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MISSION
To deliver a visible, leading and effective (marketing) contribution towards a vibrant and sustainable Curaçao tourism and hospitality product.
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Content 5.
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A small summary of CHATA over the past years.
Get to know the CHATA Board and its role.
Meet the young faces behind CHATA.
INTRODUCTION REPORT
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MEET THE CHATA BOARD
MEET THE CHATA TEAM
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CHATA’s Strategy and Focus explained
A look back at our Stars of the Industry!
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CHATA’s Financial Statement and Audit Report
2018 Arrivals and Hotel Performance summarized.
An overview of CHATA Achievements in 2018.
COMMUNICATIONS DYNAMICS
CHATA’s Communication Strategy explained.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
STRATEGY & FOCUS
TOURISM PERFORMANCE
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Achievements of the Tourism Industry in 2018.
Our Top 5 reasons to become a CHATA Member.
INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS
WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
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MEET OUR STARS
CHATA ACHIEVEMENTS
Introduction
Despite the challenges that the tourism industry is regularly facing it is still the most resilient economic pillar of Curacao. In 2018 we have been able to grow our tourist arrivals, increase airlift to the destination from various markets, increase OCC, RevPar, and ADR despite the fact that Curaçao’s economy is not going through the best of times. Companies are forced to close their doors and the government is continuously reducing its budget. As a result, CTB still lacks funding to implement the tourism masterplan and invest in marketing of our destination. Furthermore, transportation for our tourists is still a challenge due to limited TW permits and inefficient taxi service on the island. And our members such as hotels and car rentals are increasingly becoming targets of criminal acts. Despite these challenges, as an association together with our partners we have been able to make strides forward to achieve the ultimate aim of sustainably growing the tourism sector. The level playing field committee finalized their recommendations with regards to the creation of a Level Playing Field on Curaçao, a new CEO was appointed for CTB and the new branding for the destination was launched. These achievements have been a joint effort of multiple partners such as the Curaçao Airport Partners, Curaçao Tourism Board and the Government. Furthermore, Curaçao also saw an increase in airlift, OCC, ADR & RevPar caused partially by an increase of demand due to increased brand awareness and on the other hand additional airlift that resulted from airlines that redirected their aircrafts to Curaçao due to several islands in the Caribbean still being out of business after the devastation of the Hurricane Season in 2017. In order to ensure sustained growth in the industry and jump start our economy we need structural change in all levels of the community, private sector and government. We need increased awareness on the importance of tourism and the collective responsibility we have as a community to develop the sector. Tourism is not a one man show, but rather an opportunity for us to collaborate and show the world the true potential of Curaçao.
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Board of Directors 2017/2018
Miles Mercera- President & CEO CHATA
Alette Borger Dolphin Suites Curaçao
Edward Suares - Chairman
Cedric Nubil - Chairman
Lionsdive Beach Resort
Hilton Curaçao
(Oct. ‘17 - Mar. ‘18)
Maylin Trenidad Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino
(Jan. - Aug. ‘17)
Jorge Espejo - Secretary (Jan. - Oct. ‘17)
Sunscape Beach Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Omar van der Dijs Vice Chairman Licores Maduro
Sander Winterberg Livingstone JanThiel Resort
Jeroen Kibbelaar - Treasurer Impacto BV & Securitas BV
Peggy Croes Curaçao Airport Partners
Robbin Vogels Avila Beach Hotel
Frank Holtslag Floris Suite Hotel
Hans Slier Papagayo Group
Oliver Zahn Baoase Luxury Resort
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Board of Directors 2018/2019 2018/2019
Miles Mercera- President & CEO CHATA
Hans Slier - Chairman Papagayo Group
Omar van der Dijs - Vice Chairman Licores Maduro
Robbin Vogels - Treasurer Avila Beach Hotel
Maylin Trenidad - Secretary Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino
Alette Borger Dolphin Suites Curaçao
Frank Holtslag Floris Suite Hotel
Peggy Croes Curaçao Airport Partners
Oliver Zahn Baoase Luxury Resort
Julián Castañeda Sunscape Beach Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Stephane Clar Hilton Curaca̧ o
Jerry van Gijn Maduro & Curiels Bank
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The Role of our Board CHATA’s Board currently consists of 11 fiduciaries representing 11 parties holding a CHATA membership. Board members are competent representatives of the CHATA members and are elected every 2 years to ensure that CHATA members are provided equal opportunity to have supervision and say in CHATA operations. Board members vacate their positions by rotation of 2 years, the current Board of Directors consists of a group of Board members that have been elected in 2019. CHATA’s board, in conjunction with CHATA’s President & CEO, steer the association towards success by ensuring proper governance and by adopting and ensuring adherence to financial management policies. CHATA’s board has a dual mandate;The Board provides advice, guidance and moreover functions as a supervisory entity monitoring the association’s performance, enacting upon points of attention should this be required.
