizes tors at the event and seek to inter- of $1,000 will be awarded at the est them in booking Caribbean men’s and women’s open division, vacations. while merchandise prizes will be Hugh Riley, CTO Director of Mar- awarded in lower divisions. The top keting, said, “Not only can agents placing teams from both the male make bookings at the event, but and female open divisions will other opportunities exist for turn- receive a complimentary trip to Isla ing the tournaments into a profit Verde, Puerto Rico, where they will center for travel agents. For exam- compete with winning teams from ple, clients who are volleyball fans the other qualifying tournaments or players might want to partici- for the First Annual Caribbean pate in the qualifier tournaments Beach Volleyball Championship in the U.S.” November 3-4, 2007. “In addition, a vacation in Puerto Cash prizes will be awarded, as Rico at the time of the Champion- well as the Caribbean Challenge ship Final and the closing party Trophy. might be extremely appealing to For more information on the travelers from the U.S. or within Volleyball qualifying tournaments, the Caribbean”, Riley added. please call: 212-635-9530; email: The Long Beach tournament is [email protected], or go to one in the series of Caribbean www.eevb.net.
IN MY VIEW PHOTO CONTEST (Continued from page 1) can be viewed at: http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/ tempsource/4/ngtraveler/photo_award/index.htm. The contest photos will be on display in a special photo exhibit at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC and at CTC- 30 in Puerto Rico. The photos will also reside at http:// gallery.onecaribbean.org.
Winning photo—“Chad on Paradise Beach”, by Joshua Tuson. Top right: second prize winner—“The Granite Passage”, by Dylan Hunter. Bottom right: third prize winner—”Heading Into Sunset”, by Mat- thew Osman. CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 3
OUR CHAPTERS IN ACTION . . .
Renée Di Giulio Naismith, former President, CTO Greater Chicago, passed away earlier this year. CTO Chapter News pays tribute to her outstanding legacy as a supporter of the Caribbean, by sharing the Secretary General’s message with our readers. It is with great sadness and the CTO Chicago Chapter for regret that I, on behalf of the two years and during her ten- Caribbean Week in New York is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, culture board of directors, member ure she won chapter of the and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean. Tourism Officials, the media, artists, countries, allied members and year awards because of her staff of the Caribbean tourism astute leadership and the performers, celebrity chefs, sponsors and strategic partners converge on New York for hard work she did a week of Caribbean hospitality and vacation special offers. Caribbean Week com- in bringing the bines business meetings and sponsored events with fashion, food, entertainment and chapter to a high two Caribbean weddings! Caribbean Week in New York typically attracts over 10,000 level of profession- participants. In addition, extensive media coverage of the various events reaches local alism, with quality and national audiences in the millions. travel agents and great programs to benefit the Carib- www.CaribbeanWeekNY.com bean. ALL WEEK stituents in lively discussions led by We do CARIBBEAN CELEBRITY CHEFS – Bloom- popular moderators. not know the full ingdales, Macy’s ● Renowned chefs breath of her phi- from world-class Caribbean resorts will TUESDAY, JUNE 12 Renée Di Giulio Naismith, winner of Travel Agent lanthropy, but Special Award of Recognition at CTC-29, shown spice up the city with Caribbean flair and CARIBBEAN FAIR AND DOITCARIBBEAN there is no doubt flavors WEDDINGS - SOUTH STREET SEAPORT ● here with CTO Secretary General, Vincent that Renée was a Downtown Manhattan comes alive with Vanderpool-Wallace (left) and Fernando Abreu, very caring and SATURDAY, JUNE 9 an explosion of Caribbean Culture. CTO Deputy Director of Marketing. giving individual CARIBBEAN CELEBRITY CRICKET MATCH - BOOK YOUR NEXT CARIBBEAN VACATION who seemed to FLOYD BENNETT FIELD, BROOKLYN ● An RIGHT AT THE FAIR…AND SAVE HUN- organization (CTO), and on my have a special affinity for exciting limited overs match with celeb- DRED$. own behalf, extend and ex- helping children and young rity cricketers from the Caribbean versus press deep sorrow at the people by providing them with New York-based teams that’s sure to FRIDAY, JUNE 15 passing of Renée Di Giulio opportunities to foster their thrill! 34TH ANNUAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE Naismith, one of the best and own personal growth and GOSPEL CONCERT - ST. GEORGE’S EPIS- CARIBBEAN STATE BALL AND AWARDS most dedicated friends the development. She seemed to COPAL CHURCH ● Featuring inspirational PRESNTATIONS - WALDORF ASTORIA ● Caribbean has ever had. Her go out of her way to assist, Caribbean gospel performers. CTO honors Caribbean legends. Great passing has left a huge void and exuded much personal Caribbean Music; Great Food; Great which will be difficult, if not effort to find ways of helping SUNDAY, JUNE 10 Fun! impossible to fill. others, sometimes by co- GOSPEL BRUNCH “CARIBBEAN CULTURE It didn’t take long to opting the efforts and re- ON THE SOUND”- CARIBBEAN RESTAU- SATURDAY, JUNE 16 & realize the passion that Renée sources of many to achieve a RANT, CITY ISLAND, BRONX ● Gospel SUNDAY, JUNE 17 had for the Caribbean. Her particular goal. Artists, Silent Auction, and sumptuous FIRST ANNUAL CARIBBEAN BEACH VOL- heart and soul were with our We believe that in the cuisine by Caribbean Celebrity Chef LEYBALL TOURNAMENT - LONG BEACH, region. Her tireless work with true spirit of the “word,” in the LONG ISLAND ● The qualifying round of charities spoke for itself, act of giving, Renée received MONDAY, JUNE 11 the First Annual Caribbean Beach Vol- whether on her own behalf, or an inner satisfaction from the TOWN HALL MEETINGS - BROOKLYN AND leyball Championship Tournament tak- with her husband, Ian, through knowledge that she was lend- the Naismith Basketball Foun- ing a helping hand and giving BRONX ● Caribbean Tourism Ministers ing place November 3-4, 2007 in Isla dation. Renée kept an up-to- encouragement to those who interact with their New York-based con- Verde, Puerto Rico. date list of orphanages and could most benefit from her homes for the elderly around support and her help. UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE CTO CALENDAR—2007 the Caribbean, and after she Renée will be dearly was diagnosed with breast missed as a remarkable May 21-24 Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development Cayman Islands cancer she added to the list, woman and a true friend of June 9-17 Caribbean Week in New York New York City regional cancer hospitals that the Caribbean. We want to June 17-19 Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference Miami, FL needed help. In fact, at our extend to her immediate fam- Caribbean Tourism Confer- ily and to Ian, our deepest June 19-21 Conference on the Caribbean—A 20/20 Vision Washington, DC ence in Grand Bahama Island condolences on her passing. June 27-29 CTO Human Resources Conference Guadeloupe last October, Renée brought We wish her God’s blessing Sept. 13-16 Caribbean Weekend in Atlanta Atlanta, GA along a donation to a hospital and a peaceful rest. Sept. 26-30 Caribbean Week in Toronto Toronto, Canada that specializes in cancer in Oct. 19-24 Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-30) Puerto Rico Freeport. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace Renée was president of Secretary General, CTO Nov. 3-4 Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship Tournament Isla Verde, Puerto Rico Nov. 16-18 Caribbean Weekend in Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
