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Bartlett Announces Over J$2 Billion in Funding for Small Enterprises in Tourism

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced that over $J2 Billion in funding will be made available for Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs). The move, forms part of the government’s commitment to help these small tourism businesses retool and rebound amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding, which was championed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), will be from multilateral partners and financial institutions such as the Development Bank of Jamaica, World Bank, Jamaica Social Investment Fund, EXIM Bank and Jamaica National Group.

Speaking today at the press briefing where the announcement was made, Minister Bartlett said: “Our SMTEs have been severely displaced due to COVID-19 and have recorded economic fallout of an average of $J2.5 Million each. As part of our recovery efforts for the sector, they will play a significant role by stimulating economic activity and as such this funding of over $J2 Billion which is needed, will assist them greatly to rebuild.”

SMTEs will have access to a suite of loan facilities and grants ranging from a low as J$5 Million up to a maximum of $J30 Million.

The REDI II program, funded by the World Bank and administered by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, will as part of the project’s COVID response, also allocate J$100 Million for Personal Protective Equipment, training, funding for monitoring officers, communication, manuals, technical capacity building and licensing for tourism and agriculture.

“These initiatives are also geared towards getting our small tourism enterprises formalized, licensed and COVID-19 compliant. Therefore, in addition to the loan offerings, TEF will be donating 500 tourism protective kits that include infrared thermometers, touchless hand sanitizers and touchless garbage bins. The total value of the initiative is $J20.7 Million,” added Jamaica TourismMinister Bartlett.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

183 Local Producers Apply to Participate in Virtual Christmas in July Tradeshow

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One hundred and eighty three (183) manufacturers and artisans, have capitalized on the opportunity to display their locally-made corporate gift items for assessment, as they seek to secure their spot among the exhibitors at the first-ever virtual staging of the Jamaica Christmas in July Tradeshow. The local producers all participated in the assessment process at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, over a three-day period, beginning on July 7, 2020.

Candidates were given an opportunity to present products to a panel of assessors, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism; Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO); Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC); Bureau of Standards; Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA); Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The items were judged based on design and aesthetics; functionality; pricing; cultural connection and use of local raw-material.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined that: “Successful candidates must show evidence that their products have been made with materials sourced locally; with at least 70 percent of it locally manufactured or assembled. The products should also highlight strong Jamaican cultural influences and themes, ranked favorably in accordance with the guidelines stipulated.”

Director of Pure Chocolate Company, Rennae Johnson (centre) proudly discusses her artisanal chocolate with the Tourism Linkages Network’s Analyst of Productive Sectors, Tisheecka Clarke (right) and Assistant Manager of Marketing Services at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, Vivette McFarlane. The occasion was an assessment session for the Christmas in July Tradeshow on July 08, 2020 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Products can be from the categories of fashion and accessories; the arts; processed foods; aromatherapy; and souvenirs, such as desktop solutions and décor. Following the assessment, an evaluation and final selection session will be conducted ahead of the main event, slated for July 23 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

In keeping with social gathering restrictions, that have been introduced to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be hosted virtually, with only a small group of persons present at the venue. However, the public will be able to watch a 2-hour live stream of the event from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, hosted by Emprezz Golding and Christopher Daley, on the social media pages of all the partner entities.

The annual Christmas in July event is hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network of the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the JBDC, JMEA, JAMPRO and JHTA. It seeks to provide Jamaican producers of corporate gifts and souvenir products with the opportunity to access a key market segment, while adding uniqueness and creativity to product offerings.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Anguilla Wins Best Island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards

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The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce that for the fourth consecutive year in a row, Anguilla is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards list of the Top Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Readers rated islands on the following characteristics: Natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, value. Anguilla also ranked #7 on the Top 25 Islands in the World, the only Caribbean island to make the list.

“We are very proud to receive this Award for four years in a row — it is a tribute to the people of Anguilla and the extraordinary product that we offer,” declared the Hon. Haydn Hughes, Minister of Tourism for Anguilla. “Anguilla offers this amazing combination of truly spectacular beaches, fabulous cuisine, stunning boutique resorts and genuine hospitality, which keep our guests coming back year after year,” he continued.