As we are progressing into the 21st century, CHATA has understood and wholeheartedly embraced the good governance principle. The Board of Directors ensures that CHATA embraces good governance in its day-to-day operations by ensuring accountability, transparency and equitability.
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Meet the 2019 Team Miles Mercera President & CEO
Vianny Henriquez Marketing & Product Manager Crystal Willems Marketing & Research Executive
Selina Maduro-Gumbs Marketing & Corporate Events Senior Executive
In 2018 CHATA bid farewell to Victoria Liendo after 2.5 years of great service to the association. Victoria continued her journey within the tourism industry with CHATA Member Ocean Encounters. CHATA is very grateful for the contribution of Victoria in the past years and wishes her the best of luck in her new journey.
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Communication Dynamics CHATA is a dynamic association and incorporates its dynamics into its membership benefits. CHATA communicates latest developments that are beneficial information or can affect CHATA Members in any way through several mediums. CHATA communicates through its monthly Newsletter, frequent Newsflashes, Alerts on situations requiring precautions, and annual Hurricane Preparedness Kit. CHATA also focuses on keeping members informed on latest trends. CHATA gives members the opportunity to showcase their product through the quarterly Product Update. These mediums serve to keep our members informed through digital communication. CHATA also has numerous interactions with its members to accentuate the benefits of a CHATA membership.
CHATA organizes a minimum of 3 Membership Meetings and Marketing Task Force meetings annually, in which members can express their concerns, provide feedback and brainstorm together with CHATA and the Curaรงao Tourist Board on potential solutions to points of attention. In addition to the Membership meetings and Marketing Task Forces, CHATA also gathers key influencers in many of its Breakfast Meetings and Lab Sessions, in which subjects of importance to the sector are discussed in depth with key private and public-sector partners. In order to tackle challenges, CHATA has several Task Forces in place acting as troubleshooters that advocate points of particular interest. CHATA also realizes that members require attention individually, and therefore regularly schedules CHATA Meets sessions, where the CEO of CHATA meets one on one with its members to provide a keen and listening ear to member concerns, while jointly brainstorming and, if necessary, working towards a solution.
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Strategy & Focus Destination & Product Marketing
Ensure that Curaçao and its products are adequately promoted by influencing the marketing strategy set by CTB through active collaboration between both organizations. Pro-actively initiate marketing activities for the sector.
Air Service – Retention & Growth
CHATA to secure growth mainly for the North American Market and secondly for the South American Market and retain airlift from Europe by working closely with all existing airlines and actively search for new carriers together with CTB and Curaçao Airport Partners/Curaçao Airport Holding.
Product & Human Resources Development
Create value for all members by providing a platform for collaboration and innovation within the sector. Supporting growth and product development of members by being a source of quality industry information and analysis. Support all Safety & Security efforts and cleanliness projects. Identify industry educational and training needs and set a strategy together with members to cope with the current needs.
Advocacy & Lobbying on behalf of the Sector
Working together is a must, on all fronts. CHATA to actively remind government, CTB and others on the importance of aligning our efforts and jointly invest in the markets. In addition to this CHATA also makes sure that important issues that affect the tourism industry are addressed by the government and relevant stakeholders.
Communication (Voice of the Sector)
CHATA to increase its visibility and recognition as the tourism expert by becoming more vocal and active.
