CMEx 2009 AN OPPORTUNITY MISSED!

December 9, 2009

Edward Harris At Large!

CMEx 2009 AN OPPORTUNITY MISSED!

The 18th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism Conference with the theme “Multicultural Marketing: A Climate for Change” was held in St. Lucia, December 3-7, 2009 at the Coco Palm Hotel, Rodney Bay. The conference was a resounding success.

The conference was addressed by Entrepreneurs and professionals in many areas of endeavour including, tourism, airline, public relations, marketing, shipping, real estate, venture capital, photography, image consulting, environmental planning, Diaspora affairs, change-engine consulting, climate change consulting, television, media, entertainment, business management, finance and travel services.

Operators within the local tourism sector were very hospitable in their sponsorship and afforded both local and foreign participants the opportunity to experience St. Lucia’s tourist offerings. Apart from the conference hotel – Coco Palm, participants were entertained at Cap Maison Hotel, Rendezvous Hotel, Jade Mountain, Bay Gardens Hotel, Sandals Grande. A day trip to Soufriere on one of the Carnival Sailing boats with visits to the Sulphur Springs, Fond Doux Estate, Hotel Chocolat and the Tet Paul Nature Trail provided a real opportunity for the group to experience the beauty of St. Lucia. In spite of the difficulties being faced by the local tourism sector and businesses in general, the sponsorships of local hotels and businesses were outstanding.

Members of the Board of the Soufriere Development Foundation and Senator, Hon. Allen Chastanet, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation met with the Group at Jade Mountain on Saturday, December 5, 2009 and took the opportunity to discuss the state of tourism in Soufriere and the nation as a whole. Based on the presentations, the future of tourism looks good in spite of the challenges currently facing the industry.

St. Lucian journalists missed an opportunity to interact with their counterparts and share the rich experiences of the entrepreneurs and professionals who contributed to the various discussions. Information is key as journalists seek to inform and educate their audiences. It was truly a missed opportunity.

The networking opportunity was great and is continuing as many participants utilize Facebook and Linkedin to maintain the dialogue. There are many matters that arose during the discussions that were eye opening. It was observed that the Caribbean is one of the most climate friendly nations in the world. The richness of our Biodiversity is among the best in the world. Climate is a natural asset. However, soon there will be the issue of about Oceanic Acidification – this will be the most troubling for the citizens of the world.

Mr. Bevan Springer and his team did an excellent job in the execution of the conference and I am convinced that the timing of the conference was perfect as St. Lucia’s profile as a tourist destination has been further enhanced by the global coverage that the conference received. The agenda of the conference can be viewed at www.caribbeanmediaexchange.com and hopefully, presentations will be posted shortly.

Hereunder is my selected motivational pick of the week:

Success Is Determined On The Drawing Board
It isn’t enough to just want to be successful. You’ve got to ask yourself: “What are you going to do to get the things in life you want?”
Your problem is to bridge the distance which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach. Planning brings your future into the present so you can do something about it now.
Somewhere there is a map of how it can be done. All you need is a good plan, and the courage to press on to your destination.
A well built house is started with a definite purpose and a set of blueprints. Your plan should provide the pattern for the actions you’ll take. Take time each day to study, think and plan.
Plan your steps, then implement your plan, then review your results. Do this frequently and make the appropriate alterations to your plan, and you’ll develop the power that will bring you to success.
No one was ever lost on a straight road.
© 2009 YourDailyMotivation.com

Keep the Faith, God is in Charge and expect Daily Miracles!

Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Realtor, Business & PR Consultant
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com
www.cariblist.com St. Lucia – Agent ECREDMC

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