Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) appealed to Caribbean tourism leaders to craft their own fate in the vital travel and tourism sector and not be driven by the agendas of interests outside the region.Nicola Madden-Greig noted that although overall tourism activity in the Caribbean is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, with some destinations growing by “leaps and bounds”, others are lingering in recovery mode, largely because of an imbalance in the dispersal of flights and insufficient marketing resources.
For the region’s tourism industry to recover fully and equitably, Madden-Greig said it was important for government leaders to frame policies and strategies to boost regular, predictable, inter-island connectivity.
The head of the region’s leading private sector tourism organization pointed out that such a move would not only encourage tourists to visit more islands, but also would help to meet the needs of Caribbean residents who travel for family, business and leisure activities. “We must support those airlines which are stepping up to the plate to strengthen our aerial linkages, but we also should embrace this crisis in airlift as an opportunity for a homegrown solution within our region,” she commented.
Madden-Greig echoed the advice of Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who exhorted the region’s tourism leaders to shed post-colonial attitudes, take control of their tourism sectors, and be “shapers not takers”, while delivering the keynote address during CHTA’s successful Caribbean Travel Forum, which preceded the association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados in May.
She also agreed with Prime Minister Mottley’s call for better use of regional capital, and urged policymakers to design new financial instruments that could be used for the region’s biggest earner, tourism, rather than left idling in low interest-bearing accounts.ADVERTISEMENTNotwithstanding its inherent volatility, Madden-Greig described tourism as “the world’s fastest growing and the most dynamic sector of the global economy,” adding that the Caribbean “should not be left helplessly tied to the fates of others alone. While international partnership has its value, regional collaboration is essential. The work is too important to not have independent regional solutions.”
She commented: “We must continue to solidify links with our international partners, but we must also take a leaf from the pages of entrepreneurs like Adam Stewart and Kevin Hendrickson in Jamaica, Peter Odle in Barbados, the Lamontagne family in St. Lucia, and the Hopkin family in Grenada, to name a few, and become craftsmen of our own fate.” Tourism is the region’s economic driver but it can also be a vehicle for creation of generational wealth for Caribbean nationals, she asserted.
Madden-Greig, who is Group Director of Marketing & Sales with The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, believes that as the tourism industry continues to grow there should be a serious effort aimed at implementation of tourism worker pension schemes across the region, especially given the volatility of the current labor market. Heralding successful efforts by the Jamaican government to implement such a system, she reasoned that the welfare of tourism workers, who have been the foundation of building the region’s greatest revenue driver, must be a priority. “Many of our workers are retiring with little to no safety net and it is time we took a more serious look at solving this problem,” she commented.

