This Week at the SLHTA, November 8th, 2013

SLHTA
Caribbean Tourism Month – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean!
 
Friday, November 8th, 2013  
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In This Week’s Edition
2014 Culinary Cook Off
Invitation to ITB Berlin 2014
SOTIC Youth Congress 2013
Sugar Beach Dominates in Football
SLHTA Rhythm & Spice
Leaders vs. Managers
Successful French Tourism Internship
Nina Compton making history
Why ITB Berlin
Saint Lucia Triathlon 2013
Experience the joy of flying with Sea Spray Cruises
November is Tourism Month in the Caribbean
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SLHTA
Culinary Cookoff 2014
Early next year, the SLHTA will host its National Culinary Cook-Off as part of preparations for the Taste of the Caribbean Competition to held in Miami.
In 2012, Saint Lucia was represented by eight of the Island’s best chefs, bringing home a historic 10 Awards.  The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is proud of its achievements at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Miami.
Gold Medal – Chef of the Year Competition – Elijah Jules – Jade Mountain
Gold Medal – Best Use of Cheese Competition – Emmerly Gerald – The Landings Resort
Silver Medal – Junior Chef – Paulyn Eugene – Windjammer Landing
Silver Medal – Pastry Chef – Dulish Perera – The BodyHoliday LeSPORT
Bronze Medal – Seafood Competition – Delroy Fred – Coconut Bay
Bronze Medal – Beef Competition – Odeen Martin – Fire Grill
Bronze Medal – Bartending Competition – Barkus Henry – Sandals Regency
Bronze Medal – Team Competition – Saint Lucia Culinary Team
Special Award – Best Use of Chocolate – Dulish Perera – The BodyHoliday LeSPORT
Special Award – Best Use of Cheese – Emmerly Gerald – The Landings Resort
Stay tuned for more information on this event…

2014 ITB Berlin:
Invitation to Hoteliers
The 2014 ITB Berlin will take place from March 5th – 9th, 2014. In order to decide if Saint Lucia will be exhibiting again, we would need to know which hotels are interested in joining a shared booth.
Click Here…

 

To date, the following hotels have registered:

 

– Ti Kaye
– Coco Palm
– Ladera
– Anse Chastanet/Jade Mountain

 

Though we have already sent out the information twice, we have not yet received any feedback from some of the hotels and would kindly ask you whether SLHTA could follow up since we need to continue with preparations.
Similar to last year SLTB would take the lead in organising and managing a tailor made stand. The total cost would be equally shared between all partners including SLTB.
Depending on the final number of partners the cost will vary between 2,200 and 2,500 EUR per co-exhibitor (with a minimum of five hotels participating).

 

In case of any questions, don`t hesitate to contact us.

In Other Tourism News:
Youth Congress 2013
A very invigorating State of the Industry Youth Congress this year in Martinique.
The Annual event which is hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation is aimed at developing the debating and public speaking skills of our future tourism officials.  The participants speak on various issues affecting the tourism industry and also offer solutions.  It is important that we sharpen these skills and talents in our youth and also cultivate an interest in the leading Industry of the Caribbean which is Tourism.
This competition starts at a national level which participants from various Secondary/High Schools around the island compete to earn the title of Junior Minister for Tourism and then culminates at the regional level where the National representative competes against other Caribbean Islands.
This year, Ms Renita Shivnauth from St. Joseph’s Convent emerged winner of the competition and secured the title of “Junior Minister for Tourism 2013”. She then participated in the CTO Caribbean Youth Congress held in Martinique and secured a second place (2nd), while St Kitts & Nevis took home the coveted title.

Congratulations!!!
Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Football Competition ended on Monday 21st October 2013 at the Gros Islet Playing Field between Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and Beach Resort and Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort.
With a score of 3-2, Sugar Beach emerged victorious against the home team Sandals Grande. 
 
The SLHTA Sports Committee and referees extends congratulations to the players, management and staff of Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort.
2013 SLHTA 
Football Champion!!!