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Stars of the Industry Q1 - 2018 at Aloe Vera Plantation
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Azaria Sabina Crew Coordinator at Papagayo Beach Hotel Azaria does not waste an opportunity to help the guest and always makes sure her work is thoroughly prepared prior to starting her shift. - Papagayo Beach Hotel Team
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Meet our Stars Stars of the Industry Q2 - 2018 at Hato Caves
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Juan Luis Saumeth Costa Chief Steward at Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino Whenever help is needed, Juan is there to give a helping hand making sure that not only his area is well taken care off, but the entire F&B department. - Renaissance Curaçao Team 12
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Stars of the Industry Q3 - 2018 at Nemo Restaurant
Tirson Sint Jago Entertainment Staff at Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
great employee. He is always happy entertaining our guests! “ Tirson is aand - Sunscape Curaçao Team
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of the Industry
Stars of the Industry Q4 - 2018 at Mood Beach
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Stacy-Caine Trotman Warehouse Supervisor at Senior & CO Landhuis Chobolobo We are talking about a lady with guts, high speed and passion. The perfect combination to celebrate your party... - Landhuis Chobolobo Team 13
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Financial Update Statement of Financial Position as per December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017 ANG ANG ASSETS Current Assets Cash & Cash Equivalants 254,305 185,720 Accounts Receivable 143,875 139,932 Other Receivables & Prepaid Expenses 31,932 29,510 Non-current assets Tangible fixed assets 21,296 19,677 Intangible fixed assets 21,063 39,412
TOTAL ASSETS 472,473 414,251 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable 26,309 6,398 Other Payables 25,109 23,244 Tax & Social Premiums 9,031 8,501 NET ASSETS 412,023 376,109
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
472,473
414,252
Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Year Ended 2018
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017 ANG ANG INCOME Membership Dues 687,966 749,261 Other Income 319,096 176,856 TOTAL INCOME 1,007,062 926,116
EXPENSES Personnel Expenses 416,615 401,352 Office Expense 73,010 62,578 Gerenal Expense 64,196 79,263 Depreciation & Amortization 32,178 32,281 Privision for Doubtful Debts 855 27,736 Membership Development & Marketing Expenses 50,211 52,164 Project Costs 154,278 71,744 Product Development & Marketing Expenses 179,804 159,551
TOTAL EXPENSES 971,148 886,669 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/LOSS FOR THE YEAR
35,914 39,448 14
CHATA continued to reap its benefits of outsourcing all financial administration tasks with the aim to increase member satisfaction by focusing on membership value. IBCTC (Prior known as The Business Factory) is the partner for business administration expertise. IBCTC has been in charge of CHATA’s daily administrative and financial tasks with a strong focus on Membership Billing & Processing. CHATA’s finance saw a decrease in membership dues of 8.2%. Total expenses remained well within budget. CHATA booked a positive result of NAF. 35,914 for 2018.
Operational Expenses
CHATA’s expenses increased by 9.5% in comparison to last year.
Accounts Receivables & Cash Flow
The year 2018 ended with an accounts receivable balance of NAF. 143,875.
Audit by Grant Thornton
Audit took place in December 2018 and January, February & March 2019, with a focus on a true and fair view of the financial position of CHATA. The audit included an analysis of CHATA’s financial performance and cash flows for the year. Audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing.
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Tourism Performance Tourism Arrivals
In 2018, Curaçao experienced an increase in visitor arrivals and visitor nights. The growth is mainly subscribed to the growth in visitors from the USA and the Netherlands who grew with 19% and 11% respectively. CTB reported a growth of 8% in stayover visitors to Curaçao in 2018. In total 431,667 stay over visitors were welcomed in the course of this year. In absolute numbers this is 32,654 additional stayover visitors. Despite the decrease in visitor arrivals, Curaçao recorded a decrease in visitor nights of only 0.9% and an increase of length of stay of 9.9%. The increase in visitor nights can be largely subscribed to an increase in length of stay of the US Market. Tourism generated Nafl. 1.563,1 million in 2018. Utilizing the ‘Turistika Model’, CTB and Ministry of Economic Development calculated in terms of the contribution to our economy, that tourism contributed with a direct impact of Nafl. 956.7 million in the year 2018. This is an increase of 1% compared to the year 2017.
Hotel Performance
Hotel Occupancy in 2018 was 77.8%, while in 2017 it was 72.7%. As compared to 2017 Hotel Occupancy increased by 5.8 percentage points. Average Daily Rates went up from $144.30 in 2017 to $162.42 in 2018. The Revenue Per Available Room has increased with $23.72, being $104.98 in 2017 as compared to $128.70 in 2018.
