CARIBBEAN HOTEL SECTOR PULLS TOGETHER IN CONTINGENCY PLAN
San Juan, Puerto Rico (February 28, 2003) – The Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) is setting in motion a number of preparedness and response measures on behalf of Caribbean hotels, in light of the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting impact on the tourism industry.   “From the experience of the Gulf War and the aftermath of September 11, 2001, a drop in demand is to be expected,” said Dominican hotelier Simón B. Suárez, President of CHA.  “On the one hand, the industry as a whole must be well prepared to weather a difficult period – whose severity will be determined by how protracted or swift is the conflict.  On the other hand, it is those that respond proactively with targeted strategies that will have the edge”.

The Caribbean Hotel Association is moving forward on two fronts.  First, CHA is encouraging its members to put in place policies that protect visitors whose trip is canceled or who find themselves stranded in the Caribbean.   Secondly, CHA is developing a public relations contingency plan to minimize the negative impact on the Caribbean hospitality industry, by underscoring the region’s key attributes in the current climate, such as its geographical proximity to the United States, safety, and the diverse offerings for families to travel and spend time together.  As a part of the plan CHA has added a section in its website, www.caribbeanhotels.org, to serve as a forum for information exchange for members.

CHA is working in cooperation with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Response Center.   “In today’s turbulent times, we feel more committed than ever to work in conjunction with the public sector for a common approach,” said Berthia Parle, 1st Vice President of CHA and Chairperson of CHA’s Advocacy Committee.   “We are encouraging Caribbean governments to identify and implement support plans.   For example, if a hotel offers reduced room rates to a stranded guest, the government should waive the tax for that room as well.”

Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association,

P.O. Box 243,  Port of Spain, Trinidad.,
Tel:  (868) 634-1174/5 fax: (868) 634-1176 ,
e-mail: info@tnthotels.com
Website:  www.tnthotels.com

Banwari Experience Ltd
Come and experience what we enjoy!
Get the real Trinidad and Tobago from the people who offer it best – Eco, Culture, Shopping and more.  Go Banwari you’ll love the Experience! 

River Road, Bourg Malatresse, Lower Santa Cruz
Tel: 675-1619/ 624-8687
Email: banwari@tstt.net.tt
Website:  www.banwari.com
Destination Management Company
Mr. Andrew Welch – Managing Director

Suriname Airways
Anton Dragten no. 7, Paramaribo, Suriname
Mr. Clyde Cairo – Vice President/Commercial Affairs
Mr. Ronald J. Sahtoe – General Manager
Email: resinpbo@sr.net        c.cairo@slm.firm.sr
www.slm.firm.sr

TASTE  OF THE CARIBBEAN 2003

We are pleased to advise that the Caribbean Culinary Federation (a subsidiary of the Caribbean Hotel Association) will be holding TASTE 2003 from October 3^rd – 6^th , 2003 at the Jamaica Grand, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The THRTA will be holding its local competition on Sunday June 8^th 2003  -  Chefs – Get Ready!

Details will be forwarded shortly.

PROMOTIONAL TOUR TO SURINAME

Eighteen members of the THRTA  and TIDCO will be traveling on a promotional tour to Suriname from March 26^th – 30^th 2003. 

This tour was initiated by Barry Bidaisee, Chairman, Marketing Committee-THRTA and  made possible by  Suriname Airways, Residence Inn(Suriname), TIDCO.