CHTA launches ‘One Caribbean Family’ initiative to help communities affected by recent hurricanes.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has launched a recent booking initiative. The objective is to allow hotels across the region help those who have been adversely impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The initiative also highlight over 70 percent of Caribbean destinations have not been affected by the hurricanes and are ready to welcome visitors as usual.
One Caribbean Family
CHTA’s “One Caribbean Family” movement has been developed to help the tourism industry rebound. It will serve as a hub for hotels, travel advisors and tour operators who would like to make a contribution through guest bookings.
Donations made through the initiative will be sent to the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund managed by Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization which has partnered with CHTA to anchor the tourism industry’s hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean.
Solidarity
“We want to show our solidarity with the Caribbean countries affected by these storms, not just in words but with actions that can bring relief to those in need,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, President of CHTA and executive director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain resorts in St. Lucia.”
“How can any hotel or hotel chain in the region and our trade partners feel good about securing incremental business as a result of other hotel closures due to hurricanes?” asked Troubetzkoy. “The need to come together and act as one Caribbean tourism family has never been greater,” she asserted.
The CHTA President applauded tourism industry partners who have launched fundraising initiatives of their own, but hopes these will not deter them from also participating in the One Caribbean Family initiative.
Leading by example
Troubetzkoy is leading by example, with her company pledging to donate up to $50 for each booking for travel between October 1, 2017 and December 19, 2018. “We started this pledge for direct reservations and bookings through our travel advisors,” Troubetzkoy said, “but now we are also including some wholesalers who will match our donation.”
Guests wishing to make additional contributions to the Fund will receive resort credits up to $250, depending on their contribution.
The Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund allows tourism industry stakeholders and friends of the region throughout the world to pool their resources in support of vulnerable, devastated parts of the Caribbean that welcome millions of visitors in a region that supports 2.4 million tourism-related jobs.
Compliments existing relief efforts
The Fund’s focus on the recovery of islands directly affected by the recent hurricanes complements existing relief efforts and gives the tourism industry a way to leverage its resources to help the region bounce back.
Participating hotels and trade partners will be showcased online and through a public relations and social media campaign.
Donations are tax deductible where applicable and can also be made directly online to Tourism Cares or by check payable to Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund c/o Tourism Cares, 20 Vernon St., Norwood, MA 02062, USA.
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