Average Hotel Occupancy: 77.8% Average Daily Rate: $162.42 Revenue Per Available Room: $128.70
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Chata Achievements Curaçao Culinary Team
Curaçao’s Culinary Team has successfully represented Curaçao at the 2018 Taste of the Caribbean competition organized by the Caribbean Hotel & tourism Association (CHTA) in Miami. These highly motivated young chefs and bartender had the opportunity to create signature dishes and have various guests enjoy their creations. CHATA is a great supporter of this event and believes that it is a great tool to create awareness, support the development of our young professionals in the tourism industry and showcase our local abilities and delicacies to the world. The Taste of the Caribbean consisted of a pastry and chocolate competition, beef and seafood competition, a team competition where the Culinary Team cooked for 40 people and several bartender competitions. In addition to this the team also had the opportunity to prepare local bites for the guests of the ‘Caribbean 305 consumer event. The Curaçao Culinary team amassed 9 medals at the Taste of the Caribbean. Jurnick Merced won a gold medal in the Bartender competition and was awarded with the best cocktail for the Bartending Mystery Basket competition! The Curaçao Culinary Team won silver for the overall team competition; Jereld Balentien won bronze in the Chef of the year competition. In the Beef competition, Jévgeny Hasselmeijer won a Bronze Medal. In the Junior Competition, Brayan Arroyo won a Silver Medal; In the Chocolate competition Dane Ribeiro won a Silver medal. In the Pastry Chef Competition, Sjagnon Winklaar won a Bronze medal. Lastly, Jereld Balentien participated in the Seafood Competition and won a Bronze medal. The success of the Culinary Team depends on more than just the team members. Sponsors, coaches and judges also played a vital part in the team’s success. CHATA is gratefull for the sponsors; Landhuis Chobolobo, TUI, Caña Bar & Kitchen, Mosa Restaurant, Licores Maduro, Bacardi, Dolce Vita, Firgos, Deli Nova, Centrum Supermarket, Luke’s Cocktailbar, Curoil, DHL, Luxury Taxi Service, Café Barista, CINEX, Curacao Tourism Board, Windcreek, Curaçao Academy Hotel, Caribbean Bakery, Mangusa Supermarket, Fuik Microgreens, Caribbean Legacy, De Jongh’s Printing, Adorable Cakes, Cake Faces, Curaçao Delights, Bliss Sweets, Curaçao Creations, Leañez, Margil Party Rental, Dani’s Fruit Center, Amazia, Stacey Embroidery, Frog Media, Pluz Marketing, De Jongs Sporthuis, Hilton Curaçao, D&I Business Support, Experentia, TeleCuraçao, Thelma & Louise, Me & Uniforms, Caribbean Cargo, All Stars, Coca Cola, La Vie en Rose and CHATA. CHATA also extends his gratitude to the tireless team of coaches and judges; international judge Raakesh Madoo (CHTA - Taste of the Caribbean Head Judge), Fenton Thomasita (Bartender Association) , Vanessa Venturini (General Manager - Papagayo Beach Club), international celebrity chef and winner of Caribbean Chef of the year 2006, Hans van Triest, Frans Smits (Capriles Kliniek), Jeroen van der Velden (Gouverneur), Carlos Anthonij (Nemo), Helmie Smeulders (Spice Girl), Mike Pastoor (Avila Beach Hotel) and Toon Kennis (Maris Stella). 17
Nos Turismo Street Quiz
In 2018, CHATA launched the second season of the NosTurismo Awareness Campaign. Whereas the previous season showcased a person working in the sector or closely related to the sector, in this season a host quizzed various people within the community on their knowledge about tourism. The goal of the campaign was to increase the awareness regarding the impact and importance of tourism.
CHATA’s Product Update report
Each quarter, CHATA identified key insights on all noteworthy updates from all CHATA members and compiled these in its quarterly Product Update Report that is shared with tour operators, travel agents, PR agencies and other key stakeholders.