SLHTA
Rhythm & Spice 2013

 

The SLHTA Rhythm & Spice Festival gets under way on Sunday 15th December 2013 at the Pigeon Island National Landmark from11:00am.
Rhythm and Spice was conceptualized and first hosted by the SLHTA in 2006. The main objective of Rhythm and Spice was to amalgamate some of the SLHTA’s traditional fundraising efforts into one major event. The rationale was to provide members with a stage for showcasing their major products and service offerings.

 

Rhythm and Spice highlights the culinary skills of the Chefs and their innovation in the use of local products. An atmosphere of camaraderie and competition is created, as each team tries its utmost to win the coveted title of “Best Team of the Year”.

 

The event also showcases the talents of the many musical bands that regularly ply their trade at the various hotels, restaurants and other tourism establishments. They provide the musical entertainment, which is one of the highlights of Rhythm and Spice.

 

We look forward to seeing you this year!!

Are you a  

Leader

 

or Manager?
The manager’s job is to plan, organize and coordinate. The leader’s job is to inspire and motivate.
The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader’s eye is on the horizon.
The manager imitates; the leader originates.
The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.
The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.
The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.
The manager administers; the leader innovates.
The manager is a copy; the leader is an original.
The manager maintains; the leader develops.

Successful French Tourism Exchange Programme for Hotel Employee
Representatives from Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda in Guadeloupe

 

For the second year in a row, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has participated in the “Stage de français du tourisme” which is held in the French island of Guadeloupe.  This two week training programme was organised by the Institut de Cooperation Franco Caraïbe (ICFC) in collaboration with SLHTA for employees within the Hospitality Sector.
This programme was established to develop the network of cooperation between Guadeloupe and nearby islands and promote Francophonie in the region, especially in the Lesser Antilles. This training was held at the High School of Hospitality  Trade and Regional Tourism in Guadeloupe.

 

The Two week French training programme was a great success and was also a good experience for the participants.  The areas targeted were specific to the employees’ various departments and those departments which deal directly with guests/clients, especially those French speaking guests. Those areas being the following:
  • Food and Beverage
  • Resaurant/Bar
  • Room Service
  • Front Office
  • Reservations
  • Conciege/Butler Service
  • Housekeeping
The following participants represented Saint Lucia:
  • Angus Sexius – Rendezvous
  • Marie Thomas-Alexander – Rendezvous
  • Nicol Philip – Bay Gardens Resorts
  • Sheena Rose St Rose – Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
  • Efedencia Jules – Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort
  • Wendel George – SLHTA

Next year, representatives from Guadeloupe are expected to pursue the same programme here in Saint Lucia from March 10th for two weeks.  These employees will be attached to various hotels in St Lucia, and expected to learn our culture and interacting with English speaking guests.

Have you heard the news?
Nina Compton inTop Chef America

This talented young lady has been rocking the kitchen with her distinctive culinary skills, setting her apart from the competition.  According toEntertainment Weekly, “We all know Nina is the front-runner, but nobody knows it better than Nina herself. After Michael got eliminated, Nina accused Michael of slacking off because he knew she’d pick up the slack – that doesn’t make sense, because Michael knew they were being judged individually.”

 

It went further saying “Even though Nina is cleaning up in the challenges, she shouldn’t get too comfortable. In each season that I’ve been recapping Top Chef, the judges always sacrifice one of the best chefs around this point in the competition, perhaps to garner some extra attention for Last Chance Kitchen. As Tom and Padma always say – and only sometimes enforce – “You’re only as good as your last dish” (i.e., “Chefs who take chances get punished, and boring chefs who consistently skate by can make it to the finale”). Will they get rid of Nina as a stunt elimination? I think it’s more likely they’ll get rid of Shirley as the attention-getting elimination, so we can see her fight her way back from LCK.”

 

A native of St. Lucia and the daughter of Saint Lucia’s late Prime Minister Sir John Compton, Nina Compton has trained in French, Caribbean and Italian kitchens. She has worked under renowned Chef Daniel Boulud and now lives in Miami where she is the Chef de Cuisine for acclaimed chef Scott Conant. A self-proclaimed “gnocchi queen,” Nina always keeps Maldon salt, good olive oil, lemon, calabrese chilies, and either pancetta or guanciale on hand. Nina strongly believes one should enjoy the moment whenever they are cooking.

