The final stakeholders meeting, pre-SMART May 16-18, 2012 at the recently re-opened Radisson BLU Resort, Marina and Spa, was held on May 3rd 2012 at the French Side Tourist Office from 3.30 pm- 5 pm.
Present were:
Madame Silviane John, Director of the French Side Tourist Office
Mrs. Marla Chemont, Smart Project Manager for the Dutch Side Tourist Office
Mr. Maurice Perrinmarechal, President of the French Side Hotel Association
Mr. Philippe. Exec. Director of the French Side Hotel Association
Mr. Robert Dubourcq, Executive Project Manager SHTA
The agenda handled the following points:
· Update on the registrations to date.
There are a number of new companies signed up as wholesale Tour operators for this year’s show. For the first time a Dutch Tour Operator signed up. New registrations also came in from Germany, Switzerland and Sweden.
A number of South American wholesalers will also be attending, specifically from Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil.
So far 115 delegates have signed up and counting.
A special package was also developed this year for retail travel agents to encourage them to attend SMART 2012. The $399 deal included hotel accommodations, certain meals, transportation and registration for SMART.
· Sponsors
Several companies doubled and tripled their financial support as sponsors, because they understand the importance of this huge marketing event on our occupancy figures and on our 1 pillar economy, tourism. This development was applauded by the stakeholders.
Copa Airlines, Insel Air and WINAIR have agreed to offer discounted airfares for SMART 2012.