Tuesday, October 19, 2010

CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Recently attended the Caribbean Tourism Organization Leadership Conference in Barbados, and was duly impressed with the quality of the speakers and the messages. As usual, most Government functions in the region start with the formality of 'Flag Presentation' (a parade of each country's flag) and the host country would provide some form of entertainment. Well Barbados outdid themselves with the artistry of their military band.

Here it is a Sunday morning when I should be in Church, however I am in a meeting tapping my feet to some of the best music I have heard in a long time. The first speaker was none other than the CEO of British Airways, Mr. Willie Walsh - and he had some sobering thoughts on the the new passenger tax on British consumers and its impact on their travel habits. Excellent speaker and very much at ease in the Caribbean.

In the ongoing education of new markets by CTO, Mr. Pierre Gervois - President of China Elite Focus was next at the podium delivering one of the most riveting and entertaining speech on 'Targeting China's New Millionaires and Upscale Travelers. Mr. Gervois is the foremost expert on this market. A former Chief of Staff to the President of France, he now resides with his family in Shanghai and is also President of the Shanghai Travelers' Club. With 50 million Chinese travelers ready to see the world, he is expecting this number will double by 2010. And it seems they like to indulge in my favorite pastime, shopping. Obviously their travel habits and expenditure is greater than mine.

The quality of the speakers and information throughout the next two days was informative and educational.

The host hotel was the Hilton Barbados, and they did a fabulous job. The food was awesome, and I do believe I ate flying fish every day. This was superbly done. But what makes the hotel top of its game was the personnel. From bellman, to front desk to housekeeping, everything was done with a smile, gracious attitude and prompt delivery. I was very impressed with the staff and did fill out the comment card giving a rating of '10' (the highest.

. The sand on the beach was powdery white, the grounds - absolutely beautiful and I would watch the men rake the sand each morning just as the sun was coming up. Yes, my room faced the ocean.

Overall, the staff of the Caribbean Tourism Organization did an outstanding job in delivering a great conference.

I would also like to thank the members of the Allied Group who again voted for me to represent them on the Board of Directors. If more information is needed about the conference please do not hesitate to contact me: Jacqueline@MarryCaribbean.com
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