lected as the location for the NETHERLANDS ANTILLES EDUCATION CORNER filming of CBS Television Net- QUALIFY FOR TAX Published by the REBATES FOR MEETINGS Caribbean Tourism Organization work’s new reality-based se- GRENADA LAUNCHES ries, “Pirate Master.” “Pirate AND CONVENTIONS 80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor ONLINE EDUCATIONAL New York, NY 10004, USA Master” is the next epic adven- New tax initiatives between the U.S. PROGRAM ture reality series from Emmy and the Netherlands Antilles will Travel agents can learn and Phone: 212-635-9530 Award-winning producer Mark allow U.S. taxpayers to claim a tax earn at their convenience with Fax: 212-635-9511 Burnett, Executive Producer of deduction for expenses incurred a brand new home-study For contributions and feedback: course on Grenada, designed [email protected] the smash hit "Survivor" televi- while attending conventions, busi- ness meetings and seminars held by Travel Agent Magazine. Compiled and edited by Ronald Allen sion series from CBS. The To participate, agents show will be hosted by Daddo on the islands according to the must register at: same regulations that pertain in the and will send 16 modern-day www.tauniv.com. Upon suc- Visit us at U.S. cessful completion of the www.DoItCaribbean.com pirates on a high seas adventure The implementation of the Tax course, agents will qualify for where they will live as bucca- Information Exchange Agreement on valuable benefits including: neers and scour Dominica for March 22, 2007 means that Bon- automatic enrollment in Gre- CTO Chapter News accepts no 33 days in search of hidden aire; Curacao; Saba; St. Eustatius; nada Custom Rewards booking responsibility for the accuracy of and St. Maarten will now be consid- program, random drawing treasure that will total $1 mil- among graduates for a trip for information reprinted from member ered part of the North American destination websites. The information lion. For more information on 2 including hotel and con- presented in this newsletter is the island of Dominica, visit: area. firmed air, special monthly gift Other CTO member destina- provided as a service to our members www.discoverdominica.com. drawings, priority invitation to and should be verified at all times by tions that have a similar agreement familiarization trips, consumer the relevant authorities. with the U.S. are: Aruba; Antigua & referrals, Grenada Specialist • American Eagle will intro- Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Ber- graduate diploma, two Continu- ing Education Units for U.S. CTO Chapter News welcomes Feed- duce a new service between muda; British Virgin Islands; Cay- man Islands; Dominica; Dominican agents and one credit from the back. Please send your comments to Tortola, British Virgin Islands Canadian Institute of Travel [email protected]. and Antigua and Barbuda, Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Ja- Counsellors for Canadian effective June 1, 2007. The maica; and Trinidad & Tobago. As agents. flight will operate each Tues- United States territories, Puerto For more, call 561-588- Destination Roundup Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands also 8176 or go to: day, Wednesday and Thursday fall into the category of tax- www.grenadagrenadines.com. and will provide improved in- deductible meetings destinations. ter-island connections for the Martinique is truly a little bit many visitors who travel to the FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 ANNUAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE of France in the Caribbean. The Caribbean. For more, visit: www.bvitourism.com. CARIBBEAN GALA AND AWARD Isle of Flowers, The Rum PRESENTATIONS—LIBERTY Capital of the World—by any GRAND one of its names, Martinique An elegant black-tie affair. remains one of the most CHAPTER NOTES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 alluring and enchanting WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 CARIBBEAN DAY AT THE BLUE destinations. Yet Martinique ● Members of the GREATER A CELEBRATION OF THE CARIB- JAYS—ROGER’S CENTRE has a cachet all its own, an CHICAGO and NEW ENG- BEAN—DUNDAS SQUARE CTO along with The Toronto Star LAND chapters promoted endearing West Indian warmth Tastings; entertainment; dance will be celebrating the Caribbean their chapters sold Carib- demonstrations; arts and crafts. and youth at the Jays. bean vacation packages and personality, a special spice in its Caribbean music and from the CTO booth at recent consumer shows— THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 & dance, its local dishes and its Adventures in Travel Expo MEDIA MARKETPLACE—TORONTO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30 way of life. It is an island with and Boston Globe Travel CTO members interact with writ- TORONTO TRAVEL SHOW— style...an island where a new Show. An agent in Chicago ers from the trade and consumer TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE booked a honeymoon press. The CTO Caribbean Village will adventure can be had each day! package to St. Lucia val- be one of the highlights of the Discover Martinique and ued at $7000, while in THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Toronto Travel Show and will discover paradise! For more, Boston a lead is being INTERNATIONAL WORLD TOURISM feature Caribbean activities converted to a group book- DAY—RYERSON UNIVERSITY throughout the Village and on the visit: www.martinique.org/. ing for 29 persons for a This conference provides com- main stage. One of the highlights 2008 Family Reunion in ments on the status of sustain- will be the results of a 4 month • American Airlines will Antigua and Barbuda. Thanks CTO member able tourism development. long wedding contest in Today’s commence service between agents! Bride Magazine and online that New York’s JFK and St. Kitts THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 will finally culminate in the couple with flights twice weekly, on ● Dr. Leonora Houston, CARIBBEAN LIFESTYLES COOKING being wed live onstage at the Wednesdays and Sundays, on travel agent member of the CLASSES—LCBO EVENT KITCH- Toronto Travel Show. GREATER DETROIT ENS November 18, 2007. For more Chapter, has won the Free These Lifestyle Cooking Classes [email protected] information, go to: registration to CTC-30. will showcase distinctive Carib- http://www.caribbeanweek.ca Her winning entry was www.stkittstourism.kn. bean dishes at the prestigious randomly selected from the CTC-29 conference LCBO Special Event Kitchens • Dominica has been se- evaluations. featuring Caribbean chefs.
