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The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news in a newsletter format. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at info@marketplaceexcellence.com.

MAY 2, 2022

The Caribbean “talks ship” at Seatrade

Seatrade Talks: From left: Charlene Drakes of Carnival Corporation; Robert Morgenstern of HA Group | Princess Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn and P&O Australia; Petra Roach of the Grenada Tourism Authority; Marie McKenzie of Carnival Corporation; and Nikoyan Roberts of the Grenada Tourism Authority

The Caribbean had a strong presence at Seatrade Cruise Global as regional tourism leaders, many of whom are newly appointed, connected with cruise line executives to discuss mutually beneficial strategies for the sustainable development of the cruise industry.

Some highlights follow:

• As cruising returns in full force, the conference served as a timely opportunity for lines and destinations to thoughtfully steer the discussions and iron out a range of issues – from health safety to sourcing Caribbean products and increasing onboard employment opportunities for Caribbean nationals

• Barbados signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Caribbean Group that will generate opportunities for high-quality employment in the local tourism industry. The agreement establishes a partnership between the Government of Barbados and Royal Caribbean, where the two entities will work together to create cruise-related job opportunities for Barbadians.

• A similar agreement has been inked between Royal Caribbean and Antigua and Barbuda

• Beginning next year the U.S. Virgin Islands will welcome additional Royal Caribbean cruise ship visitors. Crown Bay on St. Thomas will see a 70 percent increase in passengers, while the cruise line will nearly triple its passenger volume to the Frederiksted pier on “The Big Island” of St. Croix.

• After a meeting with the Grenada Tourism Authority, Carnival Corporation’s Marie McKenzie, Vice President, Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations, thanked Grenadians for their support in bringing the industry and Carnival back to sailing. “It just continues to be a destination that our guests enjoy,” she said.

• The Caribbean cruise industry will convene next in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) hosts its cruise conference from June 1-3, 2022. FCCA Member Lines represent more than 90 percent of global ocean cruising capacity.

Fantastic Facts: Martinique

Credit: Martinique Tourism Authority

Fantastic Facts about Martinique

• Modern day Martinique is “a little bit of France in the Caribbean”

• Two-thirds of the island is designated as protected parkland, with countless natural wonders, headlined by majestic Mount Pelée



• The island’s rich cultural heritage is kept alive in more than 25 museums and exciting annual festivals 

• Visitors can explore La Pagerie museum where Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, was born and raised

• Martinique boasts extraordinary biodiversity. The Domaine d’Emeraude nature estate features nearly four miles of walking trails through the rainforest.

• Bon Appétit! With more than 365 restaurants, foodies can enjoy the best of French and Creole gastronomy.

• Martinique is home to 12 brands of rum, the only ones to carry the exalted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation



• Scuba aficionados will be thrilled with Martinique’s marine life, historic shipwrecks and healthy reefs. Diamond Rock, an offshore island with a deep undersea cavern, is a highlight.

Johnson JohnRose departs CTO

Contributed

After approximately two decades of service, veteran communications specialist Johnson JohnRose has departed the inter-governmental Caribbean Tourism Organization to pursue a new challenge. 

“It's been nothing short of a distinct honor to have been allowed an opportunity to make a contribution – small as it was in the scheme of things – to Caribbean development through the important tourism industry. During my tenure I worked with some extraordinary partners and friends across the industry – including colleagues in the media – without whose support I couldn't have been successful. The memories are everlasting,” JohnRose told MPE Caribbean Report. 

We thank Johnson JohnRose for his commitment to advancing tourism in the region, and wish him every success in his new venture.

Digital Digest

Time to update your website?

In today’s online world the chances of a consumer interacting with your company’s website virtually versus an in-person encounter are much higher. Therefore, it is critical for your website to make a strong first impression. Websites are typically updated every few years. Technology and user preferences evolve at a very fast rate so it is essential to keep up with them.

Performance. If the website is not browser compatible and its technology and programming language is outdated with visible functionality issues … It’s time for an update.

Optimization. Most internet traffic today is generated from mobile devices. If the website is not displaying properly on a mobile device … It’s time for an update.

New Tools. If you are unable to measure traffic, track user behaviors and website performance using website tracking tools … It’s time for an update.

Purpose-Driven. If you are unable to collect user information, make sales, or collect lead forms for communication using Call To Action buttons (CTA) … It's time for an update.

Value. If you are not getting added value from your website, be that for sales, marketing, brand-building or word-of-mouth … It's definitely time for an update!

MPE Caribbean Report

This week’s MPE Caribbean Report highlights a tennis coach who has been named an “Unsung Hero” by the Barbados Consulate in Toronto, Canada.

Medical Moment: Vaccinate to Protect

The past week (April 23-30) marked the 20th Anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas under the theme “Are you fully vaccinated? Get all your shots.” 

• Vaccination against COVID-19 has been the largest immunization program in history

• During 2020, more than 2.7 million children in the Americas remained susceptible to diseases such as measles, polio and diphtheria because of not being vaccinated or being incompletely vaccinated

• During Vaccination Week the goal was to immunize 140 million people in the Americas

• Pan American Health Organization Director Carissa F. Etienne reminds that vaccines remain our best protection against “vaccinated prevented diseases” and have prevented millions from getting sick, hospitalized and even dying

Eid Mubarak   |   Happy Mother's Day



Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.