A CLASS IN
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS for the tourism industry will be one
of the highlights at the 28th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference
(CTC-28) at Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach
Resort in St. Thomas Oct. 21 to 26, sponsored by the Caribbean
Tourism Organization (CTO). Barry Pitegoff, vice president of
research for Visit Florida, will focus on how to use research to
craft a credible message following a crisis. "Florida and the
Caribbean have a lot in common and we face some of the same
challenges when it comes to disasters," Pitegoff said. His class
will focus on challenges and communication following a crisis.
Pitegoff, who has directed the research program for Florida's
tourism industry for 25 years, led the research that determined
Visit Florida's message in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks in the
U.S. and after the four hurricanes that hit Florida last year.
"This class is an opportunity for delegates to gain insight into
this critical aspect of tourism communications. How we respond to
crisis situations is critical in having the world continue to view
the Caribbean as a place to come and vacation," said Hugh Riley,
CTO's marketing director for the Americas. Information on CTC-28,
including how to register, can be found at www.onecaribbean.org.
THE NATURAL
BRIDGE, one of Arubas most treasured and photographed
attractions, collapsed and fell into the ocean Sept. 2 after
centuries of pounding by the surf. The rock bridge, which was 100
feet long and 25 feet high, was formed from coral limestone on
Arubas windy, jagged northern coast and became one of the most
recognizable tourist attractions in the Caribbean. Hundreds of
visitors walked across it each year. Aruba does have seven other
smaller natural bridges. Arrangements for a tribute to the bridge
are not yet final, according to the Aruba Tourism
Authority.
TAKEOFFS
* Caribbean
Star reduced its fares by 50% for travelers within the
tourism and travel-related industries, including tourist boards,
airport employees, hotel associations and hoteliers. The discount
is in effect through Nov. 30 and is applicable to 30-day and full
economy fares. For details, visit www.flycaribbeanstar.com.
* Spirit
Airlines will launch a daily flight between Fort
Lauderdale and George Town, Grand Cayman, on Feb. 9 and a week
later will begin daily service from Fort Lauderdale to
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Twice-weekly service to Grand
Turk from Fort Lauderdale will begin Feb. 19. For details, visit
www.spiritair.com.
ISLAND
OUTPOST, the collection of hip hideaways in Jamaica and
the Bahamas, launched an Island Money incentive to debut the travel
agent section of its Web site called Travel Professional at www.islandoutpost.com. Agents who book a stay
of three or more nights at its Jamaica resorts for travel through
Dec. 15 will receive cash bonuses on top of the 10% commission. The
bonuses range from $50 at Jake's in Treasure Beach to $75 each at
The Caves in Negril and Strawberry Hill in Irish Town and $100 at
Goldeneye in Oracabessa, all in Jamaica. Agents must have a valid
IATA card and must sign up for the travel agent e-mail list to
start earning the Island Money bonuses. Not included in the
incentive offer is Island Outpost's Pink Sands on Harbour Island in
the Bahamas. The Travel Professional section includes information,
specials, news and selling tools for the Island Outpost properties,
which also include Island Outpost Villas, a collection of three
properties: the Ian Fleming Villa and Bolt House, both in
Oracabessa, Jamaica and Cuckoo's Nest in Provo, Utah.