REGISTER NOW for CTC-30, San Juan, Puerto Rico—October 19-24 www.OneCaribbean.org
August—October 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Volume 7 Issue 3
CARIBBEAN IN NATIONAL Inside this issue: PUERTO RICO EXTENDS SPOTLIGHT WITH SUMMER Caribbean Summer Promo- 1 PROMOTION ON CBS TV EARLY tion on CBS TV Early Show INVITATION TO TRAVEL SHOW Major U.S. Newspapers to 2 This summer on the CBS Early Show, feature Caribbean Inserts AGENTS FOR CTC-30 millions of American viewers will have their eyes on a number of great Ameri- The 30th Annual Caribbean minute information and spe- Our Chapters In Action... 3 can vacation spots and their dreams Tourism Conference (CTC-30), cial offers; and planted firmly in the soft white sands themed “The Next Generation: - Invitation to obtain addi- of the Caribbean. Nine CTO member Poll Finds ‘Girls-Getaways’ 3 Learning from the Past, Pre- tional certification through destinations will be spotlighted More Active and Luxurious paring for the Future”, will continuing education specialty throughout the course of the show’s take place in San Juan, Puerto courses. Caribbean Week in New York 3 nine-week “Great American Vacation” in Images Rico from October 19 to 24. Registration for the PRTE summer promotion. Puerto Rico has extended program costs $119 until Au- Destination Roundup 4 The promotion, running through a special invitation to all travel gust 31, $149 thereafter. August 30, finds CBS Early Show an- agents to attend the annual The program for travel chor Dave Price broadcasting each Puerto Rico Launches Inter- 4 event, held each October in a agents begins on Sunday, week from these high-profile American active Personal Guides CTO member destination. October 21—agents should vacation spots: Key West, FL, Outer Agents can register to be- plan to arrive on Saturday. Banks, NC, Savannah, GA, Niagara come a Puerto Rico Travel Business meetings precede Falls, NY, South Padre Island, TX, THIS ISSUE Expert (PRTE). Agents who the conference from October Mount Rushmore, SD, Aspen, CO, SPONSORED BY THE UNITED complete the course and pass 19-21. Mackinac Island, MI and Bar Harbor, STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS a written test will be certified The conference is CTO's ME. DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM as a graduate of the program annual convocation of travel Each week, viewers are asked to and will be entitled to the fol- professionals, tourism market- write the show and explain why they DID YOU KNOW . . . lowing: ers, meeting and incentive think they deserve a “Great American Shell Beach on Guyana’s north- planners, government repre- Vacation.” Each winning entry will be east coast is a 90-mile (145km) - A PRTE certificate; sentatives, educators, public awarded a romantic vacation for two stretch of millions of tiny shells - Dream Points Reward Pro- and private sector decision in the Caribbean. Countries participat- – and a nesting ground for gram; makers who convene to hear ing in the promotion are St. Vincent & hawksbill turtles? - 12 CEUs from the Travel from and actively participate in The Grenadines; Aruba; St. Kitts; St. Institute for USA travel agents Discussions led by dynamic Lucia; St. Croix (United States Virgin For tidbits on ALL CTO mem- and 9 ACCESS/CITC for agents speakers, chosen for their Islands), The Islands of the Bahamas, ber destinations visit: fromm Canada; accomplishments and their Belize, British Virgin Islands and Anti- www.DoItCaribbean.com. - Online access to Puerto Rico ability to successfully apply gua & Barbuda. seminars and special events; solutions to the challenges All 18 airline tickets for the pro- - Support from PRTC business facing Caribbean tourism. To join the CTO Caribbean motion will be provided by American managers in the field; For more information and Tourism Community online go Airlines Vacations. Tickets will be pro- - Subscription to Que Pasa! registration forms, please go to: vided from any U.S. gateway to the www.OneCaribbean.org. magazine; to: www.onecaribbean.org. (Continued on page 3) - E-newsletter with up to the
CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 2
