TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADERS TO GATHER IN SAINT LUCIA FOR CHA MARKET PLACE!!!
December 29, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADERS TO GATHER IN SAINT LUCIA FOR CHA MARKET PLACE!!!
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year! The year ahead can be whatever you want it to be if you are prepared mentally to take the simple steps that can make a difference in your life economically and socially. I am convinced that in spite of the doom and gloom prophesy that is being promoted by many – there is still HOPE!
The Government of Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia Tourist Board and Hoteliers are getting ready to host one of the largest get together of Entrepreneurs and Professionals in the Tourism Industry at the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) Market Place – January 18 – 20, 2009. The tents are already in place. Senator, Hon. Allen Chastanet, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation is going all out to make the event one of the best in the history of its hosting. It is obvious that industry leaders will be seeking solutions to the present situation in the Industry due to the global economic down turn. These are challenging times for the industry which never had to deal with such a situation in its history in this region. Many projects are on hold. The crisis of 9/11 did not interfere with the supply of money. This is a fundamental difference between the situation then and now.
We have already begun to see lay offs in the tourism sector and the crisis can only deepen. This is not a good time to be looking at world news on television as the stories are definitely not encouraging. The economic forecast indicates that it will get worse before it gets better and no one is prepared to predict its duration. No one knows for sure how deep is the hole and how many more industries will be seeking bail out. In St. Lucia while the Government is busy trying to put together a package of assistance for hoteliers, the wider private sector is calling for help as well.
There is always hope and while land tourism is expected to decline further, the cruise segment is at its best with as many as four ships in Port Castries some days. No one has so far volunteered the statistics on the level of business being done by vendors, restaurant owners and tour operators. The Blue Coral Property, formerly the M & C Building which was last owned by J. Q. Charles Ltd. finally opened its doors a few days before Christmas. All the shops and restaurants are not in operations as yet but it is a needed addition to the shopping and entertainment experience. A cinema will also be opened in the property.
I am beginning to hear in recent days concerns being openly expressed as to the state of the global economic crisis and how will St. Lucia cope with the fall out as the situation worsens. It doesn’t look good for the Caribbean and it is for this reason the gathering of tourism industry leaders is critical at this time.
In the final analysis it will get down to the individual – what steps each of us take to deal with our survival in these difficult times. In a long time, we have not been challenged as we are today. St. Lucians have a lot to be thankful for this year more than any other. Less we forget, the hurricane season was good to us. It passed without any serious disruption. We are coping with the high cost of living. We have life and most of all we have Hope! The New Year is upon us. While the past year has been nothing more than a nightmare for many, others have had a great year. I have learnt that in whatever state I find myself to give thanks. When a stock of the past year is taken you may be surprised that after all, it wasn’t as bad as many tend to believe. We need to take action that will impact not only on our lives but also on our communities. It is for this reason that I share my motivational pick with you.
SUCCESS REQUIRES WILLINGNESS TO ACT.
If you want to be successful, you can start at anytime.
But you must start.
Don’t make the mistake of not doing anything because you can only do a little. Do what you can do.
It will always be your attitude at the beginning of any difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
To be aware of what you want and not go after it, to spend years wondering if something could have materialized, and never knowing if it could have been, is a tragic waste of your life. The worst thing you can do is not to try.
To reach a port, you must sail.
You must sail, not lie at anchor.
You must sail off in the direction of your dreams, not drift.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
I am ready to predict that those of us with the right mental attitude, if we were broke for the season will have a change of fortune in 2009. There is something that tells me that 2009 is the year when the little man, out of necessity will reverse his fortune. Stop consuming the negatives all around you and make your move now to progress and prosper.
Do you have a positive feel on the future? Are you motivated to reach for the stars? Do you feel unstoppable? The year 2009 could be the year when your fortunes will change for the better and allow you to live the life you always dreamed of. This New Year’s Eve should not be about resolutions which are quickly forgotten, it should be about setting goals.
As always at this time of year, I recommend to my readers two must have gifts –a Bible and a Computer. I hope you accept this recommendation as in 2009 technology will make the difference in many lives and you can begin by equipping your businesses to take advantage of cutting edge technology geared to put you in the driver’s seat. Here is my gift to you – information you can use http://edharas.webprosperity.com
It is my sincere wish that you and your family have a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, A new Day is Dawning, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker, Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com
http://edharas.webprosperity.com