Beache: “Step up your game”

This country’s Minister of Tourism is optimistic about this 2007-2008 tourism season, but has warned stakeholders in the industry here that they must change the way they do business, if they are to maximize the potential of the destination.{{more}}

Minister Glen Beache said that he is disappointed that the stakeholders have not moved more aggressively in the formation of special packages for would be visitors.

Just back from the World Travel Market exhibition in London, Beache said that packages are what people are asking for, and he is disappointed that St Vincent and the Grenadines didn’t have much to offer.

He challenged the tourism sector to step up their game, and get this in order.

“It is matter of getting these on board, and letting people (in the local tourism industry) realize how important it is to have these things (travel packages) available,” Minister Beache said.

“The stakeholders must change the way they do business, I think we are still behind time in the way we do business in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Beache said when he spoke to SEARCHLIGHT during the luncheon break at last Tuesday, November 20th sitting of Parliament.

He said that intra-regional travel remains a concern, and that meetings are scheduled between his ministry and LIAT to address this issue.

He was however quick to note that he believes that LIAT, while yet not up to mark, has improved drastically.

“Give Jack his jacket, LIAT still has its faults, I still feel service needs to improve, but they have improved a great deal,” Minister Beache said.(KJ)