The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) Inc. is pleased to announce Ms. Janelle Muschette of National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd. as the latest recipient of the CAB CBMBA Scholarship. Ms. Muschette is a 12-year employee of NCB Jamaica, and currently holds the position of Legal Counsel.
Thanks to this prestigious award, Janelle Muschette will take up studies towards a Chartered Banker MBA at Bangor University. She follows Ms. Shanta Louis of Bank of Saint Lucia, who graduated in 2019, and Ms. Daniella McSween of Grenada Co-Operative Bank. Daniella is on course to complete her studies in 2021.
Said Janelle Muschette:
“I am honored to be the recipient of the 2020 CAB Scholarship to pursue my CBMBA with Bangor University and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your organisation’s continued support to students who are pursuing the CBMBA. As a professional with several years’ experience in the financial services industry I firmly believe that the CBMBA will greatly assist me in further expanding my knowledge and acquiring the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly evolving financial services landscape. This additional knowledge and experience will also enable me to make a positive contribution to the development of the financial services industry in Jamaica and throughout the region.”
Bangor University is a leading Business School in the United Kingdom. Ranked in the world’s top 50 for banking research, Bangor University is rated Gold Standard in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework 2017, and was in the UK’s top 10 Universities for student satisfaction in 2019. The CBMBA is the only qualification in the world combining an MBA and Chartered Banker status.
The CAB CBMBA Scholarship supports the shared vision of CAB and Bangor University to professionalise and upskill the Caribbean Community banking and financial services sector. This year’s solicitation generated interest from nearly two dozen practitioners, representing over a dozen organisations, and 9 territories.
In testimony to the CAB’s commitment to “facilitate the growth and development of financial institutions in the region,” CAB also collaborates with the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin to award an annual scholarship to its members. CAB further awards Scholarships to pursue the Banking and Finance degree at the UWI Open Campus.
Statement by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Blacklisting by the European Community
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) deplores the ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent blacklisting strategy employed by the European Union (EU) against CARICOM Member States. The most recent inclusion of CARICOM States to the blacklist of alleged non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and jurisdictions identified as being deficient in the area of Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), underscores the EU’s unwillingness to take into account the substantial progress made by CARICOM Member States at compliance with global standards.
Moreover, the unquestioned use of ratings from other international bodies as a determining factor in the decision to list a jurisdiction along with the absence of meaningful prior consultation with the affected States negates the spirit of partnership and multilateralism that has characterised the relationship between CARICOM and the EU. Along with the unprecedented task of staging a post-COVID-19 economic recovery, these CARICOM States now have the added burden of being subjected to the EU’s discriminatory tactics disguised as tax policy and governance.
Blacklisting severely affects the economic prospects of the listed states and the Community, in general, at a time when all of our Members are already faced with the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This labelling causes significant reputational risk, erodes our competitive advantage, and discourages the investment that CARICOM States desperately need to drive inclusive growth and build economic resilience.
The Caribbean Community calls upon the European Union to desist from this harmful practice of blacklisting small states, and instead pursue a mutually collaborative engagement towards our shared goals of effective tax governance and combatting money laundering and terrorism financing.
CARIFESTA XV in Antigua and Barbuda will be hosted under the theme: One People. One Environment.
Directors of Culture across the Caribbean Community have been informed by Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals, and the Arts, Antigua and Barbuda, of a decision to postpone the hosting of the Region’s premiere cultural festival, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) from August 2021 to August 2022. They were informed during a virtual meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee, which comprises Directors of Culture from the twenty Member States and Associate Members of CARICOM and Members of the Interim Festival Directorate for CARIFESTA.
“I have been having discussions with our international partners, our cultural stakeholders, our Management team and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as they relate to the CARIFESTA XV and the potential challenges to hosting the event. The recommendation coming out of these discussions was as heart-breaking as it was unanimous. So today, while reaffirming the commitment of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to hosting CARIFESTA XV, I must advise you all that we have formally written to Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on our decision to postpone CARIFESTA XV for a period of one year.” Minister Matthew announced.
