MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (January 11, 2014) - Caribbean hospitality professional and regional vice president of franchise service and programs for Choice Hotels International, Bill Clegg, has called on the tourism industry to support efforts to promote the Caribbean as a single destination.
Speaking ahead of the 2014 edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, slated for Jamaica this weekend, Clegg believes it's time for all stakeholders in the tourism industry to fully embrace regional marketing.
The North Carolina-based Clegg, who also serves as regional vice president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and chairman of its membership committee, said global competition is not a figment of our imaginations: "It's real and the region has to elevate its game."
Clegg reported the Caribbean is a frequently requested destination from Choice Hotels guests so the region should try to find ways to keep this interest alive.
Regional marketing programs developed by the CHTA and its public sector partner the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) help to properly communicate the value of the Caribbean brand, "but they can't succeed without more consolidated support from their members."
Clegg echoed CTO Chairman Beverly Nicholson-Doty's Christmas wish for the Caribbean tourism sector "that we commit to promoting the region as one destination throughout 2014 ...so that the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, which we own jointly with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, can bolster our campaign for the region's benefit."
Clegg concurred there was a huge opportunity awaiting the region not only in the traditional North American and European markets, but also in emerging markets, including long haul destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, South America, the Middle East and Africa.
"But we first have to get our act together and promote the Caribbean, with its many wonderful attractions, as one region," he urged.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2013, 371 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 84 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide. All hotels are independently owned and operated.
Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges rewards program. With more than 18 million members worldwide, it is one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs in the travel industry.
Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.
Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc. and its subsidiaries.
© 2014 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
Jamaica News