SAINT LUCIA NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE NETWORK MARKETING SYSTEM TO MARKET ITS TOURISM PRODUCTS!!!
May 6, 2009
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE
SAINT LUCIA NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE NETWORK MARKETING SYSTEM TO MARKET ITS TOURISM PRODUCTS!!!
In the most difficult economic times, St. Lucians always find a way of escaping the impact of coping with their financial troubles if only temporarily. The next three months will be testing time for St. Lucia and in this period St. Lucia Jazz and Carnival will be very much on the minds of St. Lucians as they plan to participate in the events.
The mix of business and entertainment is one advantage of living in a country which is dependent on tourism. There is never a dull moment. The lifestyle of Caribbean people is the envy of many living in other parts of the world. Our citizens need to recognize the outstanding features of the St. Lucia Brand and promote it to the rest of the world.
The next level of tourism promotion will come from people who recognize the attractiveness of St. Lucia’s tourism products and are prepared to use all the tools (especially the internet) at their disposal to share the information with the peoples of the world. The time has come for the leaders in the tourism sector to look to St. Lucians at home and abroad and get them involve in promoting the brand – St. Lucia! This approach could be cost effective and will above all invoke the pride of St. Lucians in contributing to the industry that is the principal driver in the economy. St. Lucia cannot afford to pay for all the marketing efforts that will bring people to its shores. As a result, creative ways of involving the people must be found.
Has anyone in the tourism industry ever thought of introducing the Network Marketing approach to the promotion of the industry? Many major industries including insurance, telecommunications, real estate and travel have turned to the Network Marketing System to promote their businesses and maximise their sales. This is one marketing system that is yet to be adopted in the region. St. Lucia has the opportunity to be first.
In 1997 I was involved in the preparation of a document which was presented by SLISBA to the SLP Government. It called for the introduction of a system to promote St. Lucia globally with the introduction of Investment & Tourism Representatives who will give voluntary service. I believe that the contents of that proposal are even more relevant today than it was in 1997. It was easier then in terms of cost and competition. Since 1997 a number of destinations have stepped on the tourism ship for survival in an effort to earn foreign exchange and generate employment. While uncertainties and anxieties exist in the industry at this time, there is still hope but the potentials of the people to be involved in their business in a direct and positive manner should not continue to be ignored.
Indications are that the financial melt down is being arrested and things have begun to improve. The most influential professionals on economic matters in Washington are projecting a shorter recession than was expected. The numerous initiatives undertaken by President Obama in his first one hundred days have already begun to create an environment whereby confidence is gradually returning to the USA and the rest of the world. This is encouraging news for tourism and rather than thinking about further decline in the industry, a turn around is now possible.
The travel embargo being lifted for US based Cubans to visit their homeland brings the opening up of Cuba to all Americans closer. The challenge is to present the St. Lucia brand in a different light. It is necessary to find ways to get St. Lucians to visit their homeland and invite their friends. It is interesting to note that Brazil is being targeted but what is needed is to target the world with a global network marketing initiative.
The decline in international visitor arrivals, the high cost of airfares in the region, the H1N1 Flu threat and the inclement weather are not contributing to the anticipated success of St. Lucia Jazz 2009. However, we are better prepared this year than in the past 17 years so it is easy to conclude that the show will go on regardless of the current difficulties. See you at Pigeon Island.
Leave your troubles behind and dance. Happy Mother’s Day!
Keep the Faith; remember always God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Daily
Miracles!!!
Edward A. Harris
Freelance Journalist, Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com
http://www.islandpropertyguide.com (ECREDMC)
http://www.americasrealty.com