MAJOR U.S. NEWSPAPERS TO FEATURE CARIBBEAN SUPPLEMENTS The Caribbean Tourism Develop- were eight pages with four full ment Company (CTDC) has an- editorial pages in each--sixteen nounced its fall series of Carib- pages of stories devoted entirely bean supplements in three major to promoting the Caribbean region newspapers. The fall “Caribbean” to its primary vacation audience in series begins November 1, 2007 the Northeast. with the Boston Globe, followed by The editorial coverage, writ- the Philadelphia Inquirer, Novem- ten by noted Caribbean editor, ber 8; and the Chicago Tribune, Richard Kahn, and with stories November 15. With a combined provided by Caribbean Travel and circulation of 1,337,320 Life magazine, will once more be (approximately 4+ million read- wholly dedicated to the Caribbean ers), the three newspapers pro- – hotels and resorts, activities and vide readership in the region’s key sports, dining and entertainment, tourism markets. and more. It will provide market The Caribbean was featured specific travel information—how to in a series of four attractive, infor- best get to the Caribbean from mative, freestanding, all Carib- that region. Its raison d'être is to bean editorial newspaper inserts promote the Caribbean to the in April and May 2007: The Star- readers persuading them to take a Ledger, Philadelphia Inquirer, Caribbean destination vacation. Atlanta Journal-Constitution and For more information, please the Fort Lauderdale Sun- contact Furey and Associates at: Sentinel. The inserts, the official 212-355-7034, e-mail: Fureyas- publications of the Caribbean [email protected]. Tourism Development Company
CARIBBEAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Isla Verde, Puerto Rico November 3-4,2007 Www.caribbeanbeachfun.coM
Fri., September 28th First Annual Governments of the Caribbean Gala and Awards Presentations (The Liberty Grand in the Gover- nor’s Room) Wed., September 26th Sat. & Sun., September Caribbean Fair @ Yonge- 29th & 30th Dundas Square (corner of Celebrate Caribbean Day at Yonge and Dundas Streets in the Jays, Roger’s Centre Toronto) Toronto Travel Show Thurs., September 27th (Toronto International Cen- Caribbean Media Market- ter, Mississauga) place (Location TBA) Ryerson University Interna- Please go to: tional World Tourism Day www.caribbeanweek.ca (Location TBA) for complete details. Caribbean Lifestyle Cooking Classes - LCBO Event Kitch- ens (Bayview Village | Sum- merhill | The Kingsway) CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 3
OUR CHAPTERS IN ACTION . . . American Express Travel Agent Poll Finds New Trends Guest feature from the CTO UK Chapter in 'Girls-Getaways' - More Active and Luxurious Than The UK Chapter of the Carib- dolph Walker, OBE, and his Ever bean Tourism Organisation producer wife Dounne Walker hosted its successful and ever and TV news presenter Carla The popular "girls-getaway" has gone polled reported that when traveling popular black tie annual sum- Foderingham. upscale and extends beyond the tra- together, women are indulging in mer ball at the Dorchester Hotel, A further focal point of the ditional weekend escape, reveals a more luxurious vacations than in on London’s Park Lane, on evening was the charity raffle. new poll of 246 American Express years past. The majority of agents Thursday 21 June. Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Travel agents. The poll, which found (56%) say these getaways are not The evening, a complete hotel representatives Essential an increase in "girls-getaways" ac- merely weekend retreats, rather they sell out, was attended by 400 Detail, Jolly Beach Resort, bmi cording to two-thirds of agents, also are between 4-7 days long. While guests, many from overseas, and the Antigua and Barbuda found that women traveling together away, women are splurging on ultra- who danced the night away until Tourist Board donated the 1am. Virgin Atlantic, headline prizes, which included a seven are seeking more active and luxurious customized tours and experiences sponsor, flew in celebrity band night all-inclusive stay at Jolly vacations. (42%), traveling first or business class Dread and the Baldhead from Beach Resort with two premium Three in four agents said that (36%), and staying in private villas Antigua, especially for the event. economy flights to Antigua. "girls-getaways" -- including vacations (20%). More than one- third (35%) of Curtly Ambrose - the Julia Hendry, Director of with girlfriends or female relatives -- agents said women are spending world’s tallest bass player and Marketing, CTO UK and Europe, are a significant trend. While spa, between $2,600 to $5,000 per per- the seven-man band treated the said, “The Ball is a highlight of beach and shopping vacations still son when traveling with a group of guests to rhythmic Caribbean the industry calendar, and each dominate as favorites for "girls- girlfriends or female relatives. music. In addition to former year it gets bigger and better. It cricket legends Ambrose and is a high profile event for the getaways," agents say women are Agents ranked the most popular Richie Richardson, Dread and Caribbean, which brings to- increasingly taking cruise, culinary, "girls-getaway" destinations as: the the Baldhead includes top Anti- gether all sectors in the industry, city and active vacations that include Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Canada guan musician Dave Bridge- who really let their hair down golf (36%), scuba diving and biking and South America.