He also updated the meeting that preparations had already commenced in earnest with the establishment of the CARIFESTA Secretariat and a Host Country Management Committee that had been carrying out their mandate with “enthusiasm, zeal and purpose.”
He reminded that “CARIFESTA provides a platform for our region to showcase to the world the unrivalled prowess of our people. As such, Antigua and Barbuda is eager to welcome our Caribbean brothers and sisters to our shores as we demonstrate to the world our capacity for innovation and creativity as we stage this very unique Festival.”
In replying to the Minister’s announcement, Assistant Secretary General in charge of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat Dr. Douglas Slater, expressed the appreciation of the Caribbean Community for Antigua and Barbuda’s enthusiasm and commitment to hosting CARIFESTA XV and support for the decision to postpone the Festival.
“We understand your decision, we share your concerns and we pledge our full support towards a successful CARIFESTA XV,” Dr. Slater said. He also indicated that he was aware that CARICOM Member States have had serious challenges managing the economic fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planning for the Festival is among the many issues that are being discussed by the meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee which is being held virtually on 7-10 October 2020. Speaking at the opening of the meeting on Wednesday, ASG Slater reminded of the challenges encountered by the culture and creative sector, due to the devastation of COVID-19. Dr. Slater however noted that the sector has shown its creativity and value globally, by lifting people’s spirits as they tried to adjust to rapidly changing social circumstances, by sharing, mostly free of charge, their incredible talents and generosity of spirit.
“For this we owe our artists a debt of gratitude and we must redouble our efforts to support them during these difficult times” he said, adding that there was much that needed to be done to build a resilient culture sector so it can survive natural and other disasters and fulfil its important role as a driver and enabler of the sustainable development of the region.
Dr. Slater also encouraged the RCC to use the meeting as an opportunity to rethink how best to organize CARIFESTA and other national festivals and events within the context of the ‘new normal’.
CARIFESTA XV in Antigua and Barbuda will be hosted under the theme One People. One Environment. Diverse Cultures. In addition to preparation for the next CARIFESTA, the Regional Cultural Committee, will discuss a number of priorities on the regional culture agenda, including the review of CARIFESTA XIV in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019; Building a Resilient Culture Sector; Regional Strategic Frameworks for the Development of the Creative Industries; Animation; Reparations for Native Genocide and Slavery among other areas.
Regional Spotlight Programme launched to help eliminate violence against women and girls
Actions to prevent and eliminate violence against women are being strengthened by the Caribbean Community and partners with a newly launched programme called the Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme Caribbean. The programme is so named as it is intended to bring focused attention to this issue, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is being implemented in partnership with the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and other partners and was launched in a virtual signing ceremony on Tuesday.
The project aims to enhance existing policies and programmes, replicate and share good practices, in an effort to sustainably address the challenges women and girls encounter in navigating national systems. The current public health crisis as a result of COVID-19, with attendant socio-economic impact, disproportionately affects women. These adverse effects include gender-based violence, undue burden of care, increased poverty, unemployment, under-employment and food insecurity.
It is anticipated that CARICOM Secretariat and other regional organizations will play a significant role in the implementation of the regional Spotlight programme and as such CARICOM Secretariat, represented by Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Manorma Soeknandan, has been named to co-chair the regional programme, with Mr. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Speaking on behalf of the CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the signing ceremony, Deputy Secretary-General of the CARICOM Secretariat Dr. Manorma Soeknandan said the Spotlight Programme was an exceptional, ground-breaking initiative, and a comprehensive programme that should positively impact the lives of thousands of Caribbean families. She said it would complement the investments of regional Institutions and contribute to the scale, sustainability, visibility and lessons learned, since it addresses specific regional challenges that inhibit progress, including the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls. She also pointed out that the initiative related to four pillars that have been agreed on by CARICOM, including establishing comprehensive and evidence-based prevention programmes aimed at changing social norms and gender stereotypes; and promoting the collection and use of quality, comparable data to inform public policy, advocacy and delivery of complementary services to improve violence prevention.
