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Expedia Survey Finds U.S. Vacation Deprivation Continues
For the eighth consecutive year, Americans were found to receive and use the smallest amount of vacation time among their counterparts abroad. Expedia recently commissioned its eighth annual Vacation Deprivation™ Survey. Despite reporting an average of 14 paid vacation days again this year, the same as 2007 and two more than in 2005, an estimated 47.5 million Americans (31 percent of employed U.S. adults) will not use all of their vacation days. Despite these statistics, Americans do see the value in vacation, with more than one-third (39 percent) reporting they feel more productive and better about their job upon returning from vacation and 52 percent claiming to feel rested, rejuvenated and reconnected to their personal life. When it comes to making vacation a priority, Expedia research saw a shift in attitudes toward taking time off among women and men. In 2007, men were more likely to feel guilty about taking time off from work (39 percent versus 30 percent of women). However, in 2008, women are more likely than men to feel guilty about taking time off from work (38 percent women versus 28 percent men), and men are more likely than women (16 percent versus 11 percent) to take a 2-week vacation. (Source: Modern Agent) go >
Join us at the Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit (ACTS) in Washington DC, June 21-24 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. We are all gathering in these tough economic times to discuss the economic future of the Caribbean – a future in which all of our stakeholders play a significant role. As you know, the tourism sector is by far our largest economic sector and the Caribbean is the world’s most tourism dependent region, relying on the United States for 60% of its tourism revenues. This also explains our choice of Dr. Alan Greenspan as our keynote speaker. Tourism industry leaders, developers and others will share insights on Caribbean tourism‘s outlook and investment opportunities during two full days of interactive presentations, an exhibition and general sessions. To register, go to www.acts.com.
Environment Takes Top Bill at Major Conferences
Climate change and environmental sustainability has been a hot discussion for a number of years, but with erratic weather patterns and devastating storms increasing in frequency, the “green” topic seems to be gathering even more attention these days. This week, an impressive line-up of global aviation industry leaders is gathering in Geneva to discuss aviation’s impact on climate change at the third Aviation and Environment Summit. In five sessions over two days, the summit will explore the industry’s four-pillar strategy to tackle climate change; the practical measures the industry is currently taking to limit its environmental impact; and debate future actions that will enable the industry to achieve its goal of carbon neutral growth and its vision of eventually achieving carbon free technology. In other news, Dr. Murray Simpson, whose research at Oxford includes examination of interrelations between tourism, the environment, sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility, revealed in an interview with TravelMole that the Climate Change and Tourism Seminar, held jointly by Oxford University Centre for the Environment and global tourism and climate change bodies, was to be rolled out globally. Simpson will be in Providenciales at the end of the month to participate in a special panel on at the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development. Discussions focusing on the environment are no longer limited to conferences on sustainability and climate change, however, as evidenced by the series of Going Green-themed Breakout Sessions at the 12th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC), taking place at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, May 6-8. Those interested on the financial aspects of operating an environmentally-safe hotel or tourism business should register immediately as space is very limited. (Sources: Canadian Travel Press, TravelMole, Modern Agent)
Casinos Likely Coming to Jamaica
Casino gambling could soon become a reality in Jamaica. Prime Minister Bruce Golding is expected to announce the government’s decision for a go-ahead during his presentation in the budget debate on April 22. The first casino is expected to be at a new, large property in Montego Bay, according to government sources. Although Jamaica has legalized the use of slot machines, efforts have proven fruitless until now to establish casinos or casino resorts. Many church leaders on the island oppose casino gambling and have voiced their opposition to the issue over the years. Casino gambling in Jamaica is an ‘inevitable development’ and could be a source of growth for the country, according to Audrey Marks, chief executive officer of bill payment company Paymaster Limited. “We already have a form existing in hotels and gaming lounges. It surely is not beyond us as a people to put infrastructure in place, which would minimize the deleterious effects of casino gambling, while maximizing