| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 47 |
| Copyright: Other |
Barbados event
Over 100 UK agents set to attend tourism conference
Report by HELEN ARNOLD
The annual Caribbean Tourism Conference is expected to attract significant numbers of UK travel agents for the first time.Caribbean Tourism Organisation marketing director Jo Spalburg said this is the first year the conference, to be held in Barbados next month, has been actively marketed in the UK.
“Traditionally, it has been an event which has been dominated by North American agents but we have been stepping up our efforts here and have sent a mailshot to all the UK agents who have participated in our training programme “he said.
“UK visitors comprise the most number of tourists to Barbados from anywhere in the world, so it makes sense for UK agents to come over to the conference.”
Over 100 UK agents, compared with only a handful last year, are expected to attend the event being held on October 16-19 at the Sherbourne Conference Centre outside the capital Bridgetown. The main theme of the conference will be managing change in the 21st century, an issue which will be addressed by Tererell B Jones, president and chief executive officer of Web site Travelocity, in his keynote speech. “The focus is very much on new technology and the impact of the Internet,” said Spalburg.
“Agents need to rethink their strategy, either by diversifying or going with the flow. If an agent doesn’t belong to one of the multiples, they are more vulnerable to these changes, but they have several possibilities open to them. They can either become specialists, or offer a whole range of other services.”
Not only will agents be able to exchange ideas and contacts with UScolleagues, they will also be able to gain extra points towards their Caribbean Tourism Consultant Training qualification through attending sessions and post tours.
By attending the conference, agents can gain up to 21 points, which is sufficient to get to bronze level.
Playing host: Barbados is the base for this year’s Caribbean Tourism Conference