Dr. Soeknandan further expressed that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations. She noted that it was a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ human rights, and to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“The global average indicates that one in three women is affected by some form of gender-based violence perpetuated by an intimate partner,” she said.
Speaking further on the statistics, she outlined that while Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname were in line with the global average, in Guyana one in every two women between the ages of 15-64 years has been abused by an intimate partner and 50% of those women have never reported the matter to the police or told anyone.
“We anticipate a major step towards filling these gaps and accelerating progress, through the Spotlight Initiative as a new, global, multi-year Programme focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls,” the CARICOM Secretariat Deputy Secretary General said.
The global Spotlight Initiative is supported by an initial investment of Euros $500 million, with the European Union as the main contributor. Other UN agencies and partners have been invited to contribute to the Trust fund. With $50 million of the 500 million Euros to be spent in the Caribbean to eradicate family violence, six countries have already received Spotlight funding to carry out national programmes and projects over the next three years namely, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Complementing the Spotlight country programmes in these Member States, the regional Spotlight initiative titled “Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Prevent and Respond to Family Violence in the Caribbean” has a budget of US$11,360,711.
The Spotlight Initiative is expected to equip government and civil society to deliver comprehensive data to inform evidence-based planning and policies that would reach both victims and survivors in especially under-served communities. It is hoped that it will also promote gender sensitive masculinity as a means of ending violence in communities and institutions while providing feminist movements and women’s organisations with skills to advocate for and shape policy.
The Initiative is aligned with the Caribbean Community’s Strategic Plan 2015-2019 as it seeks to ensure economic and social resilience in a unified Community where all people, especially women and girls with particular attention to the most vulnerable, can live lives free of violence to not only harness their full potential, but also enjoy the full complement of their human rights.
Caribbean Brands to Feature at Leading Food, Health and Nutrition Exhibition
Four Caribbean brands to join international innovators in the food ingredients market
Caribbean brands aiming to take advantage of increase in demand for natural products
Caribbean Export supports CARIFORUM firms participating in Food Matters Live
Global natural food and drink market estimated to reach $191.9 million (US) by 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand from health-conscious consumers for natural products made with pure and simple ingredients. In 2016, the global natural food and drinks market was valued at $79.1 million (US) and by 2023 is estimated to reach $191.9 million (US)- a compound annual growth rate of 17.6%.[1] This presents an excellent opportunity for Caribbean suppliers operating in the natural products space.
On October 13th-14th 2020, Caribbean Export, in collaboration with the European Union, is supporting four Caribbean producers participating in this years’ Food Matters Live – a leading food, health and nutrition event.
“We were concerned that this event would not go ahead due to the current pandemic, so, we are pleased that it will still be held virtually. Food Matters Live is an innovative exhibition, bringing together essential players in the food and drinks market across the world. We believe Caribbean brands will be able to leverage this chance to showcase their products and get people talking about what they have to offer” explained Dr. Damie Sinanan – Manager for Competitiveness and Export Promotion at Caribbean Export.
Food Matters Live
Food Matters Live attracts an unrivalled range of brands, retailers and food services companies and offers a curated experience for participants. Funded by the European Union via the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme, the regional companies taking part are Caribbean Cure from Trinidad and Tobago; Shavuot International and Cold Bush Organics from Jamaica; and Belizean company Naledo which manufactures the world’s first turmeric paste.
“Since the global pandemic, we’ve experienced a surge in demand for our natural healthy products from our international customers. At our core we are always ‘Harvesting Goodness for our consumers, communities and our team’. We’re very pleased to be able to meet with international buyers to increase our exports and penetration of overseas markets.” Shared Joel Harris, Marketing Director at Shavuot International.
The Agency anticipates increased exposure and demand for Caribbean products from this event for the firms taking part and similar businesses within the region. Food Matters Live provides an ideal platform to demonstrate the Caribbean’s diverse range of innovators who are blazing a trail in the natural products sphere.
Technological Revolution Accelerated by Coronavirus Crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean is in the midst of a “Fourth Industrial Revolution” of technological innovation which requires enhancing the productivity of the services sector, investing in human capital and rethinking labor regulations and social protection policies, according to a new World Bank report.