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As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start, key stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism sector convened a virtual forum last week, placing a spotlight on the pivotal role of effective, strategic crisis communications when responding to, and recovering from, natural and manmade disasters.
During the forum, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the consensus was clear: collaboration across regional, national and community levels, paired with efficient, proactive communications, forms the backbone of successful crisis management and resilience in the tourism sector.
Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the intergovernmental CTO, noted that just three weeks into the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season the region had already witnessed three tropical storms, which forecasters signaled was an early and aggressive start to the hurricane season.
Walters told ministers, senior officials and private sector leaders participating in the webinar that, “Communication plays a vital role in managing crises, as it shapes perceptions, builds trust, and ensures that accurate and timely information reaches both internal and external audiences during times of crisis … (which) can mean the difference between chaos and order, despair and hope.” He further highlighted the importance of the CTO and CHTA collaboration, in working together to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, industry professionals, and local communities.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic as “the world’s most devastating health crisis in over 100 years,” Nicola Madden-Greig, Director of marketing and sales for The Courtleigh Hospitality Group in Jamaica, and President of CHTA, which represents the private sector, asserted that partnership between the CTO and CHTA on disaster preparedness has been pivotal to navigate the various challenges that confront the Caribbean tourism sector. She noted the contributions of various partner organizations and surmised that maintaining the legacy of resilience and success as a region and destinations was tied to “working together at the regional, national and community levels.”ADVERTISEMENT“Effective collaboration must be accompanied by effective communications, and in the age of multiple channels of communications, and when any of us with a cell phone and internet access can quickly report, accurately or not, on the status of a crisis, it is essential that we continue to build and implement sound communication plans to ensure that what is actually happening on the ground is reported in the most accurate way,” said Madden-Greig.
The virtual tourism forum, which focused on Crisis Communications and Best Practices for Hazards Response and Recovery, was the second in a series, jointly organized by the CTO and CHTA, as part of efforts to support disaster preparedness, sensitization and capacity building for the tourism sector.
Bevan Springer, president of Marketplace Excellence (MPE) who moderated the session, noted that timely, accurate press releases and updates are necessary, but it is equally important to ensure the narrative is from a Caribbean perspective, thereby framing the destination’s future agenda. “Every crisis prepares us to deal with the next crisis, and learning from one crisis to another is something that is critically important,” he declared.
Springer, who is also founder and president of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), recommended developing post-crisis marketing plans to reboot and recover, such as the one MPE and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism instituted after the twin “Irmaria” storms in 2017 to help get the Territory back on the map and into the marketplace by partnering with airlines, travel advisors and other strategic partners.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Trevor Moss, general manager of travel compliance for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for The Bahamas. He outlined the integrated communication and cooperative system used by his country to deal with crises: “We work as one voice, one response with many moving parts, ensuring the safety of lives throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by maintaining a structured method of response with clear communications prior (to), during, and after major incidents.”
Speaking about public relations initiatives for recovery in the British Virgin Islands after 2017’s twin storms, Lauren Kaufman, senior vice president and director of operations at MMGY NJF, asserted there were two types of crises: dangerous situations such as hurricanes, and reputational crises, which tend to last for months beyond some of the disasters comprising dangerous situations. For both situations, she recommended a robust media relations program. She encouraged stakeholders to be proactive by quickly getting messages out and securing control of the narrative.
Wrapping up the session, Lelei LeLaulu, a communications advisor to Marketplace Excellence, stressed the importance of first finding out what affected communities need to ensure delivery of appropriate aid in the aftermath of a disaster. He recommended a fundraising web page or portal and highlighted the need for regular updates on the status of recovery, as well as reporting to donors on how their resources were used.
The forum was designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, lessons learnt and experiences, with the aim of fostering a culture of tourism sector resilience.

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Portugal’s beachgoers have been warned they may face fines up to EUR36,000 if their music is too loud.
The National Maritime Authority of the Philippines (AMN) has banned portable speakers that blast out loud music, which disturbs locals and tourists.The new restrictions come just as the peak tourist season in Portugal’s popular beach destinations is about to begin.
What is the penalty for playing music at the beach in PortugalThe regulation prohibits the “use of sound equipment and noise-generating activities which, under the terms of the law, may cause discomfort”.
Beachgoers who are experiencing noise disturbances can file a complaint with the local Maritime Police for the particular beach.
Individual fines can range from EUR200 to EUR4,000, and for groups they could be between EUR2,000 and EUR36,000 The offending “accessory” – like a speaker for example – can also be confiscated.ADVERTISEMENTIn the AMN’s beach directive, there are a number of other activities prohibited on Portugal’s beaches. This includes playing ball games in areas that are not designated, camping outside campsites, and making fires.
Europe is being targeted by disruptive touristsIt’s not the first time that antisocial behavior has been banned on Europe’s beach.
Barcelona, Spain, banned smoking on its beaches last summer to protect beachgoers against second-hand smoke.
Portugal, Croatia and other popular tourist destinations are introducing rules and restrictions to make them more liveable for the locals.
Dubrovnik announced last month plans to install a luggage-drop-off system in the Old Town, which is paved with historic cobblestones. This will reduce the noise caused by suitcases on wheels.
In an effort to control the crowds of tourists at Acropolis, Greece introduced a system of time slots for visitors. Meanwhile, Rome’s Pantheon has recently introduced an entrance fee.
Portugal is one of many countries that tightens restrictions on short-term rental to combat the inflation in housing markets.

