Island Routes to host region’s first Caribbean Attractions Conference

World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company to stage inaugural Island Routes Certified Partner Conference in Jamaica

Five top attractions providers and tour operators in Antigua will join over 50 of their Caribbean counterparts in Jamaica to discuss industry challenges and opportunities for growth and development when Island Routes Caribbean Adventures hosts its inaugural Island Routes Certified Partner Conference later this month.

Slated for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort from September 13 – 16, 2016, the conference will feature presentations from Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, Director of the Centre for Tourism and Policy and Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies, Professor Ian Boxill and Tara Lano, Director of Product Planning and Promotions, Leisure, Flight Centre, USA, one of the world’s largest travel companies and retail travel outlets.

The local tour operators who will attend the conference are Adventure Antigua, Antigua Rainforest Company, National Tours & Services, Rendezvous Tours, and Tropical Adventure.

The revolutionary event is spearheaded by Island Routes’ Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart who said the conference would allow stakeholders to collectively assess the state of the industry and discuss possible solutions for existing challenges. He said, This is an exciting, billion-dollar industry, not just for Jamaica but for the entire region. Numerous opportunities exist but there are also many challenges. This conference will provide a platform for this growing community to come together, share ideas, discuss the difficulties and determine how, as a region, we can overcome these and better position ourselves to take advantage of all the available opportunities.”

As a five-time recipient of the World Travel Award for the World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company, Island Routes is a respected authority within the sector and this conference represents its newest initiative to support attractions providers across the region.

The company will also use the opportunity to launch its Island Routes Certified Partner Programme continued commitment to delivering first-class service to its customers and to show recognition for the strict operational standards maintained by its partners.  Stewart explained, “We know that by helping our partners to grow, we will ensure that Island Routes and the entire tours and attractions industry continues to provide the latest and greatest experiences for visitors. We want to create an industry benchmark that attractions providers and consumers can recognize and trust.  We hold our partners to rigorous checks and standards and believe that they should be recognized for their commitment to meeting these.”

Stewart added, “We always strive to deliver experiences that exceed guests’ expectations and motivates customers to book incredible adventures.  These experiences often lead to community engagements and ultimately linkages for extensive economic benefits. We recognise that this would not be achievable without our valued partners. It is after all their products that keep customers coming back time and time again!

Presentations from the conference’s primary speakers will be streamed live and links to additional video content will be shared following the event.  Streaming information will be publicized in the days leading up to the conference.

About Island Routes Caribbean Adventures

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures offers guests the ultimate in Caribbean destination experiences, bringing together and certifying the premier excursions that spotlight what is unique and beautiful in each of its island locations.  Island Routes Caribbean Adventures defines the true island experience as a way of life.

They are much more than tours and excursions; they inspire visitors to LIVE FUNNER, get off the grid and dive into the heart of the islands where setting sail, grabbing the reins, exploring lush peaks and tasting rich flavors are the experiences that become lasting memories.  Island Routes currently offers experiences in Antigua; Aruba; the Bahamas; Barbados; the Cayman Islands; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Jamaica; Mexico; Saint Lucia; St. Maarten and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Island Routes has received the World Travel Award for “World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company” five years since 2010, and has set the tour industry standard by becoming the only tour company to receive a Six Star Diamond from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS), and has done so four years in a row.  In addition, Island Routes has also been awarded four TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards.

For additional details, please visit www.islandroutes.com or email pr@islandroutes.com.