These policy priorities have become all the more urgent now that the COVID-19 pandemic is fueling the biggest contraction in economic activity since the great depression. Digitization has become more important to support economic activity at a time of social distancing and is accelerating this technological transformation, potentially putting jobs at risk across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
“We need to rethink the future and not just try to get back to where we were before the pandemic,” said World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean Carlos Felipe Jaramillo. “Governments need to find ways to support the creation of new jobs, train workers to be ready for these new jobs and support their citizens through this disruptive transformation.”
Premature deindustrialization and rapid technological innovation will require policies to support a smooth transformation of jobs that is socially acceptable. The region was already struggling with the end of the so-called “Golden Decade” (2003-2013) of rapid development and strong improvements in social indicators. Economic growth and poverty reduction had stalled. The pandemic has only made things worse.
While fears of mass “technological unemployment” are largely unfounded, many jobs are at risk due to lower external demand, a protracted period of quarantines and lockdowns, solvency problems for firms, and financial crises in some cases. In addition, the social unrest seen in 2019 is a warning. It is urgent to restore economic growth and create more and better jobs.
However, this “Fourth Industrial Revolution” of technological innovation means that further industrialization or re-industrialization will be limited in many developing countries. Low-paid, uneducated workers and those in high-contact activities typical of the informal sector are at highest risk of being replaced by machines. In addition to this technological revolution, informal workers are harder to reach with essential social protection programs. The COVID-19 crisis could accelerate these changes, bringing the future much closer than anticipated.
With limited scope for employment growth in manufacturing, modernizing the services sector is a priority. This calls for an emphasis on removing the distortions that prevent competition and innovation from occurring at a rapid pace.
Preparing workers for the changes is also fundamental. “Education offers the best insurance against the risks of automation,” said the report’s lead author Guillermo Beylis, Research Economist in the World Bank’s Office of the Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Workers will have to adapt to demand for cognitive or analytical skills, as well as interpersonal skills.”
Adult learning and re-training will be key as new automation technologies are adopted in LAC countries. The focus should be on policy reforms to increase productivity in the services sector, which already employs 60% of the workforce and will play an increasingly important role in the future.
Finally, a rethinking of labor regulations and social protection policies is needed. This involves flexible regulation of the emerging forms of work in a way that encourages employment and supports formalization, thereby expanding the coverage of social protection to larger segments of the population.
Return of TUI flights to Saint Lucia marks another step forward in reopening of tourism sector
UK carrier TUI Airways begins its winter weekly direct flight from London Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport on November 3, 2020.
Along with the four BA flights, the Tuesday departure increases ease of access from the UK with five flights a week. This comes at a time when Saint Lucia has been commended as one of the safest destinations for winter sun due to recording the lowest Covid rates in the region.
The island has welcomed more than 8,500 visitors since reopening at the beginning of June, with the UK figures growing as confidence increases and airfares are attractively competitive. TUI flights are available from £400pp in November.
Minister of Tourism Honourable Dominic Fedee said “We are thrilled to be welcoming back our colleagues at TUI flights for another winter season. The weekly flight to Saint Lucia means that visitors have more choice and flexibility with their travel which is paramount in these challenging times.”.
Entry requirements for UK arrivals include:
Completion of online Pre-Arrival Registration Form
Negative COVID-19 PCR test up to seven days before date of travel
Rapid test will not be accepted upon arrival
Nationals and residents must quarantine for 14 days on arrival at a Government facility
Visitors must stay at Covid-certified accommodations
After screening at the airport, approved international visitors can enjoy their resort experience, by following the on-island protocols. They are required to stay on property for the duration of their stay but can take part in water-based activities and other COVID certified tours at sites and attractions.
To date, Saint Lucia has recorded 27 COVID-19 cases and no deaths.
For more information about Saint Lucia’s COVID-19 response, all protocols and details of requirements prior to entry, please visit www.stlucia.org/covid-19
Statement by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman, Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) on the July 2020 Regional Examinations
Concerns raised in the public domain with respect to the efficacy of procedures and systems used by the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) in its computation and declaration of student performance data are of great importance to the organisation.