In Curaçao – CHATA In Room Magazine
The 2018 edition of the CHATA in-room Magazine and visitors guide, InCuraçao was launched in December 2017. In this edition, we focused on bringing our local experiences to live. The InCuraçao magazine showcases different experiences and things to do on the island based on 6 travel types namely, The Gentle Explorer, The Cultural Explorer, Crazy Spirit, No Hassle Traveler, Solo Traveler and Foodie. In addition to this InCuraçao Magazine also launched the experiential video showcasing Curaçao from the perspective of a cultural traveler. The video is available through the social media of CHATA. The InCuraçao magazine is available in all CHATA Accommodations. A special thanks to Fortress Interactive for making the InCuraçao Magazine a reality.
Active Participation at Fairs & International Tradeshows
CHATA attended several tradeshows and represented its members at Vakantie Beurs, ANATO, CHTA Marketplace, ITB, Meetings with Airlines, Wholesalers and many more! (All partners received a Trip Report.)
CHATA & GreenKidz join forces
In partnership with Greenkidz, CHATA visited several primary schools in January February and March of 2018 to speak about the importance of tourism. The aim was for students to get better acquainted with the concept of tourism and how they can contribute to the industry by keeping our island clean.
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CHATA Trainings & Workshop
In its efforts to increase the language proficiency in the tourism sector, the CHATA Academy provided language courses to tourism professionals in Curaรงao. Through these courses CHATA wants to equip our tourism professionals with the necessary tools to provide a better experience to our visitors by being able to speak their native language. In 2018 CHATA provided courses in German, Spanish and Portuguese. A total of 29 participants took part of the various language courses. Furthermore, CHATA also organized 2 cycles of the Revenue Management course and a workshop on Up & Cross Selling Techniques for its members. A total of 33 participants enrolled in the Revenue Management course. And a total of 16 participants enrolled in the Up & Cross Selling Techniques training.
CHATA Island Job Fair
In August of 2018, CHATA organized a job fair for the local community. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to meet with over 25 local employers who were looking for new talents for their company. The participating companies provided career opportunities in a variety of fields such as the Hospitality Sector, Financial Sector and Legal Sector. The participating companies had over 100 vacancies ranging from internships, entry positions to managerial positions. Furthermore, job seekers also had the opportunity to attend several workshops throughout the day who would better prepare them to land their dream job in the near future. The goal of the event was to showcase to the community that the tourism industry has many job opportunities and to assist the members in finding qualified and talented employees.
CHATA Taskforces
CHATA has many taskforces that focus on the development of specific areas within the tourism sector. These Include the Dive Task Force, HR Task Force, Attractions Task Force, Culture, Heritage and Arts Task Force, Wellness Task Force, Sustainability Task Force, Safety & Security Task Force, Luxury Task Force and Restaurant Task Force. Please find below an update on some of the accomplishments of our task forces in 2018.
Dive Task Force One of the most active task forces of CHATA is the dive task force. The dive task force consists of several dive shops that work together to further promote Curaรงao as a dive destination. Furthermore, they also advocate for the protection and restauration of our coral reefs and protection of our dive sites from marine debris. Several dive shops joined the Project Aware initiative where they committed to adopting their house reef and organize monthly clean up events.
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HR Task Force The CHATA HR Task Force focuses on human capital development. With the help of the HR Task Force CHATA determines which courses and workshops it will provide during the year and organizes HR events such as the Island Job Fair. Attractions Task Force The Attractions Task Force focuses on the promotion of the on-island activities. In 2018 the task force developed a map which includes all on island activities. The map will be placed in different areas around the island. The first map was placed at the mega pier. The map will also be used to promote the activities at the different trade shows in the form of a post card. Culture Heritage & Arts Task Force In 2018, CHATA launched the first Culture Heritage & Arts Task force. The aim of the task force is to promote our culture, heritage and arts scene with the tourists and further develop our product offering in this area. Wellness Task Force CHATA also launched the Wellness task force in 2018. The goal of the task force is to promote the wellness product offering in the destination. In 2018, the Wellness task force organized a wellness week, where several members had great deals on various wellness products such as massages, yoga retreats and healthy lunches.
Stars of the Industry
CHATA continued to recognize its employees and supervisors during the year. In 2018 CHATA had the pleasure of awarding 89 employees with the Stars of the Industry Award. A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors of the event, which provided the nominees with a small token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication for the industry. 2018 Sponsors: CurAloe, Serena’s Art Factory, United Distributors, Myronchi Trip, CineMark, BlueBay Golf & Beach Resort, Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino and Landhuis Bloemhof.
