Archives for September 2022

Jamaica’s tourism sector is set to benefit from an injection of fresh innovative ideas for products and services.

Through the introduction of a much-anticipated Tourism Innovation Incubator, the industry will be enhanced with this launch by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) today (September 30).

Speaking at the launch event, Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, revealed that “this initiative targets young enterprising minds, for whom there are tremendous opportunities for jobs, creative products, and innovative ideas in tourism and hospitality.”

He added that the program was developed “to nurture new and start-up tourism enterprises that will provide innovative products and ideas to power the Blue Ocean Strategy in order to boost the competitiveness of our sector.”

In simplifying the term “Blue Ocean Strategy” Minister Bartlett explained that it is about “having comparative advantage in the marketplace” adding that “to sustain the industry in the face of increased competition, we must market and promote Jamaica as an unmatched travel option and the Caribbean destination of choice for tourists. This requires us to not only rebuild stronger, but also to focus on our competitive advantages in the tourism value chain.”

He noted too that “it is creating a competitive edge by offering our visitors an experience or product that they can have only in Jamaica, and therefore, we do not have to be concerned with competing with the same things as everyone else vying for the tourist dollar. Our focus will be on developing and promoting things that are authentically Jamaican; maximizing cultural and historical authenticity to provide a tourism product that is Jamaican in every way possible.”

Mr. Bartlett added that:

“Tourism is about ideas and creating experiences, experiences that people consume when they visit your destination.”

“So, the more ideas that you have are the greater the opportunities for new experiences and the greater the opportunity for more consumption.”

He explained that the Innovation Incubator was created to change the perception of tourism as a casual worker’s paradise and to appreciate it as a dynamic economic activity of great significance globally.

As part of the initiative the TEF’s Research and Risk Management Department (RRMD) has collaborated with the University of Technology/Technology Innovation Centre and the Founder Institute to launch an Innovation Challenge as a pilot of the core Tourism Innovation Incubator process.

It was outlined that in this challenge, the Tourism Incubator will seek to find 25 innovative ideas then set the potential entrepreneurs who came up with these concepts on a commercial path through a challenge similar to the very popular Shark Tank on cable TV.

Minister Bartlett explained that the “selection of the ideas is being done by a committee of members from TEF and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), and in addition to being tourism products or representing technology in tourism, each idea must be an innovation or invention that will add value and must be significant to the tourism industry.”

Of note the Lead Applicant must be a Jamaican Citizen residing in Jamaica for the last 3-5 years and must be 18 years or older by the submission deadline.

Upon making the final selection of candidates, the incubator will offer numerous services, including executing workshops with participants in the refining of their ideas; providing research support; training in pitch delivery; providing opportunities for mentorship and networking; teaching participants about key topics such as intellectual property and the importance of being formalized through informational sessions and sourcing potential partners or investors to help participants in prototype and product development.

Additional submission criteria for the Tourism Innovation Incubator can be found on TEF’s website.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Ministry continues global sales and marketing missions, “Bringing The Bahamas,” to key markets of New York and New Jersey.

This week, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) continued its successful series of Global Sales and Marketing Missions in efforts to reengage tourism partners and further boost visitor arrivals from the Big Apple and the Garden State.

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, led a delegation of senior tourism officials, including Latia Duncombe, Acting Director General,  to participate in a lineup of productive meetings with key stakeholders and media from across the tourism industry, culminating in culturally-inspired evening events at The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey on 28 Sept. and The Plaza Hotel in New York City on 29 Sept.

DPM Cooper and ADG Duncombe along with BMOTIA executives, destination representatives and hotel partners, hosted more than 340 guests at the evening events, with key industry leaders, sales and trade representatives, stakeholders and media in attendance. Guests were transported to The Bahamas via a three-course dinner boasting a Bahamian inspired menu and cocktails, music and an electrifying Junkanoo performance. A live Q+A panel shined a light on The Bahamas’ steadily growing tourism numbers, plans for future growth and innovation, and the beauty and appeal of the 16 islands and the many reasons why The Bahamas is a sought-after destination.