its benefits,” she said, addressing a function at the University College of the Caribbean. Marks, who is also president of the American Chamber of Commerce, argues that Jamaica’s chief concern must be the education of its people, and that the challenge to policymakers was to harness the resources to get it done. Marks, who held up casinos as a potential source of financing for education reform, which has a $52 billion annual price tag, points out that other countries are scoring billions in casino investments without their countries falling apart. “Last week, we saw where the Bahamas has just garnered another massive investment from top hospitality developer Harrah’s and Starwood to the tune of US$2.6 billion; and people still have a good, safe standard of living in The Bahamas,” she said. (Sources: Travel Weekly, Jamaica Gleaner)
Caribbean Resorts Comprise Half of Parents Magazine Top Ten
More beach resorts are offering pools with water slides, no-cost children’s programs and other amenities that make them attractive, affordable alternatives for families looking for one-stop vacations, according to Parents magazine, which included five Caribbean resorts in a list of the 10 most family friendly properties out of 200 North American beach resorts evaluated. The findings were based on room rates and other costs, quality of children’s programs, variety of family activities, pool and beach area and other factors. “Our winners are practically rolling out the red carpet for families on a tight budget,” said Sally Lee, editor in chief of Parents. The winners include Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya, Bahamas; Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas; Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, Jamaica; and Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort Casino & Spa, in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Source: Yahoo! News)
CHA Weekly News is produced by the Caribbean Hotel Association for its members and stakeholders. Please submit all comments to communication@caribbeanhotelassociation.com
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Coming up
10th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development
STC-10
April 28-May 1, 2008
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa
CSHAE Leadership Conference
May 4-6, 2008
Trinidad & Tobago
Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference
CHTIC 2008
May 6-8, 2008
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
St Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow
SMART 2008
May 20-22, 2008
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, St. Maarten
Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit
ACTS
June 21-25, 2008
International Trade Center
Washington D.C.
Small Hotels Retreat
Coming in September
Taste of the Caribbean
Coming in September
Hotel Association Events
Cayman Ramps Up for 7th Annual CITE
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) is hosting the 7th Annual Cayman Islands Tourism Exchange (CITE) April 30 - May 2, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. CITE is the only face-to-face forum which provides an excellent platform for wholesalers to learn about new products and developments, or to become re-acquainted with the wide spectrum of tourism offerings in the Cayman Islands. For further information, contact India Narcisse at Tel: 345-949-8522 / E-mail: india@cita.ky
The 12th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism
CMEx XII
May 15-19, 2008
Puerto Rico
U.S.V.I. to ‘Sizzle’ With Destination Symposium
The U.S.V.I. Hotel & Tourism Association’s 15th annual Destination Symposium, themed Sizzling Summer Sampler, will be held June 2-6, 2008. The Symposium is the largest gathering of travel industry partners in the territory, assembling traditional and online tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, association members, local tourism professionals, and media to renew relationships and provide updates on product and infrastructure improvements. The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa and Frenchman’s Reef Marriott will host the delegates. For registration and sponsorship information, contact the U.S.V.I. Hotel & Tourism Association at Tel: 340-774-6835 / E-mail: canika@virgin-islands-hotels.com.
Member Corner
PSJ Has Private Jets For Discerning Clients
Private Jet Services Group (PJS) serves discerning corporate clients and leisure travelers through the use of VIP and coach configured airliners as well as small, midsize, and large cabin executive jets for meetings, top-tier incentive programs, live entertainment touring, customer appreciation events and luxury travel. PJS acts as agent for clients in negotiating and facilitating transportation with licensed air carriers, maintaining a repeat-client rate in excess of 90% due to its specialization, pricing and performance. For information, please visit the company’s website or contact David Goodman, Sr. Business Development Director at Tel: 603-929-9300 / Mobile: 603-918-8853 / Fax: 603-929-0700 / E-mail: David.Goodman@PJSGroup.com / Website: www.PJSGroup.com
Strategic Partners
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