CHATA Launches Silent Auction
In an effort to raise funds to be able to continue to contribute to the development of Curacao’s tourism industry, CHATA organized its annual Silent Auction in November of 2018. The CHATA Silent auction is one of the many fundraising events CHATA organizes throughout the year. During the Silent Auction the local community had the opportunity to bid on various auction items ranging from hotel accommodations, airline tickets, to activities generously provided by CHATA members. With the silent auction CHATA was able to raise Nafl.10,075.60The funds raised through the Silent Auction are invested in tourism development projects such as tourism awareness campaigns, human capital development and promotion of the destination.
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Annual General Member Meeting
On April 9, 2018, CHATA held its Annual General Member Meeting where members had the opportunity to elect the new board for 2018 and approve the associations budget for the year. Furthermore, CHATA invited Dr. Steven Martina to elaborate on his economic recovery plan for Curaçao. In addition to this CHATA in partnership with CINEX invited international guest speaker, Mr. Leithland Thomas, Chief Technology Officer of Ledgly, to inform all attendees about Blockchain and the opportunities it provides to the hospitality sector.
MCB Breakfast Meeting
In October 2018, CHATA held a Breakfast Meeting where various heads of hotel associations were invited to elaborate on the developments within the Caribbean Tourism Industry. Stacy Cox (CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel Association), Martha Valdivia (Director of Membership Development, CHTA) and Tisa LaSorte (CEO of AHATA) provided insights on the tourism challenges they face in their respective countries. Furthermore, the executives touched base on the structure of the Associations and the partnership with tourism board of the islands.
CHATA hosts Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives Retreat
In the week of October 15th, 2018 CHATA hosted the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) executive retreat. For the first time in history a Dutch Caribbean island was the host of this event. During the week, the CHTA executives held several meetings to discuss issues such as last year’s hurricane devastations and the role of CHTA in elevating the Caribbean as a region. Furthermore, executives of the CSHAE also took the time to elaborate on developments and views regarding the local tourism industry in each island. As part of the retreat in Curaçao, the delegates enjoyed a full program which includes a walking dinner in Pietermaai a breakfast meeting with CHATA membership hosted by MCB, a full day of internal meetings hosted by ACOYA, a communication workshop hosted by Serena Art Factory, A Caribbean dinner hosted by the Curacao Culinary Team and the Renaissance Curaçao, Sunset Boat trip in Spaanse Water by At Sea Curacao, Tambu and Pan Sera workshops and much more. The retreat was hosted by Livingstone Janthiel Resort, Papagayo Curaçao and Morena Resort. Special thanks to Luxury Taxi Services and Scooby Tours who took care of all their transportation needs.
Level Playing Field
In August of 2018, the Level Playing Field Committee which was installed early 2018 provided its recommendations to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Economic Development on how to promote a level playing field where all active tourism entities who benefit from the tourism industry also financially contribute to its development. The Level Playing Field Committee recommends the introduction of a mandatory registration system for all accommodation rental providers in 2019.
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The registration system will provide new insight to the government into all entities who are currently renting accommodations to tourists. Furthermore, the registration system will increase governmental effectiveness in increasing compliance whilst reducing unnecessary and costly red tape. The Committee submitted a proposal for a new National Ordinance regarding the introduction of this registration system for accommodations that is ready for approval. The committee now awaits for the Ministers to draft a “landsbesluit” for the implementation phase which will likely take place in 2019.
VBC/CHATA Luncheon
CHATA together with VBC hosted a luncheon in December 2018. During this luncheon, the CEO of CTB, Mr. Paul Pennicook provided his vision for the development of tourism moving forward with 230 guests in attendance. In addition to this CHATA also had the opportunity to share the importance of investing in tourism with the guests that attended the event. By partnering with VBC, CHATA was able to reach a much broader crowd in the private sector. The luncheon was a fundraising event and part of the proceeds went to CHATA.