water. Also sponsoring the and enjoy themselves in true (20%). event, were the Antigua and Caribbean spirit. The CTO is very Sixty-eight percent of agents Source: PRNewswire, June 27, 2007 Barbuda Tourist Board, the pleased to have collected Jamaica Tourist Board and £4,000 during the evening, the CARIBBEAN SUMMER PROMOTION ON CBS TV Travel Weekly. proceeds of which will be shared A number of prestigious between the CTO Scholarship (Continued from page 1) VIP guests also attended the Foundation and The Caribbean Caribbean destinations served by the airline. function, including His Excel- Red Cross. We also were privi- Each participating destination is highlighted within a three-minute on-air lency Dr. Carl Roberts - High leged to be joined by so many segment when that particular trip is awarded. This segment, with a corre- Commission for Antigua and High Commissioners and VIP sponding ad value of $142,824, will include b-roll footage on the destination, Barbuda and Mrs. Roberts; His guests and hope that the suc- hotel and airline, and a destination representative is invited to award the Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Cot- cess of the evening will cement prize trip live on the air. Also, a video segment on each trip giveaway will be ter, MBE - High Commissioner the good working relationships for St Lucia and Mrs. Cotter; Her we enjoy with our industry part- posted on the CBS-TV website (www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/25/ Excellency Mrs. Glenda Morean ners.” earlyshow/series/americanvacation/main2853453.shtml). Hyperlinks will be Phillips - High Commissioner for included to the destination, airline and resort. The site will also feature post- Trinidad and Tobago and Mr. To reach the CTO UK Chapter: trip coverage, since winners are required to take pictures of their journey and Phillips; actor and director Ru- [email protected] write a letter describing their trip, to be posted on the site upon their return. CARIBBEAN WEEK IN NEW YORK IN IMAGES Join us in Atlanta, For more images, please go to: http://gallery.onecaribbean.org for a celebration of Caribbean culture Lifetime Achieve- and culinary de- ment Award lights—and special Honoree, Rev. Caribbean vacation offers! 212-635-9530 Wesley Hall and or [email protected]. daughter, Dr. Kerry Hall, at Governments of UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE CTO the Caribbean CALENDAR—2007 State Ball Caribbean Beach Volleyball, Long Beach, LI Sept. 14-16 Caribbean Weekend in Atlanta Sept. 26-30 Caribbean Week in Toronto Oct. 19-24 Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-30)—San Juan, Puerto Rico Empire State Building lights up Nov. 3-4 Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship— with the Colors of the Caribbean Isla Verde, Puerto Rico Nov. 16-18 Caribbean Weekend in Philadelphia Bahamas Masqueraders Nov. 28- Dec. 2 CTO Chapter Presidents’ Meeting— booth at from St. Kitts Martinique Caribbean and Nevis at Fair Caribbean Fair
for its world-class sailing, 2007. The airline currently PUERTO RICO spectacular snorkeling, operates daily non-stop service Published by the LAUNCHES Caribbean Tourism Organization luxurious accommodations and from Miami to Hewanorra. the popular natural attraction— The “St. Lucia Super INTERACTIVE 80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor New York, NY 10004, USA The Baths. For more: Summer Savers” promotion PERSONAL GUIDES www.bvitourism.com. valid from June 1 to November Phone: 212-635-9530 15, 2007 saves travelers up to FOR VISITORS TO Fax: 212-635-9511 • The Barbados Advocate 40% at participating hotels and THE DESTINATION For contributions and feedback: [email protected] has reported that a helicopter up to 25% at participating Compiled and edited by Ronald Allen service provided by Horizon shops, restaurants and Puerto Rico is the first desti- Helicopters has recently started atrractions. For more, nation in the Caribbean to utilize an Interactive Tour operations on Barbados. www.stlucia.org. Visit us at Guide – EyeTour Puerto Rico, www.DoItCaribbean.com Visitors now have the option of which can be used with iPods traveling by helicopter to • Seaborne Airlines, based in and other portable devices. various locations on the island. St. Croix with scheduled Available through CTO Chapter News accepts no For more, go to: seaplane services within the www.GoToPuertoRico.com, responsibility for the accuracy of www.visitbarbados.org. U.S. Virgin Islands and San EyeTour offers a group of inno- information reprinted from member Juan, Puerto Rico, has vative and interactive tools for destination websites. The information consumers to use when plan- presented in this newsletter is • Visitors to St. Kitts can launched weekend seaplane ning to visit Puerto Rico. provided as a service to our members learn the intriguing tales and flights to Virgin Gorda, British and should be verified at all times by The materials include the relevant authorities. rich history of the capital city Virgin Islands via St. Thomas. free, downloadable island of Basseterre with Annie's The carrier also operates guides that can be played on Walking Tours. Annie, with an between St. Croix and Tortola, CTO Chapter News welcomes Feed- a computer and/or on video- back. Please send your comments to in-depth and intimate knowl- British Virgin Islands. For enabled mobile devices, such [email protected]. edge of the city's main streets, schedules: as iPods. Featuring striking underground sites, hidden se- www.seaborneairlines.com. videos, vivid images and origi- Destination Roundup crets and historic locales, cre- nal music, the narrated ates an unrivaled personal • The Islands of The Baha- guides educate visitors on the tourism attractions available experience on every tour mas have entered into multiple tination in Puerto Rico and are also Featured Des she leads. For more, go to: sponsorship opportunities with available in an audio-only www.stkittstourism.kn. a variety of Florida sports format. Additionally, users Escape to St. Vincent & the teams. Through numerous in- have the option to download Grenadines and explore the natu- • B e g i n n i n g stadium vehicles and sports EyeMap – printable color ral beauty that lies above and November 5, JetBlue’s marketing tools, the goal is to maps that can be viewed on beneath its crystal waters. Lo- service to Aruba from drive brand awareness, iPods or other players with cated only 100 miles east of Bar- Boston will expand to heighten prominence in the key video screens. bados, this unique archipelago of EyeTour contains video operate three times Florida market and become the tours of forty sites of interest 32 islands and cays is an idyllic weekly. JetBlue also offers destination of choice for South setting for a Caribbean getaway. in the Old San Juan district, daily service from New Florida sports team fans. Get including El Morro Fort, the Whether it is visiting the "Pirates York to Aruba. details at: www.bahamas.com. San Juan Cathedral, the of the Caribbean" film sets, hiking www.aruba.com. Casals Museum and San La Soufriere volcano, discovering