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary, Travel + Leisure will host a global, social media “Toast + Post” that will run from July 8 when the winners are released through August 31. Readers and winners around the world are encouraged to TOAST – raise a glass to the very best in travel and then… POST – to take a photo or video of the moment and post it on social media, using the hashtags #TLToast and #TLWorldsBest along with their brands. Anguilla fans are encouraged to post on all the ATB’s social platforms using the Hashtag #MyAnguilla.

On Wednesday, July 8, at 5:00PM EST, the Hon. Haydn Hughes will join Jacqueline Gifford, Travel+ Leisure’s Editor in Chief, for an Instagram Live interview on @TravelandLeisure to officially kick off the celebration, one of only five winners invited to do so.

Each year, for the past 25 years, the readers of Travel + Leisure — the largest travel media brand in the United States, with an audience of 6.7 million — share their thoughts on destinations, hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, rental-car agencies, and more in their annual survey. The full results and report about the awards can be viewed at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest .

For information on Anguilla, please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com ; follow on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial ; Instagram:

@Anguilla_Tourism ; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm ; Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

About Anguilla

Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and appeal. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from two major gateways: Puerto Rico and St. Martin, and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

Romance? Barefoot elegance? Unfussy chic? And untrammeled bliss? Anguilla is Beyond Extraordinary.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Shellya Rogers-Webster, Manager, Corporate Affairs, Anguilla Tourist Board, The Valley, Anguilla, BWI, E: shellya.webster@atb.ai

Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica Ends Visit with Minister Bartlett

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The Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Hiromasa Yamazaki, (seen left in the photo) on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, paid a farewell courtesy call on Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices.  

During the meeting, Minister Bartlett thanked the Ambassador for his contribution in strengthening relations between Jamaica and Japan. He also presented him with a token of appreciation.

Ambassador Yamazaki, who was appointed as Japan’s top diplomatic representative in Jamaica in 2017, is slated to conclude his tour of duty shortly.

About the Ministry of Tourism

The Jamaica Ministry of Tourism and its agencies are on a mission to enhance and transform Jamaica’s tourism product, while ensuring that the benefits which flow from the tourism sector are increased for all Jamaicans.  To this end it has implemented policies and strategies that will provide further momentum for tourism as the engine of growth for the Jamaican economy. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the tourism sector makes the fullest contribution possible to Jamaica’s economic development, given its tremendous earning potential.

The Ministry is leading the charge to strengthen the linkages between tourism and other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and entertainment, and in so doing encourages every Jamaican to play their part in improving the tourism product, sustaining investment and modernizing and diversifying the sector to foster growth and job creation for fellow Jamaicans. The Ministry sees all this as critical to Jamaica’s survival and success and has undertaken this process through an inclusive approach, which is driven by the Resort Boards, through wide-scale consultation.

Recognizing that a collaborative effort and a committed partnership between the public and private sectors will be needed to achieve the Ministry’s targets, central to its plans is maintaining and nurturing its relationship with all key stakeholders. In so doing, the Ministry firmly believes that with the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development as its guide and the National Development Plan – Vision 2030 as its bench-mark, together it can achieve its goals for the benefit of all Jamaicans.

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Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Launches “The Islands Of The Bahamas” Mobile App to Help Vacation Planning

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation’s new, free mobile app provides an easy to use resource and tool for consumers planning a visit to The Islands Of The Bahamas. Key features of the app include: downloadable island guides, flight charter request processing and recommendations based on the user’s geo-location within The Bahamas. It also highlights current deals, Bahamas.com blog posts, an interactive map and suggests top activities for adventure, relaxation and romance.

Downloadable Island Guides

The Bahamas consists of 16 major islands, each offering a unique, tropical experience, from the luxury of Nassau Paradise Island to the seclusion of the Out Islands. “The Islands Of The Bahamas” mobile app features downloadable island guides for each that include details and booking resources for hotels, activities, events and transportation. They also highlight current weather and must-experience destinations and activities on each island.  

Flight Charter Request

With over 700 islands and cays, The Bahamas is a prime island hopping destination. And, with “The Islands Of The Bahamas” mobile app, it’s easier than ever to charter inter-island flights. App users select group size, where they are traveling to and from and their travel dates, which is then submitted within the app. Within 24 hours, app users will receive flight confirmation time and the total cost for the group with next steps to finalize the booking.