 

Saint Lucians are proud of the progress that Nina has made and continue to support her to the end.  The SLHTA wishes her all the best throughout the competition.

ITB Berlin…What,Why,Where,When!!!

The whole world meets at ITB Berlin: People, working in the travel industry and people, who want to catch up on the most beautiful travel destinations. The combination of trade exhibition, public exhibition and the biggest professional convention worldwide attracts tens of thousands of visitors, exhibitors and media representatives every year.
The whole variety of travelling is present at ITB Berlin: Destinations, tour operators, booking systems, carriers, hotels and all other suppliers who want to embellish their customer’s most beautiful weeks of the year. ITB Berlin brightens your business.ITB Berlin is THE B2B-Platform for trade visitors – an excellent opportunity to meet business partners and to do business. For all other visitors ITB Berlin is a wonderful possibility to discover the whole world within a few hours.The globalization of our economy is increasing. Next to leisure travel, business travel has become an important and profitable pillar of the travel industry. ITB Berlin is the perfect place to learn about new trends, concepts and cooperation possibilities – and to deepen existing business relations.

Dates of the next Events:
Wednesday, 05 March – Sunday, 09 March 2014 
Wednesday, 04 March – Sunday, 08 March 2015
Wednesday, 09 March – Sunday, 13 March 2016

First Ever Saint Lucia Triathlon

For the first time in its history, the beautiful island of Saint Lucia will stage the inaugural St Lucia Triathlon and event organisers, Human Race, is delighted to announce that IOC member and St Lucian, Richard Peterkin, will present awards to all the winners at the prize giving ceremony.

 

The Saint Lucia Triathlon is being organised by the London 2012 Olympic Competition Manager, John Lunt and his experienced team who are delighted to have the support of Richard and the Island with this first ever event. The aim is to support and grow triathlon in the Caribbean, especially in Saint Lucia. Following the event, John will be donating all the equipment to the St Lucia Triathlon Association so they can organise their own events and encourage more Saint Lucian’s to take part in Multisport.

 

Event director, John Lunt said: “We are extremely honoured to have IOC member, Richard Peterkin, attend the first ever triathlon held on the beautiful paradise Island of St Lucia. We look forward to making tristLucia an annual event in the sporting calendar and a focal event in the Caribbean”.

 

tristLucia 2013 will be the culmination of a week-long festival of fun activities hosted at Rodney Bay in the North East of the Island. Events including an ocean swim, an Aquathlon (swim and run) and a beach run. Designed with all ages and fitness levels in mind, these activities will provide holidaymakers, and locals, with a taste of the overall triathlon event, offering families, couples and single people the opportunity to take part.   
With three separate competitive distances available, including relays, the course includes a swim in the beautiful clear waters of Rodney Bay, a tough hilly volcanic bike ride and finally, a flat run to Pigeon Island and back,  Event distances include:
  • The Dagger: 200m swim, 6.6km bike, 2.5km run
  • The Pistol: 750m swim, 13.2km bike, 5km run
  • The Cutlass: 1500m swim, 26.4km bike, 10km run
  • For the Children’s events there will be a 100m swim, an 800m bike and an 800m run as their challenge.
It’s not too late to book your place. For more info go to:www.tristlucia.com

 

Source: Saint Lucia Tourist Board

Who Needs Wings to FLY!! 
by:Sea Spray Cruises

 

Have you ever dreamed of flying like Iron Man or wanted, to be able to swim like a dolphin? Well now you can! You’re entering the realm of extreme sports and you “Adrenaline Junkies” can now get your fix!