Tiara Air, a pri- Sebastian Street, amongst Bequia's age-old boat building and vately owned Aruban Air- others. fishing traditions, enjoying roman- line, commenced non-stop CHAPTER NOTES It is expected that within tic seclusion and opulent pamper- the next year, additional inter- service between Aruba ing at exclusive resorts, relishing ● Calling ALL CTO active tours of major attrac- local flavors at casual restaurants, and Bonaire on Friday, tions around the Island such July 20. Tiara Air oper- Chapter Member sailing world class waters, or div- agents … there is still as El Yunque Rainforest will ing in the diverse underwater ates six weekly non-stop space on a Fam Trip to be published. EyeTour will world, St. Vincent & the Grena- roundtrip flights between St. Lucia taking place soon offer users the opportu- dines offers an array of options the two islands, adding to October 25 - 29, 2007, nity to download video seg- ments on how to cook authen- for travelers. For more on St. the convenience of con- sponsored by the St. tic Puerto Rican dishes. Vincent & the Grenadines, go to: necting to Bonaire Lucia Tourist Board. through Aruba. For The cost is $150 (land For more, go to: www.svgtourism.com. www.gotopuertorico.com. schedules: www.tiara- only). Air is on your air.com. own. The final sched- ule will be sent mid- REGISTER NOW FOR • Virgin Gorda in the British September. Contact • American Airlines will CTC-30—SAN JUAN, Virgin Islands has been named Betty Long at PUERTO RICO, “Best Island” in the Caribbean begin thrice-weekly non-stop [email protected] for OCTOBER 19-24 by readers of Travel + Leisure. service from New York JFK to more information and The island has been recognized St. Lucia on November 15, to sign up. www.onecaribbean.org Your travel resource for all things Caribbean CaribbeanTravel.com—the Magazine; CaribbeanTravel.com—the Website
November 2007 CTO CHAPTER NEWS Volume 7 Issue 4
Toronto Inside this issue: AIR TRANSPORT ACCORD, Celebrates First Toronto Celebrates First 1 Ever Caribbean Week CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Ever Caribbean Week CTC-30 Review 2 DECIDED AT CTC-30 The first ever Caribbean Our Chapters In Action... 3 Week in Toronto was At the conclusion of the 30th Annual under the chairmanship of Senator held September 26-30, Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC- the Honorable Allen Chastanet to 2007. CTO Chapter News to be 3 30), organized by the Caribbean Tour- discuss proposals for restructuring A Caribbean Fair at Replaced with Enewsletter ism Organization (CTO), Secretary the regional air transport sector in Yonge Dundas Square Andy Parris honored at 3 General Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace order to offer the best prospects for on Wednesday, Septem- Caribbean Gala presented attending delegates and safe, secure and sustainable airlift in ber 26 kicked off the media with results from the four-day the Caribbean. week of activities. Featured Destination— 4 series of strategic planning meetings. Ministers were joined by civil Haiti The Ribbon Cutting Held at the Puerto Rico Conven- aviation and tourism officials, select Opening Ceremony was Aruba Certified Expert 4 tion Center in San Juan, the confer- regional airline executives and repre- officiated by the CTO ence’s theme: The Next Generation: sentatives of relevant regional and Secretary General, Vin- Learning from the Past, Preparing for international institutions focused par- cent Vanderpool- the Future reinvigorated the Carib- ticularly on measures aimed at im- Wallace, Chairman, THANKS TO OUR bean brand and mission for a cohe- proving the management of interna- Allen Chastanet, Hon- 2007 SPONSOR— sive, collective voice. tional and intra-regional air services in ourary Chairman of Car- Ministers of Tourism and Trans- order to maintain and improve the UNITED STATES ibbean Week; Chairman port of member CTO countries met (Please see CTC-30 Review on page 2) of the Destiny Group of VIRGIN ISLANDS Companies, David DEPARTMENT OF CHICAGO RESIDENT WINS FIRST ANNUAL CARIBBEAN BEACH Singh; and the Honour- TOURISM. VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN PUERTO RICO able Mr. Mike Wallace, Chicago resident Iwona open division. Five MPP for Ontario. Lodzik teamed with qualifying tournaments MCs at the all-day DID YOU KNOW . . . Aleksandra Wolak of were held along the event were Dr. Jay and The 17th-century British Jersey City, NJ to win East Coast this sum- Spex from FLOW935 FM Royal Navy allowed its sail- the women’s open divi- mer, with winning and local celebrity King ors a daily ration of rum -- a sion in the first annual teams competing in Cosmos. Entertainment practice that continued until Caribbean Volleyball Puerto Rico for the featured the Royal Turks 1970? Championship, held championship. The and Caicos Islands Po- November 3–4 in championship was lice Force Combo, the Left to right: Michael Salak, Iwona Puerto Rico. Michael sponsored by the Carib- Roland Prince Quartet Lodzik, Aleksandra Wolak, Seidu Go to Things to Do and read Salak of New York City bean Tourism Develop- from Antigua and Bar- and Seidu Ajanako of ment Company (CTDC). Ajanako—winners of the Caribbean buda, Jamesy P and about “Rum and Rhythm” at: Beach Volleyball Championship held www.CaribbeanTravel.com. Fulton, MO were the “We were delighted Bomani from St. Vincent winners in the men’s (Continued on page 4) November 3–4 in Puerto Rico. (Continued on page 4)
CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 2
the diversity of the region with a commitment to speak with one CTC-30 REVIEW voice. CTC-30 drew 630 delegates (Continued from page 1) and featured Master Classes on vibrancy and competitiveness of Climate Change; Social Network- the vital tourism sector while pro- ing–Web 2.0; the Meetings and moting greater business, social Incentives market; and Executive and institutional integration in the and Staff Development. Other region. Discussions among the highlights included an Internet Ministers of Tourism and Trans- marketing workshop, motivational port and the Board of Directors presentations, Puerto Rico desti- led to the creation and approval of nation training, Caribbean Geogra- the San Juan Accord, a memoran- phy Bowl, Condé Nast Traveler dum on the regional air transport “My Caribbean” Essay Contest sector identifying the need for a and the Travel + Leisure Youth single airspace and a common Congress. civil aviation regime. About 120 travel agents at- Several constitutional tended the annual conference. amendments were also adopted at the meetings, including the New Website establishment of a Council of The Beta test launch of the Ministers and Commissioners as Caribbean’s new website: the supreme policy making body. www.CaribbeanTravel.com was The Council will enable the direc- conducted at CTC-30. tors and their equivalent to func- The site features a database tion as the prime executing body of travel agents trained to sell in accordance with the policy set Caribbean travel, accessible via a out by the ministers to showcase direct link from the home page.
