Taylor tops tourism

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), Barbadian Ralph Taylor, has been accorded the prestigious recognition as "Caribbean Tourism Media Personality of the Year".

CMEx, the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism, at its 5th Forum over the weekend, cited the hotelier as the individual in Caribbean tourism who exemplifies the term "media-friendly".

Taylor, who also is Chairman and Managing Director of Barbados' premier all-inclusive chain Almond Resorts, was recognized for his commitment to strengthening the relationship between Caribbean tourism and the media. CMEx also highlighted Taylor's accessibility to the media and his sincerity in dealing with media matters.

"I am honoured to be recognized by CMEx," said Taylor, who also was credited by the organizers for his strides in uniting the Caribbean's private and public sector to market the region as a single destination as chair of CHA's Charitable Trust.

Taylor said it is time for Caribbean hoteliers to fully integrate the media in the development of tourism policies and programmes. "The media and tourism stakeholders need to look at the future together, if our relationship is to flourish. Collectively, we must seek to create the right environment that would enhance tourism-community linkages, and ultimately, stimulate entrepreneurship."

He stressed that "tourism officials need to create programs to help the media develop programs, that present a fair and balanced picture of opportunities, threats, challenges and benefits for all in tourism."

Lelei LeLaulu, president of Counterpart International and producers of the biannual event, said Ralph Taylor "personifies the spirit of the Caribbean" and his success as a world class Barbadian, Caribbean and international hotelier will inspire the region's youth of today and tomorrow.

CMEx is a biannual gathering of leading journalists and editors from the Caribbean as well as Europe and North America in an environment that encourages the lively exchange of ideas between movers and shakers.

Focusing on "Tourism and Media: The Next Generation", writers and editors, government delegates, hoteliers, airline leaders, cruise experts and other members of the Caribbean hospitality industry, met for three days of intensive and lively dialogue and debate on how to ensure the region's best and brightest are drawn to the Caribbean's largest industry.

CMEx attracted a distinguished group of regional and international media, including Black Entertainment Television (BET), Cable News Network (CNN), Caribbean Media Corporation, National Geographic Traveler and Voice of America. 

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