Geo-location Capabilities

To support travelers’ interest in discovering local favorites and taking ownership of their itinerary, the mobile app uses geo-location to help visitors discover restaurants, activities, national parks, historical monuments and more close to them. Upon arrival in any of The Bahamas’ 16 major islands, app users can also unlock a geofencing-generated postcard to share with friends and family.

The Islands Of The Bahamas mobile app is free to download on IOS and Android devices.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands Of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Jamaica Tourism Minister Addresses UNCTAD Report of COVID-19 Fallout

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that a report published today by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) outlining the projected fallout for the global economy and in particular countries like Jamaica, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, further underscores the need to restore the sector by reopening on a phased basis and in a safe manner. 

The report outlines that the “world’s tourism sector could lose at least US$1.2 trillion or 1.5% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), having been placed at a standstill for nearly four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.” It further indicates that “the loss could rise to US$2.2 trillion or 2.8% of the world’s GDP if the break in international tourism lasts for eight months, in line with the expected decline in tourism as projected by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).”

The report also lists Jamaica as the country which stands to suffer the greatest economic fallout, with an estimated decline of 11% of GDP, ahead of Thailand (-9%), Croatia (-8%), Portugal (-6%) and the Dominican Republic (-5%), to name a few.

The Minister noted that “as I recently indicated in Parliament, restoring our tourism sector is a matter of economic life and death. The reality is that Jamaica’s economy is dependent on the tourism industry. It contributes 50% of the foreign exchange earnings of the economy and generates 354,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.” He added that: “Sadly, most of our tourism workers have been displaced due to the pandemic. So, the UNCTAD report underscores the fact that we have to restore the sector as quickly as possible to reverse the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s GDP.”

He explained that “the report also comes against the background of our own projections that Jamaica is expected to lose JA$146 billion from April 2020 to March 2021, due to the downturn in tourism caused by COVID-19.”

Minister Bartlett emphasized that: “The month of July, which promises to show the strongest surge of recovery, must be managed well and the new protocols that we have introduced are designed to enable a more seamless entry of Jamaicans and visitors alike.” He said that “the appointment of a new Resilient Corridor management team, led by Mr. John Byles, further underpins the surveillance and compliance of entities along the corridor and is an added step as we seek to secure the integrity of the process and continue to safeguard the health and well-being of our people.” 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

LGBT Meeting Professionals Association Elects Derrick M. Johnson, II, CMP, DES as new Board Chairperson

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Today, the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA) announces Derrick Johnson, II, CMP, DES as the new Executive Board Chairperson. Johnson succeeds Jim Clapes, the current Board Chairman of LGBT MPA, the first and only organization solely committed to the professional advancement of LGBTQ+ meeting professionals.

Johnson is currently the Director of Event Strategy and Development for Tally Management Group (TMG) where he adds value to partner goals through event strategy design. He was recently named Talley’s Chief Diversity Officer with strategic oversight of TMG’s inclusion, equity and diversity strategy.

“Johnson is the ideal board member to take us forward,” said Jim Clapes, Events Manager for The Specialty Food Association. “Derrick’s experience in meeting planning, education and technology is the right combination for our future.”

Johnson is a PCMA Board Member and the facilitator of their Digital Event Strategist Certification Course. This seven-week interactive course covers how to effectively plan, produce, and measure the results of live stream and digital engagement events. Johnson’s technical expertise includes the use of software analytics and AI for strategic initiatives and elevating meeting performance. He has implemented cloud-based systems. i.e., CVENT and Salesforce to align with strategic initiatives and meet business goals.

 “I have chosen to be active in the LGBT MPA because I feel diversity and inclusion is key to elevating the meeting’s industry and our world as a whole,” said Derrick Johnson, new Board Chairperson of the LGBT MPA. “By fostering this sense of community around the LGBTQ+ community, diverse groups are brought together towards the common goals of networking and personal/professional growth.