“The tri-state area is the premier media market in North America and a key business gateway for the Northeast MICE and romance markets that could benefit the entire Bahamas,” said ADG Duncombe.

 “Through these missions we brought a taste of The Bahamas directly to top producing sales and media representatives across the tourism industry, to educate them on the diversity of offerings for travellers to our 16 unique island destinations and to encourage future visits and business opportunities.”

The series of events kicked off earlier in the month in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida. Upcoming stops in the U.S. and Canada include: Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Toronto, Calgary and Montreal, Canada; and Los Angeles, California. The BMOTIA will also head to Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas in the future.

In addition to major travel hubs throughout the U.S. and Canada, the delegation will be heading to Latin America and Europe to bring a taste of Bahamian culture directly to key international markets across the globe to inspire travel to the destination.            

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at Bahamas.com  or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

Director, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]  

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations 

[email protected]    

The historic property on the Grand Canal becomes even more in step with modern times and cements its position as an avant-garde hospitality player.

The St. Regis Venice has become Italy’s first hotel to be equipped with an electric boat charging station.

Located in water, the mooring pole is made from durable, sustainable material and is designed to blend in seamlessly with the hotel’s classical façade topped with private terraces. In addition to powering the hotel’s resident electric Laneva water limousine operated by Blitz Exclusive, the designated e-station is available to The St. Regis Venice guests arriving by their own electrically powered boats.

“A sunset cruise down the Grand Canal is an iconic experience that, for many, epitomises Venice. With our privileged location right on the Grand Canal, we see it as our responsibility to help keep our famed waterways pristine by starting Venice on a path to becoming a zero-emission city,” said Patrizia Hofer, General Manager of The St. Regis Venice. “The St. Regis Venice prides itself on being a leader in innovation who embraces new technology to effect change that will benefit locals, tourists and the planet”.

In the hotel’s modern rooms and suites dappled with Venetian light and filled with contemporary art, guests will discover a storied past that is respected and merged with modernity.

Just as the city itself has to evolve to remain relevant, the hotel, with its avant-garde sensibilities, is a symbol of continuous evolution.

To support the hotel’s environmental efforts while making the most of the city’s scenic waterways, guests can charter a Laneva e-boat for a zero-emissions, private tour without compromising on style and comfort. Made of sustainable, noble and natural materials, all Laneva vessels feature high-end finishes and the latest smart technology for cruising experiences that offer the ultimate comfort while protecting the canals from harmful emissions.

The St. Regis Venice boasts 130 rooms and 39 suites, some with private terraces, offering unparalleled views over the city, a formal rose garden and direct access to the Grand Canal. The atmosphere of glamour spills over to the restaurants and bars, where locals and travellers mingle over expertly mixed cocktails and exquisitely rendered food. At Gio’s Restaurant and Terrace guests will find an unexpected haven in the midst of Venice’s contemporary landscape, while the atmospheric Arts Bar boasts a collection of drinks that celebrate the oeuvre of artists who were inspired by the city’s ethereal beauty to produce some of their best work.

For more information about The St. Regis Venice, please visit stregisvenice.com

@stregisvenice #StRegisVenice #CultivatingTheVanguard #LiveExquisite

About The St. Regis Venice

The ultimate sophisticate and arbiter, The St. Regis Venice combines historic legacy with modern luxury in a privileged location beside the Grand Canal surrounded by views of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Through a meticulous restoration of the unique collection of five Venetian palaces, the hotel’s design celebrates the modern spirit of Venice, boasting 130 guestrooms and 39 suites, many with furnished private terraces with incomparable views of the city. Uncompromising glamour extends naturally to the hotel’s restaurants and bars, which offers a range of exquisite dining and beverage options for Venetians and visitors alike including the private Italianate Garden (a refined space for local tastemakers and guests to mingle), Gio’s (the hotel’s signature restaurant), and The Arts Bar, where cocktails have been specially created to celebrate masterpieces of art. For celebratory gatherings and more formal functions, the hotel offers a choice of areas that can be easily transformed and personalised to host guests, supported by an extensive menu of inspirational cuisine. Crafted occasions are held in the Library, with its urbane atmosphere, in the well-appointed Lounge, or in its adjacent Astor Boardroom. The Canaletto Room embodies the contemporary spirit of a Venetian palazzo and impressive ballroom, presenting an ideal backdrop for significant celebrations. For more information, please visit stregisvenice.com

