Tourism Outlook Seminar delivers

Tourism Outlook Seminar delivers

Tourism Minister, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett led Jamaica’s delegation to the just concluded 4th annual two-day Tourism Outlook Seminar at the Half Moon Conference Centre, at the Half Moon, A RockResort in Montego Bay. The two-day seminar was staged by the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from April 19-20.

The seminar which was staged under the theme “Retooling for the New Decade...2011 and Beyond,” has once again attracted a number of tourism’s key policy makers and stakeholders from across the Caribbean as well as a highly respected cadre of presenters drawn from well recognized organizations worldwide, such as the UNWTO, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Grace Kennedy Limited, Pan Caribbean Financial Services, PhoCusWright, and Exim Bank of Jamaica to name a few.

Minister Bartlett gave the keynote address at the seminar’s opening ceremony, while key presenters on Tuesday’s opening day included Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Director of Tourism, Mr. John Lynch, whol focused on “Assessing the Role and Impact of Niche Markets” using Jamaica as a case study and Director for the Americas, at the UNWTO, Mr. Carlos Vogeler who spoke on “The Changing Face of Travel.” Mr. Luigi Cabrini, the Director of Sustainable Development at the UNWTO, spoke on “Responsible Tourism- Benefits to the Destination and Local Communities.”

Other topics discussed on the first day of the seminar include “Social Media: Navigating the Virtual Space,” which was addressed by Vice President of RuderFinn, Mr. Kip Eideberg. The Cruise Shipping industry was placed under the microscope on day two as Ms. Joy Douglas, the General Manager of Urban Development Corporation, addressed the matter of “Cruise Dynamics in the Caribbean.” Chairman of Grace Kennedy Limited, Mr. Douglas Orane spoke on “Repositioning Your Business for Success,” in retooling your business for today’s competitive environment.

Mr. Cees Bosselar, Director of Business Development & Destination Analyst, PhocusWright spoke on “Research, Perception & Branding” while Managing Director of the Export-Import Bank of Jamaica, Lisa Bell examined the “Secrets to Business Success.” Corporate Finance Director at the Inter-American Investment Company, Mr. David Levy spoke on the matter of “Accessing International Financing.”

Minister Bartlett said the discussions were "geared towards providing the kind of solutions that will assist players in the tourism trade in the Caribbean to retool and refocus in order to better position themselves for success in the future, and should be beneficial to all in attendance.”

Minister Bartlett added that “this year’s seminar was very informative, with enlightening discussions on topics which will fuel healthy debate. I am very confident that it will facilitate the type of discourse needed to arrive at solutions which will assist players in the tourism industry in the Caribbean to remain competitive.”

Director of Tourism, Mr. John Lynch emphasized that “the Tourism Outlook Seminar is very important as it provides a valuable platform for examining the challenges facing the industry while fostering stronger relationships between stakeholders. The seminar will also help players in the sector to better position the industry to ensure survival in the increasingly competitive global environment. I am confident the speakers and the topics that will be examined will stimulate constructive discussions that will benefit the sector.

 

Source: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism. 27 April 2011