The Registrar, Dr Wayne Wesley, and his team have met with distinguished regional Ministers of Education in order to discuss these concerns and identify the underlying causes with a view
to moving forward and providing clarity to our stakeholders and enhanced support.
CXC® is satisfied that Ministers have received explanations for its positions in light of the public discourse. It is understood that while there might be policy and technical issues to be addressed
immediately, the maintenance of public trust going forward is paramount.
There will be ongoing dialogue with regional Ministries of Education based upon the official gathering of data relevant to all ventilated concerns. Each and every formally reported case will
be reviewed and where remedies are required they will be applied.
Management at CXC® has been impressive in the delivery of the July 2020 regional examinations within the context of the COVID-19 logistics nightmare, and crippling global doubt
about revised examinations systems and procedures. I commend the team at CXC® for their effort to serve the best they can – the people of our region.
Nonetheless, it was anticipated that given these specific challenges a period of review and possible revisions would follow, consistent with the regulations of the Council. It has been
agreed, therefore, that an Independent Review Team will shortly begin this work and present a report for discussion with relevant stakeholders.
You are cordially invited to attend the Republic Bank’s FREE Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Testing event on Tuesday September 29, 2020 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
In commemoration of World Heart Day, Republic Bank has partnered with Peter and Company Distribution’s Pharmaceutical Division to offer . customers FREE Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar testing at all three (3) Republic Bank branches:
William Peter Boulevard, Castries
Rodney Bay, Gros Islet
New Dock Road, Vieux Fort.
This event is part of the Bank’s continued effort to support customers in their holistic well-being. The activity is also endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority enhances international marketing efforts with strategic campaigns to boost tourism recovery
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is enhancing marketing efforts to attract travelers from its main source markets. As consumers begin to gain confidence in travel and the winter getaway season begins, SLTA marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns highlight travel trends, low Covid-19 cases and safety protocols. The campaigns are driven by new insights in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as strategies that increase paid and editorial exposure in primary travel markets.
The US and the UK combined comprised approximately 65 percent of the inbound air traffic to Saint Lucia. To date, more than 7,000 visitors have arrived since the island welcomed its first flight on July 9th, 2020. Since reopening, the UK and the US market combined represent more than 90 percent of tourism arrivals. This steady flow has allowed for the successful management of the responsible reopening process. The SLTA has actively engaged with other carriers on cooperative marketing programs to amplify efforts.
Internationally, SLTA is at the forefront of tourism marketing creating standout campaigns in these regions to speak directly to travelers and move Saint Lucia to the top of the consideration set as they begin to make their holiday considerations. Keeping with consumer sentiment, overall marketing messages are shifting to call-to-action campaigns that appeal to potential travelers who feel the need for a holiday getaway, underscored by protocols and safety. As many celebratory milestones have been missed as a result of the pandemic, various themes are being promoted internationally for travelers to revisit and recreate their weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.
On a global scale, the public relations teams are actively promoting the thought leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet in market, highlighting the island’s responsible resumption of tourism and coexisting with Covid. The Prime Minister has been quoted in national print and online media, as well as interviewed on several national TV broadcasts. These include The New York Times, Cheddar News, CNBC “Power Lunch” and the Miami Herald in the US; CHCH Morning Live in Canada; and Sky News, BBC World News and The Times in the UK. In addition, Minister of Tourism Hon. Dominic Fedee conducted travel industry media interviews in all markets, promoting opening news and protocols. Several Video News Releases were distributed, with specific messaging to travel agents and consumers, educating and inviting them to Saint Lucia.
North American Market
Regular airlift from the US has resumed with American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue. Marketing efforts focus on the major gateways of South Florida / Miami, Atlanta, the New York tri-state area, as well as key feeder markets of Chicago and Dallas.
