Julien Alfred named Tourism Ambassador, new Scholarship Opportunities and more news!

Julien Alfred named Tourism Ambassador

(SLTA)- In a momentous ceremony on Thursday, The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority proudly announced 'The Fastest Woman in the World', Julien Alfred as an official Tourism Ambassador for the destination.

This landmark partnership seeks to elevate the island’s profile as a premier global travel destination.

As Tourism Ambassador, Julien will participate in promotional events for Saint Lucia in key markets globally, alongside conducting media engagements and advertising initiatives to promote the island and its marketing campaigns.

Additionally, Julien will engage in social media campaigns to highlight tourism in Saint Lucia. A key feature of this collaboration is the co-branding of the prominent Saint Lucia logo on Julien’s PUMA competition and warm-up kits.

This partnership is expected to enhance the island’s visibility and establish Julien as a contemporary global ambassador for Saint Lucia.

Sanovnik Destang’s Vision for Caribbean Tourism: People, Technology and Linkages

CHTA Education Foundation announces new Scholarship Initiatives

On this World Tourism Day, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) proudly unveils two vital scholarship initiatives designed to bolster sustainable and resilient practices within the Caribbean tourism industry.

The Tourism Resilience Scholarship Fund, made possible through a generous donation from Saint Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort, is designed to support Caribbean hospitality professionals in their pursuit of advanced training in resilience building, sustainable tourism, and destination stewardship. The CHTAEF is proud to partner with George Washington University to offer courses that equip professionals with critical skills needed in today’s challenging tourism landscape.

Additionally, the CHTAEF is delighted to introduce the Marine Health Scholarship Program, made possible through donations by leading scuba tour operators DreamWeaver, DiVentures, and Caradonna

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Last chance to take advantage of Early Bird Registration for CHIEF 2024

Early Bird Registration is closing soon—secure your spot at CHIEF 2024 and save with discounted pricing!

This year’s theme, “Keeping it Real with Caribbean Tourism: Embracing Authenticity, Integration, and Immersion,” delivers expert insights on how to market the authentic Caribbean experience, harness innovation and technology, drive revenue with proven strategies, and prioritize both staff and guest well-being. Stay tuned for a full list of topics next week.

Join us at CHIEF 2024—register now and take your business to the next level!

CLICK HERE: https://chtachief.com/registration/

Where it all began

The SLHTA's very own Director Kirk Elliott was contacted by the Associated Press for images of Julien Alfred’s home coming last week. Having interviewed Julien’s Saint Lucian coach (Cuthbert Modest aka Twa Ti Né) for the US based Agency France Pressé after her Olympic Gold victory, Director Elliott learnt the story of her Ciceron roots. So he decided to cover her home coming through the lens of her return to the community where she grew up.

There was a special air of expectation among the residents who came out to greet and celebrate her, and although it was well after dark when she arrived Elliott was still able to capture the euphoria of a community welcoming home their daughter, their sister, their friend back home to ground zero.

NOTICE: New date for Clean Up Campaign

In case you missed it: CTO WTD Virtual Webinar

On September 27, the Caribbean Tourism Organization hosted the Caribbean 'World Tourism Day' Virtual Forum under the theme "Resilience and Renewal: Building a Peaceful Future."

This event explored innovative ideas for sustainable tourism development in our region.

Bay Gardens Resorts Launches Bay Gardens Community Fund to Amplify Commitment to Saint Lucia's Communities

(Bay Gardens Resorts)- In celebration of World Tourism Day, Bay Gardens Resorts is proud to announce the launch of the Bay Gardens Community Fund, a dedicated initiative aimed at enhancing our role in community support, education, and development opportunities across Saint Lucia.

From HR to the Deep Blue: Sherlaura Amos' Inspiring Journey at Sandals Regency La Toc

(Sandals Resorts)- Sherlaura Amos' journey at Sandals began in 2019, when she joined the resort through Sandals’ Hospitality Training Programme. It was then that she first encountered the mesmerizing world of watersports. Despite her initial role being outside the water, she quickly fell in love with the department’s excitement and intricacies. After completing her three-month stint, she transitioned to the human resources department at Sandals Regency La Toc. However, her heart remained tethered to the water, where her true passion lay.

SAVE THE DATE: ECPCGC to meet with SLHTA Members on October 16 via Zoom

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez and Director Kirk Elliott recently met with Mrs. Carmen Gomez-Trigg and Mr. Chaz Nisbett of the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) which is a World Bank funded project.

The meeting served to formally introduce the ECPCGC to SLHTA as a prelude to a presentation to SLHTA’s members on the organisation’s mandate and how members can benefit from it’s services.

Director Elliott had been in communication with Mrs. Gomez-Trig in his capacity as the director for Banks, Professional, Educational Training Institutions & Other Allied Members in consideration of the fact that the ECPCGC can provide loan guarantees up to XCD562,500.00 to qualified borrowers.

This amount represents a 75% loan guarantee on a XCD750,000.00 loan, which is the maximum amount of financial support the ECPCGC can provide.

As we prepare for the upcoming winter season this is an ideal time for members to be aware of the opportunity this offers eligible businesses to leapfrog their growth.

The Secretariat has arranged for Mrs. Gome-Trigg to make a presentation to SLHTA’s members on Wednesday October 16th at 10:00 - 11:00 AM and you are invited to attend via the zoom link that will be sent out closer to the date.

Outstanding Team Members

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