More About Derrick M. Johnson, II, CMP, DES

Johnson has been on the Executive Board of LBGT MPA since 2017. Also active in PCMA, he has served on their Board of Directors since 2019 and served on PCMA’s Foundation Board of Trustees 2017 – 2019. Johnson has received many industry recognitions including one of 2019’s top meeting influencers.

He has a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy from MIT, the Digital Event Strategist (DES) credential from PCMA and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). A graduate of the University of Florida, Derrick holds a Master of Science in Business Leadership and Management from Western Governors University.

About the LGBT MPA

The LGBT MPA is the first and only organization solely committed to the professional advancement of LGBT+ meeting professionals. The LGBT MPA Board of Directors have years of experience and are devoted to networking, educating and mentoring to develop successful business leaders who continue the work of promoting the essential elements of inclusivity and diversity throughout the profession.

David Jefferys, President and CEO of the Altus Agency, a Philadelphia-based marketing enterprise firm specializing in LGBTQ+ travel, founded the LGBT MPA in August 2016. The LGBT MPA is a 501c3 organization based in Philadelphia, PA. Membership for LGBT Meeting Professionals is free. To join the organization, visit lgbtmpa.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: David Jefferys, Executive Director, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, Office: 215-977-9900 (ext.11), dave@lgbtmpa.com

Bahamas Tourism Getting Ready for Phase 2 Reopening

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is preparing for Phase 2 of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which will begin on Wednesday, July 1, and allow for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas.

Policies and Procedures for all travelers visiting The Bahamas beginning July 1 are as follows. Plans continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available.

  • Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of both travelers and residents, all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. Those arriving in The Bahamas between July 1 and July 7 must present results no more than ten (10) days old. Those arriving in The Bahamas after July 7 must present results no more than seven (7) days old. Select individuals will not be required to provide a test:
    • Children under the age of two (2)
    • Children between the ages of 3-10, provided their state or county of residence does not administer tests for children under that age. Parent or guardian must provide proof of testing restriction upon arrival.
    • Private pilots who do not deplane
    • Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners who are returning to The Bahamas from English speaking CARICOM countries
    • Bahamian citizens and legal residents who are returning to The Bahamas from countries where they cannot obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR (Swab) Test. Proof of their inability to receive a test must be presented upon arrival and traveler will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
      • Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveler opts to take a test at their own expense and receives a negative result.
    • Bahamian citizens and legal residents who have been out of The Bahamas for less than 72 hours; however, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
      • Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveler opts to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR (Swab) Test, at their own expense, and receives a negative result.
  • All travelers will be required to complete an electronic Health Visa prior to departure at travel.gov.bs. Each traveler will need to upload their test results and provide contact information that is crucial for contact tracing purposes. An automated response will be provided upon completion, and it is essential that travelers present proof of confirmation upon arrival in their destination.
  • No quarantine will be required upon arrival, however, travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation.
  • At airports and seaports, healthcare personnel will conduct temperature screenings for all incoming visitors. Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim.
    • New fines and penalties for all persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors have been established for those not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.

As part of Phase 2, hotels and vacation rentals, including Airbnb and HomeAway will open to guests. Domestic and International airlines are permitted to resume service, and many are beginning to announce plans for their return to The Bahamas:

  • Southwest will resume daily service between Baltimore and Nassau on July 1
  • JetBlue will resume daily service between New York (JFK) and Nassau as well as Fort Lauderdale and Nassau on July 2
  • Delta Airlines will be resuming its twice daily Atlanta to Nassau service July 2
  • United Airlines announced its daily Houston to Nassau and Newark to Nassau service will resume July 6 while Saturday-only Denver to Nassau service will resume July 11
  • American Airlines will resume daily flights between Charlotte and Nassau; Miami and Exuma; Miami and Eleuthera and twice daily flights between Miami and Nassau on July 7

Additional airlift resumptions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Travelers should check with airlines directly for details on recommencement of service and any protocols for travel.

This July 1 tourism re-entry builds on and supports existing government rules and regulations, which already allows for the resumption of travel for international boaters, yachters and those traveling on private aviation as well as inter-island domestic travel for Bahamian citizens and residents. Phase 3, beginning July 13, allows for the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours. Phase 4, beginning July 27, allows for vendors (including straw vendors) and jet ski operators to resume operations.