 

Here it is: The FlyBoard. This ingenious and deceptively simple device bolts on to the powerful motor of a jet ski, then routes the resulting water jet through a long hose that connects to a pair of jet boots and hand-held stabilizers.  The arrangement lets you fly, Iron Man style, up to 30 feet in the air – or leap headfirst through the waves like a human dolphin.
Now you can achieve your ultimate dreams of flight in one extreme experience!  Given the absolutely ludicrous amounts of horsepower available from today’s monstrous, turbocharged Jet Ski engines, the FlyBoard gives you, the rider, a truly outrageous way to have fun nearly all year long.
Your FlyBoard encounter comes with detailed one-on-one operations and safety training to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with your FlyBoard experience.
French Jet Ski Champion and inventor Frank Zapata of Zapata Racing created an absolutely insane leisure product.

 

Now, through Sea Spray Cruises Ltd., FlyBoard – St. Lucia has brought the FlyBoard to you
What to Expect!!!
What you should bring to your flight:
1) Swim attire – Everyone (male and female) is required to wear shorts.
2) Towel(s).
3) Dry Clothes to change into.
4) CameraTo fly you must be at least 18 years of age. Shoe size must be between Men’s size 6 – 13. Weight cannot exceed 350 pounds.You will be required to wear a helmet and life jacket during the flight

Flight Information:
Briefing and set up – 10 minutes
Flying Time – 30 minutes

 

Days of Operation:
Days & Times may vary. Please call to inquire and book a flight time. (758) 458 – 0123 / 452 – 8644

 

Pricing:
$140us per person (inclusive of commissions)

November is Caribbean Tourism Month

Tourism is truly the treasure chest of the Caribbean and we at the Caribbean Tourism Organization have designated every November as Caribbean Tourism Month.

 

We encourage all of our stakeholders to see this month as the start of a new era for our sector – one characterized by ideas, action and results.  Starting November 1, we must be prepared to walk the talk on matters of sustainability.  We urge you to use this month to renew your commitment to our mantra – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

 

One Sea – Our People as Our Ambassadors
We are excited about the trend emerging among our member countries where a number of territories are developing educational and incentive programmes to turn citizens and those living in the Diaspora into tourism ambassadors.  Imagine the success our regional tourism industry can accrue if we all created national ambassador strategies.

 

We are keen on sharing best practices with all of our member countries and enabling a regional movement in this respect.  Share your case studies with us at the CTO so we can communicate these ideas for the benefit of all members.The Caribbean Tourism Organization is committed to providing guidance in developing and executing these programmes for the mutual benefit of all of our member countries.

 

Building One Voice for the Future – the Youth Factor
Succession planning is a matter of great interest to us all.  It means developing leadership and management skills among our youth from the earliest possible age so they may have a solid appreciation for the tourism industry.  At the basic level, we encourage all destinations to support the CTO Foundation, whose funds are used for scholarships for those keen on pursuing further studies in travel and tourism.  We also want to see more youth participate in the Tourism Youth Congress at the national level, thus increasing the level of participation at the annual CTO Tourism Youth Congress.

 

Destination Management Organizations, universities and tourism associations are challenged to move beyond open-house days and island tours to develop more meaningful opportunities for our youth on tourism matters of national importance.  Whether you bring in leading airline executives to deliver special lectures; host youth town halls to discuss tourism policy; or provide more internships; let us commit to providing creative programmes at the national level.

 

Targeting Emerging Markets using the One Caribbean Brand
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – known as the BRICS – continue to show great potential as new tourism source markets for the Caribbean.  During our recent State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC 2013), travel marketing expert, Paul Cohen, purported that the Caribbean has much work to do to sensitize these countries about our tourism product.  He also added that we must invest in tourism marketing, air services and travel trade agreements, revise our visa policies, provide industry workers with language training, make menu adjustments, augment our banking services for new currencies, etc.

 

We can make great strides by promoting ourselves under Brand Caribbean and are eager to partner with interested territories to develop a marketing strategy grounded in sustainable tourism principles in order to capitalize on these new opportunities.

 

As the most tourism dependent region in the world, we have much to be thankful for and we salute those who are celebrating Caribbean Tourism Month at the national level.  At the same time let us increase our dedication to implementing our many great ideas on how we can improve our tourism sector.  The time to take action is now.