A better business model is needed

Editor: The genesis of the Argyle Airport in terms of operation is like an infant, compared to the other well-known destinations in the Caribbean, which means you need a comprehensive marketing strategy to tackle the travel drought from the United States to the island.

Some airlines offer products to entice travellers, especially during off-peak seasons. Let’s face it, the airline industry is very competitive, with some companies offering products vying for business from the same customers. Also, Vincentians flying at any given time would not be a large volume of people to see any meaningful result. Therefore, I think the emphasis should be on the attraction of the island and its warm hospitality.

With the advent of social media, and non-traditional advertising methods, loyalty programmes and perks can generate buzz to attract customers’ attention on what the island can offer. The airport can work in tandem with the airlines via social media like Facebook etc.  

We all know the tourist industry is lacklustre and anaemic when compared with our regional partners. I commend the Minister for bringing the industry to the forefront, but it is an amateur approach.

In New York, I do not think the tourist industry is doing a worthy job to market Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a tourist destination. A lot more needs to be done to target people in the bigger markets of major cities in the United States and around the world. For example, some people don’t even know there is an island by the name of Saint Vincent; also, when flags are flying on businesses in Caribbean communities, the only one missing is the Vincentian flag.

For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to be on the map, it requires a robust effort to put the island in the spotlight. Saint Vincent is one of the most attractive islands in the archipelago and it needs to be discovered by the many travellers who are going to other places. In other parts of the world, many airlines have gained a customer advantage by marketing an entertaining in-flight experience. This includes features like in-seat entertainment systems, programmed with current television shows, movies, music and games. Some offering passengers iPads stocked with entertainment on select flights. Companies incorporate these perks into their marketing strategies, enticing customers to choose the airline the next time they fly. The business community needs to get involved, because ultimately they will be the beneficiaries of the promotion endeavours. And

Vincentians have to be more tourist-friendly, while supported by a firm police presence. I will not mention the murders, because it seems to me the haemorrhaging has abated.

Kendal Coombs