Once on island, travelers should expect to follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

A Certification Agency has been established – representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies – to enforce a Clean & Pristine certification program across the islands. All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations helping to guide staff and visitors. Travelers are encouraged to visit direct business websites prior to booking or traveling to ensure they are aware and comfortable with the policies they will need to abide by. Additional details about on-island protocols can be found at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Reopening dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

More news about The Bahamas.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Seychelles Tourism Board kicks off its 2020 Marketing Strategy Consultations

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The first meeting set for the 2020 Marketing Strategy Consultations organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) was conducted on Tuesday June 26, 2020 from the STB Headquarters at Botanical House, Mont-Fleuri.

Hosted by STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis the meeting was attended by the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley; Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune; destination marketing staff from STB headquarters at Botanical house; STB representatives around the globe; and also registered the participation of around 75 trade partners.

The session was an ideal opportunity for Mrs. Francis to provide a general overview of the current situation in Seychelles as the country will enter the second phase of its borders opening on August 1, 2020 with the arrival of commercial flights.

The session was primarily aimed at setting the foundation for the in-depth consultations as STB representatives and trade partners prepare to discuss how to jointly reposition individual source markets.

Mrs. Francis also shared an update of the various measures currently in discussions by the task force, which has been set by President Danny Faure earlier in June, a task force, chaired by Minister Dogley in regards to the relaunching of Seychelles as a destination for potential visitors in a safe manner. 

During her overview presentation, Mrs. Francis also mentioned the various efforts of the STB team in keeping the destination visible during the confinement period where travels were restricted in Seychelles.

She further mentioned the part of the recovery measures being driven by the local industry revolving around domestic tourism and concluded with an insight on market intelligence data and researches showing the growing interest for the destination as well as other various points of focus for the marketing of the destination this year.

The series of virtual consultative meetings will be ongoing for the next two weeks and will culminate with the STB Strategy Marketing Meeting on Friday July 10, 2020.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel   www.seychelles.travel

Jamaica Tourism Minister: We Must Meet the Demands of the Post-COVID Generation

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says global tourism players must prepare to meet the new demands of the Gen-C travelers, the post-COVID generation, whose return to travel will be crucial to the recovery of the global economy. 

Making his sectoral debate presentation in Parliament earlier today, the Minister noted that: “As we get to the fulsome recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming weeks and months or even a year, we will all have had a shared global experience that is intergenerational.  We are now all part of Generation C – the post-COVID generation. GEN-C will be defined by a societal shift in mindset that will change the way that we look at and do many things.”

He added that: “Post-social distancing, we will go back to offices and workplaces, and eventually back to a world that will include seeing friends and family, perhaps smaller gatherings, reimagined cultural and sporting events, and eventually to GEN-C travel. We must therefore prepare to welcome these GEN-C travelers in a safe and seamless way, to protect lives while securing our livelihoods.”

The Minister pointed to data that shows that the impact of their return to travelling will be significant, as across the world, travel and tourism account for 11% of the world’s GDP and creates more than 320 million jobs for workers serving 1.4 billion travellers annually.

“These numbers do not tell the whole story.  They are just part of a connected global economy of which travel and tourism are the lifeblood — various sectors from technology, hospitality construction, finance, to agriculture are all interdependent with travel and tourism,” said Minister Bartlett.

One key initiative that the Ministry of Tourism has undertaken to facilitate GEN-C travel is the formulation of world-class tourism health and safety protocols. The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), an agency of the Ministry, along with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), formulated the tourism protocols, following extensive consultation with the Ministries of Health, National Security and Foreign Affairs as well as other local and international partners.

Minister Bartlett explained that “our protocols have received the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, which will allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols.” He underscored that the fundamental elements of the tourism protocols include sanitization, face masks and personal protective equipment, physical distancing, training and real-time health monitoring and reporting.

Another key initiative, which is critical to restarting the tourism economy and GEN-C travel, is the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. The Centre, which is housed at the University of the West Indies, has so far developed satellite centres around the world, including in Seychelles, South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco.

The Centre is set to host a virtual panel discussion tomorrow (June 25), with experts from around the world, who will be sharing ideas and solutions around issues vital to restarting the global travel industry.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944