With the continued downward trend of consumer confidence and the economy tanking at a fast clip, leisure travel is truly not top of mind with the American audience.
However, the bridal market seems to be bucking this trend, and from the emails and responses I get from the www.MarryCaribbean.com website and my discussion groups, couples are still planning on getting married and most important do not want to cut back at all on expenses.
The change that is most apparent is the seismic shift from magazines to online. More couples are now getting all information online. Hence the continued decline in newsstand sales from all the major magazines. I do predict that if this continues, more than one bridal publication will go out of business. Yesterday I reviewed the quarterly performance of these magazines, and it is difficult to see how they are going to stay in business, given the steep decline in revenue, pages and newsstand sales.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
OCTOBER UPDATES
I have been extraordinarily busy this month. Usually coming into the Fall Season brings with it lots of business activities.
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
First, the Prime Minister of Jamaica was in New York for UN activities and of course there was a luncheon. Very personable and an excellent speaker. He spoke honestly about the problems of his country, and also the positives. Jamaica is a truly exceptional country, with fabulous beaches, world renowned music, great food, a rich cultural history and warm, friendly people.
What I like about this Prime Minister, although his bodygaurds were around, they did not interfere with the ease and flow of the luncheon. He mingled, he hugged, he was social and it was refreshing and pleasant.
THE ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL MARKETING EXECUTIVES
The next event was at the Yale Club for the Association of Travel Marketing Execuives luncheon forum, where I had the pleasure of welcoming all and updating them on the activities of the association. This is always an intellectually stimulating group and it did not disappoint. The topic "Doing More with Less" was so very on target, given the realities of our economic situation. It was good to see all my colleagues.
CARIBBEAN HOTEL ASSOCIATION
Decided at the last minute to attend the Caribbean Hotel Association Small Hotels Conference in St. Kitts.
I do love the Island of St.Kitts and the people are so very warm and friendly. Easy flight on American Airlines to this picturesque island. Stayed at the Marriott Hotel (the largest hotel on the island).
Would certainly recommend this hotel to anyone, has all the amenities, a lovely well trained staff, and deliver everything with a smile. I tried room service as I wanted to test their delivery system, and it did not disappoint. The young lady was quite prompt and she acted as if she enjoyed working with this company and you were the most important person in the world.
Would certainly recommend this hotel as a great place to stay on your honeymoon or have a destination wedding. Everything is in place, including a lovely beach.
The first night of arrival, attended a social function hosted by the Government of St. Kitts where the local talent was on display. Then it was on to a private dinner with the Minister of Tourism and the Prime Minister.
I should truly start another post just to discuss the excellent meal that evening and the restuarant on the water, run and operated by no other than Mr. Guishard who ran the famous Cap Juluca in Anguilla.
The Caribbean is blessed with a number of small hotels (80 rooms an under). These are wonderful owner operated businesses and the attention to detail and services you get from staying at these properties, provide the guest with a more comprehensive view and approach to the individual countries.
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
First, the Prime Minister of Jamaica was in New York for UN activities and of course there was a luncheon. Very personable and an excellent speaker. He spoke honestly about the problems of his country, and also the positives. Jamaica is a truly exceptional country, with fabulous beaches, world renowned music, great food, a rich cultural history and warm, friendly people.
What I like about this Prime Minister, although his bodygaurds were around, they did not interfere with the ease and flow of the luncheon. He mingled, he hugged, he was social and it was refreshing and pleasant.
THE ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL MARKETING EXECUTIVES
The next event was at the Yale Club for the Association of Travel Marketing Execuives luncheon forum, where I had the pleasure of welcoming all and updating them on the activities of the association. This is always an intellectually stimulating group and it did not disappoint. The topic "Doing More with Less" was so very on target, given the realities of our economic situation. It was good to see all my colleagues.
CARIBBEAN HOTEL ASSOCIATION
Decided at the last minute to attend the Caribbean Hotel Association Small Hotels Conference in St. Kitts.
I do love the Island of St.Kitts and the people are so very warm and friendly. Easy flight on American Airlines to this picturesque island. Stayed at the Marriott Hotel (the largest hotel on the island).
Would certainly recommend this hotel to anyone, has all the amenities, a lovely well trained staff, and deliver everything with a smile. I tried room service as I wanted to test their delivery system, and it did not disappoint. The young lady was quite prompt and she acted as if she enjoyed working with this company and you were the most important person in the world.
Would certainly recommend this hotel as a great place to stay on your honeymoon or have a destination wedding. Everything is in place, including a lovely beach.
The first night of arrival, attended a social function hosted by the Government of St. Kitts where the local talent was on display. Then it was on to a private dinner with the Minister of Tourism and the Prime Minister.
I should truly start another post just to discuss the excellent meal that evening and the restuarant on the water, run and operated by no other than Mr. Guishard who ran the famous Cap Juluca in Anguilla.
The Caribbean is blessed with a number of small hotels (80 rooms an under). These are wonderful owner operated businesses and the attention to detail and services you get from staying at these properties, provide the guest with a more comprehensive view and approach to the individual countries.
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