Carol Hay, business development director, Caribbean Tourism Organisation, highlights five top tips to give agents a helping hand when selling Caribbean holidays to clients.
With borders opening up, and flights and cruise ships returning to the skies and seas, the Caribbean is poised for a vibrant comeback in 2022. So, what is the best way for agents to prepare their clients for their next trip to the Caribbean ? keep informed! Here are five key aspects to highlight when selling the Caribbean:
Accommodation
Though typically known for large all-inclusives, the Caribbean has a much wider selection of accommodation. With a notable increase in multigenerational travel, agents are encouraged to learn more about villas and apartments in the Caribbean, so we urge you to discover what?s available through the tourist board websites. Check out villas in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia. The Caribbean has also seen some new boutique hotels along with those long recognised for their ambience.
Adventure
Encourage your clients to get out and explore the Caribbean! The opportunities to walk, hike, cycle, sail, dive and snorkel are endless. There are amazing waterfalls to climb, mineral pools and mud baths to indulge in or bioluminescent lakes to kayak through. There are over 700 species of birds and an abundance of flower and fauna. Visitors can find their own spot by the beach, river or waterfall and experience the tranquility of relaxation with nothing but the birds and a cool Caribbean breeze around. For more on adventure visit Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, Belize, Dominica, Martinique, and Tobago.
Culture and heritage
The best way to truly understand a place and its people is to learn about and experience culture and heritage. There are libraries, museums, galleries, theatres, rum distilleries, great houses and forts waiting to be explored. A visit to the local market is a must; learn about the tropical fruits, herbs, spices and local beverages! There are skilled craftspeople in every resort, and they are able to create unique pieces from local products. Some of the events scheduled to return in 2022 include BVI Spring Regatta, Cayman Cookout, Grenada?s Chocolate Festival, St. Lucia Jazz Festival, St Patricks Festival Montserrat and Trinidad Carnival.
Weddings and honeymoons
There is no shortage of unique wedding venues in the Caribbean, whether it is an intimate wedding for two with local witnesses or a full-blown event with hundreds of guests. The laws do vary across the Caribbean, so it is best to keep informed about individual destinations. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Tobago can certainly provide lots of extras to ensure a perfect day!
Sustainability
Right across the Caribbean there are programmes in place to ensure that we reduce the impact of climate change, preserve the coastlines and marine life; maintain access to clean water; and reduce the use of single use plastic. We encourage agents to learn about as many of these programmes as possible and use this knowledge to guide their clients in selecting their next Caribbean experience.
Visit www.caribbean.co.uk for further information.