L-r:Kerry Cannon, Travel Agent Magazine; Pattie Travel agents at the Puerto Rico Convention Mitchell, CTO Chapter President; Fernando Center for CTC-30 Abreu, CTO CTO Chapter President Among Caribbean Creativity in Travel Award Winners Four travel agents, one a CTO Chapter president, were presented with Caribbean Creativity in Travel Awards at CTC-30. The awards, named in honor of former CTO Greater Chicago presi- dent—Renée DiGiulio-Naismith—were won by: - Julia Marie Aliseo, Cruise Planners, Margate, FL for CREATIVITY IN MEETINGS AND GROUP TRAVEL; - Pattie Mitchell (CTO Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter president), Travel Dreams, Marlton, NJ for CREATIVITY IN NICHE AND SPECIAL INTEREST TRAVEL; - Penny Sheldon, Penny Sheldon Travel, Boise, ID for CREATIVITY IN INDIVIDUAL AND R+R TRAVEL; and - Jennifer Doncsecz, VIP Vacations Inc., Whitehall, PA for CREATIVITY IN BRIDAL AND ROMANCE TRAVEL. Winners will be featured in an upcoming issue of Travel Agent magazine. For more information, email: [email protected]. CTO CHAPTER NEWS Page 3
OUR CHAPTERS IN CTO CHAPTER NEWS TO BE REPLACED WITH ENEWSLETTER ACTION . . . After 7 years of continuously being published, CTO Chapter News is being discontinued. For the final edition, CTO Chapter News re- An e-newsletter targeting both trade and consumer will debut in January 2008. quested snippets from all chapters. The following Said editor, Ronald Allen, “Except for one year when only 3 issues were published, responded. Judith we have been consistent in delivering 4 issues per year of a quality newsletter to the ded in 1988, by hapter was foun Is- CTO membership. We are proud of the feedback we have received over the years indi- e New England C or the Cayman Th eting Manager f an, District Mark rms. It was a cating that the newsletter has always been well received. Thanks to all who contributed. Akerm ident for two te served as Pres a city that lands, who Organization in Special thanks to the sponsors: Caribbean Star Airlines; Aruba Tourism Authority; and ng another trade there challenge starti er meetings, but s involved in oth an. United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. ready had agent s on the Caribbe al cate travel agent real need to edu 110 attendees. The new e-newsletter will be even more informative, and will be distributed on a was a ersold and had meeting was ov d won the The first 50 members an more regular basis. Chapter had 3 many Originally the Chapter has had ear twice. The d a hapter of the Y trips and create C draisers and fam ue meetings, fun e importantly uniq islands and mor ink with many agents strong l friendships with ng and lasting created stro s. Submitted by: d island partner and suppliers, an Judith Akerman The Greater Houston Chapter of CTO collected items for the Marion Home for the Elderly in St. Lucia and the Board of Directors, on their Out of Country Board meeting trip, presented the Home with 10 suitcases of items that the home had on their wish list. The items included adult pampers, toiletries, snack items, craft items, books, playing cards, OTC medications, rubber gloves, socks, towels and other items that were needed. The Sisters of the Home were in tears as the suitcases were opened and items dis- played. The suitcases were left for future use by the home. Submitted by: Bonita Simonton, President …Our Ch apters in up with Action w activiti as the o keep es all ove nly way growing r the US we were ag stronge A, and e able to ents and r and str ncourag keep C CTO Ch onger sh ed to con hapters apters in owing th tinue to in Action Action… e netwo their Ch , it show We all en rk of apter Ne ed that C joyed re was h twork. R TO NY re ading Ou elpful an eading w ally care r part d gave u hat othe d about s of the U s insight r Chapte Sa SA. Sub to what rs were n Diego mitted b is happe doing Chapter y: Richar ning in o d Slaker ther , Past Pr esident, Since February 2001, CTO Chapter News has been a reliable source of information for the chapter membership. The newsletter has also been distributed to all categories of CTO membership. Thanks for the memories. The Editor.
ANDY PARRIS HONORED AT CARIBBEAN GALA SAVE THE DATE!! Former CTO Manager, Canada, Andrew Parris, was honored at 10th annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development the Governments of the Caribbean Gala during Caribbean "Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining the Caribbean Coastal Product" Week in Toronto for his accomplishments in the travel and April 28 - May 2, 2008 tourism industry. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS The inscription on the award – “You have helped Tour- ism in the Caribbean take flight and educated a Generation of Travelers on the Caribbean Experience. You have been a Vocal Advocate for the Caribbean in Canada and represent the Best of the Caribbean. We applaud your Remarkable Leadership and Commitment to the Region with this Special Recognition.” Congratulations, Andy.
