Martinique to host 2013 Caribbean Tourism Organization State of the Industry Conference

Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, the Martinique Commissioner for Tourism, addressed the closing ceremonies of the 2012 CTO Conference in St.

Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, the Martinique Commissioner for Tourism, addressed the closing ceremonies of the 2012 CTO Conference in St. Kitts inviting everyone to the 2013 Conference, which will move to Martinique where a French-Creole warmth awaits everyone.

In her address, Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille said: โ€œLadies and gentlemen, fellow Ministers and Directors of Tourism, distinguished guests, dear friends of the press – thank you for allowing me these precious moments to address you before we head for our homes.

โ€œIโ€™d like to begin by offering my sincere thanks and appreciation to Minister Skerritt on hosting such a wonderful conference these past few days. The success of this important event here on your home soil is a fitting tribute to your distinguished tenure as CTO Chairman. Weโ€™ll miss your stewardship, but Iโ€™m sure we can always count on your input and contributions well into the future.

โ€œIโ€™d also like to congratulate the esteemed Commissioner of Tourism from the US Virgin Islands, Mrs. Beverly Nicholson-Doty, on her election to succeed Minister Skerritt as the new Chair-woman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

โ€œYour achievements serve as an inspiration to women across the region, showing that vibrant and rewarding careers in tourism are possible for all Caribbean people, regardless of their gender. Iโ€™m sure I speak for the rest of my Tourism Minister colleagues in saying that we all very much look forward to your leadership in the years to come.

โ€œTwo years ago, when the current governing administration was elected in Martinique, we in the Martinique Tourism Authority adopted a new development strategy.

โ€œThis strategy was developed in close concert with the President of Martinique’s Regional Council, the Honorable Serge Letchimy, ensuring strong cooperation across a broad spectrum of key public and private sector stakeholders.

โ€œFor the first time in many years, travel and tourism interests in Martinique were united with one singular goal: to grow Martiniqueโ€™s tourism industry into the leading driving force of the islandโ€™s economy.

โ€œUnity on the home front in Martinique continues to be a critical component of our plan, but so too is unity on a larger pan-regional level.

โ€œOn its own, Martinique is strong. But united with you, our Caribbean neighbors, all of us working together to grow tourism to the entire region as a whole, we have the potential to be truly special.

โ€œEstablishing and maintaining closer ties with our Caribbean neighbors remains a key element of our development strategy. As a result, Martinique is now actively involved in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the OECS.

โ€œOver the past two years, Martinique has also increased its profile within CTO and CTDC, becoming a more active and vocal member to the benefit of our promotional efforts, particularly in the US and Canada.

โ€œFor next year, I have the pleasure to announce that Martinique will take another big step forward [in] our ever-strengthening commitment to CTO by hosting the 2013 State of the Industry Conference.

โ€œOn behalf of everyone at the Martinique Tourism Authority, the Martinique Regional Council, and the Honorable Serge Letchimy, let me say that we consider hosting this conference a great honor and are extremely proud of it. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Isle of Flowers next year and giving you a taste of our special brand of French-Creole warmth and hospitality.

โ€œFor now, I wish you a productive last day here in St. Kitts, a memorable closing party, and safe travels home.โ€

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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