Minister Darrell’s Trip To St Martin Cost $1991
A trip in February 2024 by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Owen Darrell to Saint Martin cost $1,991.69 according to a recent listing on the Government’s travel webpage.
The trip duration was listed as from February 5, 2024 to February 7, 2024, and the web page listing said, “Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Senator, the Hon. Owen K. Darrell was invited to attend the 2024 first-quarter Caribbean Tourism Organization [CTO] Meeting in Saint Martin, which took place from February 5 – February 6, 2024. Minister Darrell joined other Tourism Ministers in the Caribbean regions.
“This gathering, hosted by the Honorable President Valerie Damaseau and her team, was an opportunity for collaboration with our Caribbean partners to strengthen Bermuda’s efforts in advancing sustainable tourism initiatives outlined in the National Tourism Plan.
Networking and Diplomacy:
“This offered opportunities for networking and building relationships with officials from other small islands. These diplomatic efforts can be strengthened through bilateral and multilateral discussions on tourism-related matters. This knowledge can help in shaping policies that align with international developments.
“This allowed the Minister to share in discussions on responsible tourism and to learn about best practices from other countries that will enhance Bermuda’s own tourism strategies.
Promotion of National Tourism:
“Attendance at this event, allowed the Minister to promote Bermuda’s tourism industry on a global stage.
It provided a platform for the Minister to attract potential investments, partnerships, and promote cultural exchange through tourism.
Participation in Global Decision-Making:
“Being present at the forum allowed Bermuda to contribute to decision-making processes that impact the island’s tourism industry from global perspective.
“The sessions enhanced the understanding of various aspects of the tourism industry, including marketing, technology, and infrastructure development.
“Minister Darrell was accompanied by Rhonda Woods-Smith, Senior Manager of the Tourism Regulation & Policy Unit.”
Expenses
- Air Travel: $759.5
- Ground Transportation: $50
- Accommodation: $1045.59
- Meals: $136.60
- Total costs: $1,991.69
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OMG! A minister flew coach. Kudos and thank you, Minister Darrell!
NOOOO! Not “sustainable tourism!”
Why are we collaborating with our competitors?
What the BTA and the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport fail to comprehend is that other islands are our competitors, not our friends. We should not be exchanging ideas.. OK, wait. Since most of BTA’s and the Ministry of Tourism flop, I am OK with exchanging ideas.
Actually, I would be grateful if our Tourism Minister exchanged ideas with Cayman and Turks & Caicos. They are running circles around us where tourism is concerned.
I do not consider Saint Martin a tourism competitor to Bermuda, although it is a nice place to visit.
No need. BTA and the Minister just need to stop and do the exact opposite of what they are doing, and let Hazel Clark continue to do her thing.
In my humble opinion, Hazel Clark, BTA’s Director of Sports & Business Development, does not get enough media coverage, credit, and awards. What she does is demonstrable with clearly visible results. I have spoken with her several times at events and socials. She is awesome.
No one from the BTA is allowed to outshine the Minister of Tourism!
That is why we have gone through so many CEOs in the past 7 or so years.
Turnover is tough when you pay a great six-figure salary + 30% bonus + perks.
I case you did not know it all boils down to who offer the :-
BEST DEAL ;. MOST FUN ; BEST FOOD ; BEST DRESSED: BEST MUSIC ; BEST TRANSPORTATION ; BEST SERVICE ; DIVERSE ACTIVITIES and to top it all off DISCOUNTS.
Half a cake is better that no cake at all.
Never let our hard earned work fall on rocky ground
To be in business and at the top of the game we have to be better than the rest, and brag about it !
We have to BUILD SAND CASTLES on our own beaches and not some body elses Pebble Beach .