TOURISM MATTERS
NEWSLETTER
Safety and Security Consultant for the SLHTA Meets with Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism to Discuss the Development of a National Tourism Security Plan

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Honorable Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dominic Fedee along with President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), Ms. Karolin Troubetzkoy and SLHTA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Noorani Azeez met with Tourism Safety and Security Expert, Dr. Peter Tarlow, this week. The group had the opportunity to engage in much needed discussions on the development of a National Tourism Security Action Plan. The plan would seek to address both immediate and long-term issues facing the sector. 

Dr. Tarlow is a world-renowned speaker and expert specializing in such areas as: the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, event and tourism risk management and economic development. Dr. Tarlow is currently conducting a tourism safety and security survey on behalf of the SLHTA which will outline shortcomings and strengthening measures in the island’s tourism safety & security framework. The SLHTA will be aiming to provide training and certification for various stakeholders in this area upon Dr. Tarlow’s next visit. 
Tourism Enhancement Fund Makes Good on its Commitment 
to Distribute 200 Wheelchairs Island Wide

The Tourism Enhancement Fund last year provided funding of EC$120,000.00 to the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia to facilitate the importation of wheelchairs to the island. This week marked an auspicious occasion as this venture between two private sector entities came to fruition, with the presentation of over 200 wheelchairs to be distributed island wide. 

The wheelchairs will create greater independence for persons with disabilities by improving their mobility and enhancing their overall quality of life.

This project would not have been possible without the support of the establishments participating in the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the voluntary contribution from guests of US$2 per room night to the fund. This voluntary contribution enables the TEF to support projects of this magnitude. If you are interested in being part of this exciting initiative please donate US$2 for each night of your stay at Resorts here in Saint Lucia or become a partner/friend of the TEF. For more information contact Ms. Donette Ismael TEF Programme Manager at 758-453-1811.
SLHTA Meets with Hotel Heads of Security to Discuss the Development of a National Tourism Security Plan and Training Program

Tourism security expert, Dr. Peter Tarlow, and SLHTA’s Security Liaison Officer Mr. Anthony Martial met with hotel heads of security to discuss the dire need for training within the sector. This allowed for an in depth dialogue with persons who deal with tourism related safety and security issues on a daily basis.

After thorough dialogue, some of the key areas highlighted for the training included: the training of Managers in tourism safety and security, creation of security plans for hotels, handling cases of sexual harassment and customer service training for security personnel. It was also noted that there is a need for fast tracking the cases of crimes against visitors. 

If you are interested in partaking in future discussion or training sessions dealing with tourism safety and security please contact Security Liaison Officer Mr. Anthony Martial at 758-453-1811.
TEF Sponsors another Cycle of Maritime Training for Young Saint Lucians

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) continues to invest in the young people of Saint Lucia through the recent injection of EC$35,000.00 into maritime training. Each sailing course, which has been successfully run for a number of years, provides an intensive training course for 10 unemployed youth from across the island where they are engaged in an intensive sailing, soft skills training and personal development program. 

The Jus’ Sail youth sailing program continues to benefit from TEF financing due to the positive impact it has had on the lives of the young persons who have successfully completed the program over the last few years. The program has provided a number of employment opportunities for its graduates who have been able to succeed in the local maritime sector. The TEF’s commitment to this program is in keeping with one of the key mandates of the Fund which is human resource development. Supporting our youth and their development is one of the many positive outcomes of making a voluntary contribution or becoming a friend of the TEF.
SLHTA discusses formation of Environmental Clubs with partners

The SLHTA initiated discussions this week with SLASPA and Carnival Fascination on further collaboration on environmental projects which can result in reducing the negative impact of garbage disposal. Over the past few months the organizations, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority have been working with the Marchand Combined School to raise the awareness of students on more responsible waste disposal practices. The SLHTA is collaborating with these partners to explore the formation of Environmental Clubs in our Primary Schools and providing mentoring and support to community projects which these Clubs will undertake. The project is still in its embryonic stage but the corporate agencies involved are excited at the possibilities to work with our youth.
These articles were also published in the Star Newspaper this past weekend!!