 The Future Of Caribbean Tourism by David Jessop, Caribbean Council
The Board of the CHTA passed unanimously a resolution calling on Caribbean Heads of Government to convene a summit on tourism. What the private sector body wants is for urgent high level consideration to be given to the many challenges now facing the industry and the threats these pose to region's tourism-dependent economy. Since then their request has been dismissed by some commentators as posturing. Why this should be is in part a reflection of a sense across the region that the industry, and hoteliers in particular, are too well off, that tourism largely involves foreigners, and that those who run it have been crying wolf for too long, without offering solutions that the regions political leadership can relate to. There is real merit in the concerns expressed by CHTA and a clear need for a policy dialogue on key issues between all key stakeholders in and beyond the region on the future of what has become a highly complex and vital industry. For more, click here (Source: Dominican Today).
New U.S. Credit Card Rule Vexes Some Caribbean Merchants
A new U.S. tax regulation relating to credit card transactions is setting off some alarm bells throughout the world, where merchants such as hotels and restaurants are finding a new tangle of red tape standing between them and their revenue from tourist transactions… CHTA and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association recently met with American Express "to seek resolutions to challenges facing the industry as a result of the IRS requirement," according to Alec Sanguinetti. For the full story, click here. (Source: Travel Weekly)
American Airlines, Cape Air Announce Expanded Codeshare Relationship
American Airlines has expanded its codeshare agreement with Cape Air, one of the largest independent regional airlines in the US. The codeshare agreement now includes Cape Air's flights between San Juan (SJU) and the following destinations: Vieques and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Nevis; Anguilla; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Members of the American Airlines AAdvantage® program will be able to earn miles on the codeshare flights operated by Cape Air, providing another valuable benefit of the relationship. For more, click here (Source: press release)
Travel Trade Gazette (TTG UK) Posts Video Interviews from Caribbean Travel Marketplace
TTG UK's editor Pippa Jacks participated in Caribbean Travel Marketplace and posted a video of interviews conducted at the event including with CHTA President Richard Doumeng. To watch the interviews, click here (Source: TTG Digital)
Mobile 'Metrics' Impact On Revenue Management
Mobile measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) - "mobile metrics" - are the basis for hoteliers to take decisions for adjusting and proving mobile strategy. Mobile phones are expected to surpass PCs for Internet access in about two years' time. Corporate offices of hotel chains, revenue managers and hotel general managers must be aware of devices being used by guests while competing with indirect third party distribution channels for the fastest growing "channel" that is mobile. For more click here. (Source: Hotel Executive)
Top 10 Meeting Trends for 2013
Teambuilding is back in business, says Benchmark Hospitality's annual "Top 10 Meeting Trends for 2013." Along with teambuilding, the US-based hospitality management company says that other trends observed throughout its 39 hotels, resorts and conference centers includes a slow but steady demand for meeting products, a rise in group rates, more need for customization and the all important necessity for constant contact through high performance wireless. Click here for the meetings trends (Source: Travel Mole)
The Coming Airline Fees Every Traveler Should Know About in 2013
Expect a bundle of new airline ancillary services options and fees in 2013. The biggest upcoming airline fee trend globally in 2013 is that airlines will begin bundling 5 or 10 services at a time and giving travelers the choice of picking two or three at a discount. Click here for more (Source: Skift)
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