Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/16726
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S CONVENTION BUREAU LOOKS TO EXPAND SHARE OF MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS MARKET Atlanta Pro Retained to Head Bureau in The Caribbean’s Dual-Island Nation The Tourism Development Company (TDC) of Trinidad & Tobago is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantel Ross Francois as head of the newly formed Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau (TTCB). The TTCB, established in 2009 and now under the professional guidance of Francois, will focus on positioning the destination as the meetings and conference capital of the Caribbean by expanding the market share in this competitive industry. “With the tremendous success of the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, both held in 2009, we know that Trinidad & Tobago has made an indelible mark on the international and regional business travel market,” said Ernest Littles, president of the TDC. “The formation of the TTCB, under the leadership of Francois, will provide meeting planners with all the tools needed when hosting successful events on the islands.” Prior to assuming her role at the convention bureau, Francois honed her skills at the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) where she managed the Sponsorship Marketing Program. During her tenure at MARTA, she was also actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations including being the founder and president of the Metro Atlanta Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Africa’s Children’s Fund and the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce. A new transplant to Trinidad & Tobago, Francois will be channeling all her efforts and expertise into redefining the destination’s brand profile in order to increase global awareness. “I am delighted to be able to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the destination as a leader in international and domestic markets,” commented Francois. “Our goal at the TTCB will be to explore and expand on 24 new initiatives that will help solidify our presence in this competitive industry. We believe Trinidad & Tobago is per- fectly positioned to be the meetings and conventions center as well as the centralized and technologically advanced meeting point for not just the Caribbean, but for North, South and Central America as well.” For more information on Trinidad & Tobago visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com or www.visittobago.gov.tt or call (800) 816-7541. BM&T PUBLISHING TEAM PRESENTS M.I.C.E. WORKSHOP DURING CARIBBEAN WEEK IN NEW For the second year running, Black Meetings & Tourism collaborated with CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) to present a M.I.C.E. Workshop on June 9 dur- ing Caribbean Week in New York. BM&T also added a pro- fessional development session to this year’s agenda entitled How to Prepare For, and Deal With Emergencies in Hospitality and Travel. Pictured here are (l-r) Matt Thomas, BM&T’s M.I.C.E. editor, Carrole A. M. Guntley, director general, Ministry of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourism Centre, Gloria M. Herbert, BM&T’s associate editor/publisher and Solomon J. Herbert, publisher/editor-in-chief. The photo was taken after Ms. Herbert’s keynote address at the luncheon for ministers, commissioners, board members, planners and com- mittee members. Continued on page 26 Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com