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Leading travel service provider Trip.com has seen remarkable flight and hotel bookings growth from outbound US travellers to the UK and the rest of Europe.Despite high global inflation, long-haul travel sentiment from US travellers to Europe is improving. Trip.com flight booking data reveals a remarkable year-over-year increase of 145% from the US to the UK in the first half of this year.
This surge in air travel highlights the growing demand for transatlantic travel and the increasing interest of American travellers in exploring various European destinations.
Trip.com hotel bookings for the UK reveal that London, Edinburgh and Manchester are the top three most popular destinations for US travellers.
At the forefront of facilitating seamless travel experiences with its all-in-one app strategy, Trip.com’s impressive booking growth further solidifies its position as a leading travel service provider.
Data on travellers from the US to the whole of Europe is further encouraging, with flight bookings growing 101% over the same period. London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France), Rome and Milan (Italy), Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Dublin (Ireland) are the most popular flight arrival cities for US travellers to Europe.ADVERTISEMENTMoreover, hotel bookings from the US to Europe have witnessed a 60% increase over the same period. 
Demand from US travellers has bounced back fast following the pandemic. According to VisitBritian, more Americans are travelling to the UK and are spending more than in 2019.
Andy Washington, General Manager EMEA at Trip.com Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the positive trajectory of travel bookings between the United States and Europe.
He stated, “We are thrilled to witness a 101% growth in flight and 60% in hotel bookings for Europe, indicating a solid rebound in transatlantic travel.
“At Trip.com Group, we remain committed to offering exceptional service and customised travel solutions via our mobile-first strategy, ensuring our customers, comfort and convenience.”

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Quito is recognised for being one of the oldest cities with the most heritage in Latin America. Its rich history and cultural diversity have been preserved through the creation of a large number of museums ranging from pre-Columbian history to the present day.
These museums offer a very rewarding experience. They provide a closer look at the culture and history of Ecuador, and also help to understand the importance and beauty of art, in an array of cultural richness and diversity.Detailed below are five of the must-see museums on a visit to Quito.
1.    National Museum of Ecuador
One of the most important museums in the country, it is strategically located between the north and the historic centre of Quito.
It has a collection of more than 50,000 works ranging from pre-Columbian times to the present day. It has a room dedicated to contemporary Ecuadorian art and another for temporary exhibitions showing the contribution of local and international artists.ADVERTISEMENTThe building that houses it, the House of Ecuadorian Culture, is a neoclassical style architectural jewel, built in the 19th century.
2.    City Museum
It is a cultural space that presents a detailed example of the history, architecture, art and customs of the Ecuadorian capital.
The museum’s permanent collection on the sociohistorical processes of Quito and its area of influence includes archaeological objects from pre-Hispanic cultures, colonial and republican paintings, old photographs and everyday objects that illustrate the life of the people of Quito from aboriginal times to the 21st century.
The site has two terraces and a viewpoint freely open to the public from which they can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the historic centre.
3.    Alberto Mena Caamaño Art and History Museum
Also known as the “Wax Museum”, it is located in a historic 16th century building. It is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation of the historical memory and heritage of Ecuador.
It has a permanent collection that includes 307 oil paintings, 70 hyper-realistic wax sculptures, furniture, historical documents and archaeological items donated mostly by the philanthropist and aristocrat Alberto Mena Caamaño.
Its most important museographic presentation is ‘From Quito to Ecuador’ which shows the events that occurred in the territory of the Royal Court of Quito that led to the formation of the Republic of Ecuador.

