THE TOURIST BOARD HAS DONE SOMETHING TO ATTRACT VISITORS – WHAT IS LIAT, THE STAR OF THE CARIBBEAN DOING??????
June 13, 2007
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
THE TOURIST BOARD HAS DONE SOMETHING TO ATTRACT VISITORS – WHAT IS LIAT, THE STAR OF THE CARIBBEAN DOING??????
There are a few developments taking place in St. Lucia that are worthy of note. The St. Lucia Tourist Board is wooing visitors to St. Lucia with its Super Summer Savings promotion during the Summer months, ending November 30, 2007. This is a very good effort and should earn the island substantial goodwill as satisfied visitors spread the word to family and friends.
The past few weeks have seen a number of Conferences being hosted in St. Lucia. For a moment I was beginning to think that the high airfares are deterring organizers from using St. Lucia as their destination of choice.
A number of articles have been written on the subject of increased fares without any indication of a reduction in sight. I am not one to give up easily on worrying issues and I feel that if Liat, Star of the Caribbean Airline was established to serve the citizens of the sub region then it cannot do what it pleases in spite of the cries of the people. The fares are definitely affecting businesses and individuals who need to travel around the region. Can we see some relief in the Summer? I firmly believe that something will have to be done.
It is not easy to invite competition in the airline industry as recent attempts in the region were not successful. The memories of Carib Star, Helen Air and EC Express are all fresh in our minds. The question is: are the fares currently charged by our Airline realistic or is there some kind of price gouging going on? There must be some answers to our questions or are the Directors oblivious to the problems of their customers? Why are the simple things so difficult to be solved. There is always talk about foreign monopoly but when our own monopoly acts so harshly with its own, who do we appeal to? It is said the voice of the people is the voice of God, so I expect to be treated fairly or Miracles will have to be performed.
There is talk about the introduction of high speed boats to challenge the cost of air transportation. However this is not the first time I heard about such a project. But the current ferry services operated to Martinique and Dominica from St. Lucia does prove that such a service is viable at least in area that it currently operates. The recent promotional blitz of Wave Riders with Bill Boards of all sizes around the island offering passenger trips to Martinique is an indication of the possibilities of sea transportation.
Do we wait to see if Liat, Star of the Caribbean Airline will launch a Summer promotion in the first instance and then seriously look into the possibility of restructuring their airfares in the future to be affordable to the traveling public? Or do we invite competition from another airline? It is only fair that our Governments seek to ascertain whether the airfares charged by Caribbean Airline are fair. If the fares are fair, a decision will have to be taken as to how we deal with declining travel in the region which seriously affects our tourist arrivals and reduces St. Lucia’s favourable position as a preferred conference destination.
In situations like these when things are not what they should be in spite they can be what we expect them to be, there is only one thing to do is to enjoy the party. It is Carnival time and the season has just begun so I am off to the tents. The Ambassador Tent is celebrating 25 years in the business. Their season opened Wednesday last and it was great, the old and young boys shone in their glory. Youth and experience is still a combination to beat. My calysonian for the opening night at the Cultural Centre was Pelay! Keep abreast of Carnival 2007 at http://www.luciancarnival.com
My internet marketing pick for the week is Evolution. Check it out at http://www.evolutioniscoming.com/EVO155882EH
Work Hard!
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 NIV
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
Have a great weekend! Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Expect Miracles in 2007!
Edward Harris
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com
http://www.edwardharris.ws