Flavors of Curaçao
On September 29, 2018, CHATA organized the Flavors of Curaçao event. The biggest fundraising event of the association. 4.000 guests had the opportunity to savor delicacies provided by the 25 participating restaurants. New additions to the 2018 edition was the live cooking demo where Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a 3-course menu prepared by international chefs in an intimate setting and the finale of the Curaçao Culinary Team Bartender competition, to elect the new bartender who will form part of the Curaçao Culinary Team. Flavors of Curaçao was heavily promoted online in partnership with SPIN Media. Flavors also received great collaboration of the press in promoting the event on TV Radio and Newspaper. This year CHATA also partnered with other events such as Pride and Kosecha Kultural in order to attract a bigger audience. CHATA is extremely grateful to the many sponsors of the event that made this year’s Flavors of Curaçao possible.
Member Meeting
In 2018, CHATA held several Member Meetings to provide its members with an update of the industry. Often CHATA also invites keynote speakers to elaborate on trending topics affecting the industry. This year CHATA selected keynote speakers based on specific topics such as opportunities to increase the impact of tourism on our local economy and accelerate economic development and the power of harnessing data and most of all keeping it safe.
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Travel Agent Rewards Program
Curaรงao Airport Partners NV (CAP) and CHATA successfully launched a pilot Travel Agents Rewards Program on June 1, 2018 in the USA And Canada. Soon after the program was also launched in the German Market. The objective of the program is to stimulate sales through travel agents and further promote our destination in the North American and German Market. Through the program CHATA, CAP, Curaรงao Tourist Board (CTB) and the participating hotel partners will be able to collect important data for the destination, such as which agents and agencies are currently selling Curaรงao and which platform is most efficient. CHATA, CAP and CTB will also connect directly with the agents through the program to inform them of new events and updates happening on the island. In addition to this Curaรงao will also provide periodical training sessions and invite the agents for educational trips to the island.
Islandify
Profound Projects in partnership with CHATA launched their new platform Islandify. Islandify is a new directory platform designed to help consumers find local businesses such as restaurants, supermarkets, beauty salons and gas stations on the island. In addition to this it also provides the user the ability to explore new places based on his/her preference. In addition to increasing local business accessibility, Islandify also provides an interactive platform for businesses to connect with their customers by providing users with the ability to rate review and share their experiences. Profound Projects and CHATA are very enthusiastic for this project that is now available to the public on www.islandify.com.
Beroepenmarkt
On November 7 & 8, CHATA together with TUI had a booth at the beroepenmarkt that was held at the WTC. The aim of the beroepenmarkt was to inform students about the career opportunities that the industry provides. Several of the members of CHATA volunteered at the booth to provide information to students.
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Industry Achievements Airlift
The year 2018 was a great year for airlift development. Many of the airlines that service Curaçao added additional rotations. COPA increased its service to a daily rotation to Panama. AirCanada added additional service to Montreal in the Winter Season. American Airlines increased its service to 3 daily flights starting Winter Season 2018. Divi Divi Air expanded its portfolio with flight from Curaçao to Aruba. KLM increased its rotations in December and finally, JetBlue added a 4th rotation in the summer months. Curaçao also welcomed new and or returning airlines to the destination. Condor launched a new service from Curaçao to Frankfurt. Laser Airlines and Avior Airlines resumed service to Caracas. Corendon/Divi Divi air debuted a direct flight to São Paulo. Connectivity to the Dominican Republic was restored with the launch of a direct service to Santo Domingo.
Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival
In 2018, Curaçao was once again the host of the North Sea Jazz Festival. The event was held from August 30 till September 1 at the World Trade Center. The sector is extremely happy with the return of this important event to the island as it creates great exposure for Curaçao abroad and contributes greatly to the economy of the island.
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Your Chata Membership
1.
TRANSPERENCY
We engage in frequent dialogues with our members to inform them of our actions and to remain up to date on their concerns.
LEADERSHIP
We are recognized as the voice of the industry. We develop innovative plans of action that set the tone within the tourism industry.
3.
EXPERTISE
Our research department provides you with up to date information, which contributes to the reliability of your trend forecasts and assists in gearing your product development in the right direction.
VIBRANCY
Our pro-active approach to challenges and opportunities within the industry enables us to provide you with accurate and timely information
5.
2.
PARTNERSHIP
4.
We promote strong Public Private Partnership with all entities, to grow our tourism industry
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Why become a member? %
Take advantage of marketing discount from CHATA
Online vacancy feature list
International representation
Voice of the Industry: CHATA connections PRICELESS
100+ meetings & networking opportunities
Latest news & trends in your inbox
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