Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/1066/-1/137/
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COOPERATION KEY TO SUCCESS SAYS CHA HEAD
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The time has come for the private and public sectors to put aside their differences and come together in a positive and constructive manner. This was the message delivered by Alec Sanguinetti, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), at the Annual General Meeting of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) on Monday April 28.
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Mimi Gratton (left) speaks about website
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Speaking to a group of more than 40 AHTA members and other distinguished guests, Sanguinetti stressed the need for more cooperation between governments and the tourism industry around the region. "By combining our joint resources, as other global competitive regions are now doing successfully," explained Sanguinetti, "the Caribbean will be able to ensure that we remain the leading warm weather destination and will assist in securing our financial future for its people".
Sanguinetti substantiated his remarks by citing a number of recent statistical findings that show that Caribbean tourism, including Anguilla's, has faced a decline in tourism arrivals over the past two years as a result of world events, a faltering US economy and a lack of attention to the product. "Our Caribbean product is being challenged" he said." Today's traveller is more sophisticated and more demanding. Our industry must pay urgent attention to the improvement of our product in all areas. The private sector needs to increase its efforts to educate government on the economic impact of tourism... and tourist boards need to be structured to ensure that joint marketing and other opportunities are maximised."
"Consider this," mused Sanguinetti." The Caribbean has produced champion Olympic athletes, scholars of note, Nobel prize winners, our music touches the globe in all areas and the region has produced a number of other noteworthy achievements. But what about tourism? There seems to be a mental malaise in terms of moving forward," he challenged.
But he cautioned that all is not lost. "There are many opportunities available to us" he said. "The Caribbean is well positioned to reverse the current trend. The proximity to our number one market - North America. We are a safe and politically stable region. The Caribbean is now seen as a viable long haul alternative for the European market and Anguilla in particular is in the enviable position of being a high end destination which is more resilient to fluctuating economic conditions."
He concluded that private and public sector cooperation was fundamental to the continued success and growth of the tourism sector in the region.
"The Caribbean Hotel Association stands ready to move forward to achieve this necessary joint cooperation with the public sector and looks forward to doing so on an urgent basis,” he stated.
Sanguinetti was appointed Director General of CHA in January after serving as the organization's deputy director for the past ten years. His portfolio at CHA since 1993 included several major marketing initiatives including a small hotels programme and the Life Needs the Caribbean programme which is a multi-million dollar private-public sector funded campaign currently being promoted in the US and Europe.
The AHTA's 22nd annual AGM also included the delivery of the annual President's and Financial Reports and the election of officers. While AHTA President Fred Thompson (Carimar Beach Club) stepped down as President, after three years at the helm of the organisation, he accepted re-election to the Board of Directors for another term. Also re-elected was Lesly Lloyd (Tyden Air) who has served on the Board of Directors for the past ten years and Wilbert Fleming (Anguilla Great House Beach Resort) who was re-elected after a two year sabbatical. Anne Parles, owner-manager of Straw Hat Restaurant, was elected to fill the post left vacant by Douglas Eckel who resigned from the Board in June 2002. The 2003-2004 AHTA Board of Directors also comprises Sherille Hughes, Eustace Guishard, Karle Connor, Jacquie Ruan and Alecia Ballin. Elections to the Board's Executive will be held at the first meeting of the Board early next month.
Cross section of attendees at AHTA General Meeting
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