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts  

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at more than 45 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Executive VP, Glodow Nead Communications, US: 415-394-6500, [email protected]

Mallorca-based photographer and artist Nando Esteva won second place at the prestigious 2022 IPA International Photo Awards in Los Angeles.

His winning and powerful “Origen” video was created for two-Michelin starred restaurant Enoteca by Paco Pérez, one of Catalonia’s most celebrated culinary institutions located at Hotel Arts Barcelona.

The highly sensorial video, recognised in the Professional Still in Motion / Video, Entertainment category, was commissioned by Hotel Arts to coincide with the launch of Enoteca’s refreshed vision and new menu in June 2022. Meditative yet dynamic, Nando Esteva’s work masterfully captures Chef Paco’s vision for the restaurant and the essence of Enoteca’s origins.

By placing the viewer into the windswept landscapes and rugged terrain of northern Catalonia around Mard’Amunt, the artist spotlights Chef Paco’s admiration for the wild beauty of the landscape and the exceptional produce that comes straight from the cold, turbulent waters of this part of the Mediterranean. The beautiful simplicity of the ingredients as they are foraged and fished, from tender artichokes to sea bass, is underscored by the purity of Enoteca’s setting where pristine tablecloths and a muted colour palette let the ingredients and the masterfully rendered dishes do the talking.

“This award is of double importance to me, as I was able to create impactful still in motion work that both captures the purity of Chef Paco’s creations and showcases the almost mythical origins of the ingredients,” said Nando Esteva.

“In this digital age where video content has gained so much prominence, I am especially excited to be awarded this prestigious prize for what is essentially two visual arts shaking hands.”

Guided by chef Paco Pérez’s promise to bring the essence of Mar d’Amunt to Barcelona’s sunny shores, Enoteca treats diners to a rich mosaic of flavours made possible thanks to a culture of collaboration and experimentation. With products of unrivalled quality sourced from a passionate community of small and medium-sized producers, Enoteca takes pride in the provenance of every single ingredient on the menu.

To learn more about Enoteca by Paco Pérez, please click here. For additional information about Hotel Arts Barcelona or to make a reservation, please click here.

About Nando Esteva

Celebrated Mallorcan photographer Nando Esteva is a familiar figure in the world of advertising, where he specialises in photo and video work for clients in the fields of hospitality, architecture and the industrial sector. But it is gastronomy that is truly a passion and a thread that runs through his entire career. In his gastronomic laboratory in Mallorca he collaborates with some of the top chefs looking for new ways to showcase food by deconstructing its architecture and deciphering its identity. Both his advertising and artistic works have been recognised in recent years at the LUX, IPA, One Eyeland, Florence-Shanghai, Prix de la Photographie de Paris Px3 and Hasselblad Master Awards, among others.

About Paco Pérez

Born in Huelva and raised in Llançà, chef Paco Pérez credits his passion for cooking back to the formative days learning the ropes in his family’s tapas bar. From that springboard, he embarked on a spectacular career that saw him train under the industry’s finest. In France, he learned from three Michelin-starred chef Michel Guèrard, one of the forefathers of the Nouvelle Cuisine; in Catalonia, he revelled in the creativity of Ferrán Adrià while working with him in El Bulli. Chef Paco’s first restaurant, Miramar, that he opened in Llançà with his wife Montse Serra, displayed a winning combination of inquisitive spirit and deep respect for expertise and team work, bringing the venue two Michelin stars. His international projects, ranging from 5-Cinco by Paco Pérez in Berlin to Tast Cuina Catalana in Manchester, speak not only of the celebrated chef’s global ambitions, but also of his commitment to constantly push himself professionally and creatively.

About Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona boasts stunning panoramic views from its unique location on the waterfront, in the heart of the city’s Port Olímpic neighbourhood. Designed by renowned architect Bruce Graham, Hotel Arts features 44 floors of exposed glass and steel, making it a prominent feature of Barcelona’s skyline. The waterfront hotel’s 455 rooms and 28 exclusive The Penthouses feature sleek, modern design complemented by an impressive 20th century collection of works by contemporary Catalan and Spanish artists. Hotel Arts is one of the premier culinary destinations in Barcelona with 2 Michelin-starred Enoteca helmed by the illustrious, 5 Michelin-starred chef Paco Perez. Guests seeking a serene escape may enjoy signature treatments by renowned Spanish skin-care brand Natura Bisse overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at 43 The Spa. Recognized as one of the top business hotels in Spain, Hotel Arts provides over 3,000 square-feet of function space overlooking the Mediterranean in Arts 41, for board meetings and conferences as well as social events, weddings and celebrations. The hotel offers an additional 24,000 square-feet of function space, with the main meeting space located on the lower ground and second floors. For more information, please click here.

Media Contacts:  Glodow Nead Communications at [email protected]

Secondary and tertiary level students from across Jamaica received well needed information on the many opportunities available in the tourism sector.

This was during an engaging Tourism Awareness Week Youth Forum, held yesterday (September 28) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James. Many voiced their support for tourism and have indicated their desire to become more involved in the process of “Rethinking Tourism,” which is the theme for the week.

The Youth Forum was organized as part of a series of activities to celebrate Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2022, which runs from September 25 – October 1. Delegations from some 17 Tourism Action Clubs from schools across the island gathered for the occasion, supported by a number of industry stakeholders for an interactive event in which they held sway in one of three panel discussions, voicing their thoughts on: “The Tourism We Want: Youth Response.”

The very outspoken and insightful panelists included Junior Minister of Tourism, Sanecia Taylor; winner of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Tourism Essay competition, Theondra Hamilton and Secretary of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Tourism Society, Britanie Hanson, with Xavier McFarlane as moderator.

The other panel discussions explored: “Opportunities for Non-Traditional Careers in the Tourist Industry” with Director of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald-Riley and entrepreneur Ashley Rousseau, moderated by Joel Nomdarkham, and: “New Vision: Adapting to Change while Remaining Authentic” with presentations by Kris DaCosta, Digital Marketing Manager, JTB; Fabian Brown, Director, Internal Organization and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bahia Principe and Tourism Entrepreneur and popular recording artiste, Jeffrey “Agent Sacco” Campbell.

With a number of suggestions being raised by the young people, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace said he was very pleased with the turnout of Tourism Action Clubs.

“I was impressed by the brilliance of the answers and their commitment to sustainable tourism,” he said underscoring that it was “important to engage that generation.”

He believes a forum of that nature served to unlock the ideas of the young people and give them greater insights into the numerous traditional and nontraditional opportunities in what has become the world’s leading industry and “can give them a good quality of life.”

Dr. Wallace said: “We believe that we need to have more tourism entrepreneurs coming out from among our own people, as well as more tourism managers, team members, culinary experts as there are so many opportunities.” He felt that the average Jamaican still saw tourism opportunities as a bartender or housekeeper, “not knowing that there are so many more business opportunities that the industry generates.”

His views were supported by Mrs. McDonald-Riley who stressed the need for professionals who are benefitting directly from the tourism sector to share their success stories, so that young persons can be inspired to enter areas that are profitable.

Dr. Wallace added that for an industry generating US$4.2 billion in earnings, “surely there are opportunities or us Jamaicans to be benefitting from it” and the large portion which goes into making overseas purchases, “we believe can be substituted by local products, local services and local talent.” He underscored that TEF’s Linkages Network was working to build out local capacity in these areas “to form bridges between the productive sector and tourism.”

SEEN IN IMAGE:  Sanecia Taylor – image courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944