Recent surveys have shown that travelers want to get away safely, seeking open air options and water sports. (Source: Google Data Short ‘Travel in 2020 Trends.’) Following that trend, PR is actively promoting the many activities that are now available for visitors. In addition, upcoming media moments include pitching destination-wide Cyber Monday deals in November, tapping into popular culture with a campaign that has proven successful in past years. The team is also pitching holiday travel, planning early for 2021 vacations and more. Themed public relations pitches drive consumers to book with calls to action like attractive air fares, hotel deals, niche getaways (dive, wellness) and milestones (birthdays, celebrations). And this winter, the individual visiting journalist program is resuming, with travel writers on assignment beginning to visit Saint Lucia to write first-hand accounts of their experiences.
On the digital marketing side, campaigns are focusing on bookings, enticing users by highlighting competitive pricing. The supporting creative keeps within the “She is Saint Lucia” message. A new digital marketing campaign is targeted to users considering a trip to the Caribbean or Saint Lucia, reaching consumers on various channels including direct distribution channels. The SLTA has also partnered with American Airlines on a multi-faceted campaign launching September 22, featuring email marketing to more than 13 million AAdvantage members, a supporting social media campaign and incentivizing AA Booking Agents.
Also aligning with current sentiment and trends in the US market, the SLTA sales unit has remained active in the travel trade and consumer spaces. Prior investments creating digital real estate, innovating sales tools and activating effective channels such as multi-media communication, virtually has allowed for a seamless transition to customer engagement in the new virtual sales environment. And, this engages the travel trade as an extension of the sales force. Examples include weekly webinars, interactive Zoom sessions with hotel partners and creative travel advisor sessions such as crafting local cocktails while learning about the destination. The data-driven, targeted approach has translated into campaigns which marry airlift and key source markets to systematically convert prospects successfully. The overall strategy continues to leverage technology and analytics to ensure that key messages make it to the market in the shortest time possible, with feedback loops to ensure success and crisis management. The plan also includes a comprehensive roster of activities targeting the retail, wholesale and consumer segments strategically.
The SLTA has been working aggressively in the Canadian market with the airlines and tour operators. Marketing, public relations and sales efforts continue to support the Canadian market, to proactively promote travel when flights resume.
UK Market
British Airways flies directly to Saint Lucia from London Gatwick. Currently, the schedule is due to increase to welcome four flights per week by mid-October.
The Saint Lucia website has dedicated UK pages and since the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) lifted its travel restrictions and selected Saint Lucia as one of the destinations in the travel corridor, there has been a shift in messaging from awareness to a call to action. The offers page has therefore been relaunched with 20 UK tour operators participating.
A new advertising campaign themed around the message of ‘She is Waiting’ has launched in 12 major out of home sites. This coincides with the major British Airways sale which prominently features Saint Lucia as a key Caribbean winter sun destination. September also sees two additional consumer e-newsletters to more than 35,000 people, with tour operator offers to prompt winter sun 2020 and summer/winter 2021 bookings.
And with Saint Lucia’s reputation secured as a favoured place for a romantic holiday, a promotion has just been successfully completed with leading weddings website Hitched.co.uk reaching an audience of 339,000.
To further engage with trade, the UK SLTA team is hosting regular webinars for agents and operators. To support trade communication, e-newsletters with trade offers have been sent out to the database of 11,000 partners each time. The webinars continue throughout the year to keep trade updated on protocols and to profile certified hotels plus getting back to face-to-face sales calls. World Travel Market is a virtual event for 2020 taking place in November and the SLTA will be participating.
Coming up in the UK, consumers and trade will continue to be engaged and inspired through a new TV campaign in October featuring the second ‘She is Saint Lucia’ film. This is supported by digital advertising. Autumn and winter sees editorial themes turn to long haul travel, which increases opportunities for Saint Lucia in articles and commentary. In addition to continuing to update on protocols and the phased reopening of tourism, the press office will also utilise creative themes for further coverage such as wellness, culinary and nature and wildlife. In addition, ongoing monitoring of media and competitor destinations mean that PR can be opportunistic in securing further share of voice. Carefully curated media and influencer trips have started again alongside dedicated UK social media support.