4.    Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
This is one of the most outstanding museums in Latin America for its pre-Hispanic collection. It is located in an old colonial house in the historic centre of Quito and contains more than 5,000 works of pre-Columbian art.
It is a must-see both for history and archaeology lovers and for those interested in Ecuadorian culture.

5.    Fray Pedro Gocial Museum
Within the architectural complex of the Máximo de San Francisco Convent in Quito, which is one of the most important heritage buildings in the capital and the largest Catholic religious complex in Latin America, stands the Fray Pedro Gocial museum.
It boasts one of the largest and most complete collections of works of art created at the Quito School (more than 250 examples). Those who visit this museum will be captivated by its beauty and history.

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Ahead of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Auckland Airport has unveiled its new-look International Arrivals area with a grandstand and mock football field to welcome players and fans, ahead of the tournament.Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker said they wanted to give players and fans a warm Kiwi welcome to the host city and create a moment that resembles walking out of a player’s tunnel and onto the pitch.
“Welcoming sports heroes to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is something we’ve been really looking forward to, so we’re showing our support for this global women’s sporting tournament by creating an arrivals experience like no other. We can’t wait to see the teams start to arrive from next week and the community enjoying the space.”
Kitted out with a 22 by 17 metre football field, people can get into the spirit of the event and welcome their favourite teams into the country.
In addition, a giant ‘Game On!’ welcome sign will be painted on the grass at the Eastern end of the runway. Spanning 80 by 40 metres, it will greet an estimated 80 per cent of passengers as they fly in to land.
“Auckland Airport is the main gateway to New Zealand, and we have a unique opportunity to make a special first impression – Kiwi style,” commented Mr Tasker.ADVERTISEMENTDuring July and August, Auckland Airport expects around 1.7 million people to fly domestically and 2.1 million to fly internationally – roughly 90% of airline seat capacity compared to July and August 2019.
“We’re seeing more travellers during the end of July and into August than on some of our busiest days during the school holidays. This will largely be due to the sporting events at this time of year, being the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and the All Blacks playing in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup,” said Mr Tasker.
The ‘Game On!’ welcome message follows the success of the ‘Kia Ora’ runway sign in May 2022, which greeted travellers post-Covid when travel opened back up.
While waiting for their favourite team or player, or to welcome friends and loved ones in the international arrivals hall, people will be encouraged to “fly their flag”. Using a dedicated tablet, airport visitors can select their favourite team flag as backdrop on an animated screen for their personalised photo.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ official mascot Tazuni™ will also be at the terminal at select times.
Auckland Airport thanks Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – Host City for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ – for their support in creating these experiences. It is another example of the partnership between the two organisations.
For more information on the tournament, head to: https://www.aucklandnz.com/fifa-womens-world-cup

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The Seychelles Tourism Academy’s lecturing staff participated in a week-long industry cross-exposure project from Monday, June 26th, to Friday, June 30th, 2023. They were placed in a selection of establishments around Mahé, Praslin, and other islands.The project also saw the participation of the academy’s Deputy Director, Ms Brigitte Joubert, alongside the academy’s librarian.
The initiative aims to guarantee that the Seychelles Tourism Academy lecturers remain connected with all new developments in the tourism sector so that they may better transfer those experiences and expertise to their students in their delivery.
Speaking about the programme, Mr Terence Max, Director of the Academy, stated that it is part of the academy’s strategic aim to keep educators up-to-date on the newest industry trends.
He further emphasised that this exposure would enable participants to maintain and develop their working relationships with their industry counterparts.
“This project is a significant step forward for us. We are really pleased with the overall reaction to this project; not only have our business partners replied positively to our request, but our lecturers have also provided us with excellent comments about their experience. I believe this will be a success for all of us,” said Mr Max.ADVERTISEMENTFollowing this one-week exposure, each team member will have one day per week (except Thursdays) to continue their professional development while also engaging in project work within the industry.
The project participants will return to the academy on Monday, July 3rd, 2023, and Advanced Certificate classes are scheduled to resume on the same day.
The Seychelles is an award winning destination triumphing at last years World Travel Awards winning the awards for World’s Most Romantic Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination and Indian Oceans Leading Honeymoon Destination.

