The Caribbean Prepares for a Difficult Year
The Caribbean is bracing for a challenging year in travel. They came out in full force yesterday
at The CHA marketplace in Rodney Bay, St Lucia for one of the largest delegations ever, with nearly 1400 participants. This included 300 buyers from major wholesalers and tour operators who have descended on the island.
All in attendance are aware that is it a distinctly different climate today than it was just a year ago. The bookings are arriving later and later and the occupancy rates are generally down from 2008.
Virgin Holidays, one of the conferences major sponsors, did however open proceedings with some brighter news – Business to the Caribbean in the first half of January has in fact exceeded 2008 levels.
John Taker, Virgin Holidays Purchasing Director said, "Although people are appearing to book much later, levels for the first 15 days of January have in fact topped those of 2008. With our additional services to Montego Bay from Gatwick this coming winter and our now twice weekly service to Barbados from Manchester, we feel that despite the economic conditions, we are well set to continue to enjoy a mutually profitable relationship with the Caribbean Tourism industry."
Taker further said, "We have pioneered the use of smaller independent hotels adding to the diverse range of experiences that we have to offer the consumer and therefore are able to compete on a value basis, at various price points."
Virgin has also made further announcements in their drive to be recognized as a supporter of the Caribbean tourism community and help businesses save money by saving energy and water. Virgin Holidays are partnering with the Travel foundation and Oxfam with:
– Fund university training
– Raise awareness of sustainable seafood choices
– Agricultural training for youth
– Improving links between local farmers and the hotel industry
– Helping local producers of craft products
Quoting figures from a similar project in Cyprus, Rachel McCaffery, Responsible Business Manager for Virgin Holidays said,’ "The smaller hotels that are characteristic of the Caribbean can help improve their bottom line by following some simple suggestions, such as switching lights and televisions off as the room is left, utilizing low energy light bulbs and water saving devices. In Cyprus, in six months the hotel community saved $700,000 by adapting their working practices to these simple environmentally friendly and business sensible guidelines.”
Karen
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