CHAPTER NOTES New York: January 12-13, 2008 The UnConvention Center at Pier 94 ● The annual CTO Chapter Presidents Chicago, Ill: January 26-27, 2008 Retreat will be held November 29 to Rosemont Convention Center December 2, 2007 in Martinique. Long Beach, CA: February 9-10, 2008 To our Governments, Allied Long Beach Convention Center (The Los ● CTO Chapter presidents and their and Chapter members, and Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show). Board of Directors have been invited to Washington, DC: March 29-30, 2008 become part of a Caribbean Travel Spe- Industry partners, from the Washington DC Convention Center cialists advisory group that will advise For special rates in the Caribbean Section, on the transition of the current chapter Chairman, Secretary contact: Andrea Hutchinson, system to a proposed new structure. General and staff of CTO. [email protected]
plore. The formidable Citadelle nature lovers. Visit Bassin Bleu, a crowns the 3,000-foot Pic la Fer- triple waterfall with deep pools, riere and in the valley sits Sans and Pic de Macaya, a 7,700-foot Published by the Caribbean Tourism Organization Souci, an elegant but ruined palace mountain populated by rare or- built in 1810. The two structures chids and birds. Étang Saumâtre, a 80 Broad Street, 32nd Floor New York, NY 10004, USA are part of a UNESCO World blue saltwater lake, delights with Heritage Site. Five additional more than 100 species of water- FACT SHEET Phone: 212-635-9530 forts overlook Cap-Haïtien harbor fowl plus flamingos and American Fax: 212-635-9511 and the coastline. The southern crocodile. For contributions and feedback: Enhancements to ACE [email protected] peninsula’s high mountains and For more information on Haiti Program Compiled and edited by Ronald Allen thundering waterfalls attract go to: www.caribbeantravel.com. for implementation in 2008 Caribbean Week in Toronto Visit us at www.CaribbeanTravel.com Turks and Caicos Islands Police New ACE Rewards (Continued from page 1) Force Combo later at center field, and the Grenadines, the Royal Visa Gift Cards are being followed by the first pitch. Bahamas Police Force ‘Pop’ Band added to the existing re- For more photos, please CTO Chapter News accepts no and Pedrito Calvo and Hilario wards that ACE agents can visit: www.caribbeanweek.ca. responsibility for the accuracy of Duran from Cuba. Celebrity chefs: earn by reporting their information reprinted from member Aruba production. Other ACE destination and other websites. The Jeremiah Nathaniel (Antigua and information presented in this Barbuda), Ana Isabel Utrera rewards include free hotel newsletter is provided as a service to (Cuba) and Christopher Walters nights in Aruba and round our members and should be verified (Turks and Caicos) demonstrated trip air to Aruba. at all times by the relevant some of their signature dishes. authorities. Other events included Carib- Quarterly Rewards bean Media Marketplace; Cook- CTO Chapter News welcomes Feed- Valuable Visa Gift Cards will ing events hosted by LCBO Life- back. Please send your comments to be awarded to the top pro- style Cooking; the First Annual [email protected]. ducers in each of Aruba’s Governments of the Caribbean four sales regions on a quar- Gala at the Liberty Grand – which terly basis. Featured Destination— featured menus by the Caribbean celebrity chefs, as well as door Haiti prizes, silent auction and raffles Exclusive ACE Perks An impressive array of Haiti shares the island of His- to benefit the CTO Foundation. There was also a Caribbean “perks” will be offered exclu- paniola with the Dominican Repub- Wedding at the Toronto Travel sively to ACE agents visiting lic. The capital, Port-au-Prince, is Show on September 29, where the destination. located in the central region on lucky couple Mylene Godbout and the Gulf of Gonâve. Points of in- Jeannot Turcotte from Ajax, On- Enhanced Education terest here include the Musée de tario were married. The lovebirds Qualifying ACE agents will Pantheon, Place des Héros, and jetted off to their honeymoon on be offered the opportunity to the Basilica of Notre Sunday to the Jalousie Plantation participate in comprehensive in St. Lucia with Air Canada Vaca- Dame. Inside the Musée Nationale on-island work/study pro- is a treasure-trove of historical tions. grams focusing on Aruba’s relics such as the pistol used by On Saturday, Jays’ baseball important niche markets fans were greeted with pre-game King Henri Christophe in 1820, such as wedding & honey- entertainment on the concourse which he used to end his life moon travel and family by Petrito Calvo and Hilario From top: Caribbean Wedding; Celebrity rather than face a coup. Visitors travel. Duran’s group from Cuba, and Chef; Royal Turks and Caicos Police can also see an anchor allegedly Caribbean music by the Royal salvaged from Christopher Colum- Band at center field at the ‘Jays’. Sales Focus bus’ famous Santa Maria. Aruba’s sales force will place The Museum of Haitian Art Caribbean Beach Volleyball additional emphasis on features the nation’s famed art (Continued from page 1) come.” building one-on-one relation- naïf paintings. Fine art galleries to bring players from all over the Qualifying tournaments were ships with top-producing are located in Pétionville in the United States to the Caribbean held in Long Beach, New York; ACE agents in Aruba’s key hills above the city, where most for this championship,” said Hugh Point Pleasant, New Jersey; New- markets. visitors choose to stay. This up- Riley, director of marketing, the port, Rhode Island; Myrtle Beach, scale district is home to interna- Americas for the Caribbean Tour- South Carolina; and Clearwater, The Aruba Certified Expert tional embassies, trendy restau- ism Development Company. “It Florida. The CTDC partnered with (ACE) Program is rants, boutiques and nightclubs. was a great competition, show- East End Volleyball, a New York- sponsored by the casing some of the finest volley- based organizer of beach volley- The Barbancourt Rum Distillery is Aruba Tourism Authority ball talent in the States. ball tournaments and leagues, to another popular attraction, in We look forward to bringing produce the Caribbean Beach operation since 1765 and based in more teams to the Caribbean Volleyball Championship. www.aruba.com a hillside castle. next year, and to expanding the To view more images, go to: The northern peninsula is championship in the years to www.CaribbeanBeachFun.com. November 5, 2007 filled with forts and ruins to ex-