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From 18 to 24 of September, the Costa del Sol will host the most important women’s golf tournament in the world, the Solheim Cup, which will pit players from the United States and Europe against each other in match-play format. The event gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover the destination, known as the Costa del Golf, and enjoy its hospitality and gastronomy.
The most important women’s golf tournament in the world, the Solheim Cup, is just around the corner. The women’s version of the Ryder Cup, recognised as the best golf destination in Europe by the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), will be held from 18 to 24 September in the Costa del Sol.
In fact, the Costa del Sol is continental Europe’s destination with the highest concentration of golf courses – it has more than 70 – which, together with an exceptional climate all year round, means that the Costa del Sol is known as the Costa del Golf. Golf enthusiasts will find here not only a wide variety of courses where they can practice their swing, but also a range of accommodation and high-level services that offer the possibility of enjoying its renowned hospitality and tasting the exquisite gastronomy of Malaga. The Costa del Sol’s golf courses already have experience in hosting elite competitions such as the Ryder Cup or the World Golf Championships, among others.
The Solheim Cup, held every two years, has become the most prestigious team competition in the international golf calendar, with some of the most memorable moments in the history of golf having occurred in this competition. The European team, captained by Suzann Pettersen, will attempt to win against the American team once more, as it has done in four of the last six editions, reversing the dominant trend of its counterpart. The championship has become a classic for golf lovers and, in fact, the Costa del Sol will become the world capital of this sport from 18 to 24 September. More than 300 journalists will cover the event, which will be broadcasted for 35 hours, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
So far, 75,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, which will be hosted by Finca Cortesín. Located between Marbella and Sotogrande and overlooking the Mediterranean and the Casares mountain range; the exclusive resort houses; a five-star hotel, where the 24 players will stay; and a magnificent 18-hole, 7,500-yard championship golf course, as well as the state-of-the-art Jack Niclaus Academy. The Cabell Robinson-designed course is one of the longest in Europe and has previously hosted high-profile tournaments, including the Volvo World Match Play Championship on three occasions, one of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments in the world. For the Solheim Cup tournament, 65 greenkeepers, 40 of them volunteers from all over the world, are expected to prepare the course.ADVERTISEMENTGastronomic and cultural experiences
The Solheim Cup will be an opportunity to enjoy the Costa del Sol, its high-level hospitality, as well as its gastronomy and cultural events that will take place in parallel to the tournament. Andalucía Plaza will be the main meeting point, the entry and exit point and the place where the public will gather, where there will also be a wide gastronomic and cultural offering with live music throughout the whole tournament.
Swing and Sun, the Solheim Cup 2023 Fan Fest, will also be located at the Marbella Arena, Puerto Banús. The immersive experience from morning to night will allow the tournament to be experienced off the course as well, with concerts being showcased during the seven days of the competition. Meanwhile, the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort will be the setting for exclusive gastronomic evenings throughout the week with menus designed for a culinary tour of Andalusia. The most exclusive experiences will take place at the Málaga Pavilion, which sold out nine months before the tournament, and at Hoyo 17, where visitors can indulge in a VIP menu designed by some of the most important Michelin-starred chefs.
Sustainability will play an important role in the Solheim Cup. The Finca Cortesín course is irrigated with 100% reclaimed water, the electric generators are powered by solar panels and ecological chairs made from olive tree stubble will be used. In addition, thanks to the project promoted by Costa del Sol Tourism and the Costa del Sol Provincial Council ‘Málaga Zero footprint’, attendees will be able to calculate their carbon footprint. It should be noted that, with this initiative, the Costa del Sol has become the first destination in the world to calculate the carbon footprint of any tourist arriving in the province of Malaga, regardless of the type of trip, and offset it.

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