Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•Pg_54-74__BMT_pg86-162 5/7/13 4:09 PM Page 54 CARIBBEAN CORNER CHOICE HOTELS TO RISE ASCEND FLAG IN GUYANA Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) will debut in Guyana with its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection in early 2013. The global lodging company announced construction on a boutique 25-room member hotel in central Georgetown is advancing well. Guyana, a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), hosts several international organizations, including the CARICOM Secretariat and several United Nations agencies. The new Ascend Hotel Collection member hotel will be located within close proximity to several global agencies and is only a few blocks from the lively downtown shopping district. The Guyana hotel – to be called The Opus – will offer the same quality services for which Ascend has become globally recognized, and feature 23 standard guest rooms, two executive rooms (featuring wooded floors and jetted tubs), restaurant and bar, small meeting room facilities, free parking, quality linens, air conditioned rooms, free cable television, Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. "This elegant, boutique property is a wonderful addition to our network," said Sal Icaza, director, Franchise Sales and Development of Choice Hotels International, who recently spent a few days in Guyana for meetings on the new development deal. Local entrepreneur Wilfred Brandford, who owns the new hotel, believes the relationship with Choice Hotels International is not only the right fit for his company, but will also help elevate Guyana's image in the global marketplace. "Guyana is an exceptional destination with much to offer the business traveler, the eco tourist and those who are visiting friends and family," Brandford explained. Highlighting the advantage of a small property belonging to a global brand, Brandford added the hotel WILFRED BRANDFORD will cater to these and other market segments by leveraging the robust marketing and reservations systems of Choice Hotels as well as Choice Privileges, an industry-leading guest loyalty program. Ascend member hotels offer the best of both worlds - hotels are allowed to retain their independent identity and continue to deliver superior guest service, while receiving the benefits of a growing membership program with a leading lodging company, including shepherding support in marketing, reservations and operations. For further information about Choice Hotels, visit www.choicehotels.com. 54 UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM APPOINTS DEVELOPMENT COUNSELLORS INTERNATIONAL AS NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism has appointed Development Counsellors International (DCI) as its marketing communications representative. The firm, headquartered in New York, will work with USVI tourism representatives globally to leverage the USVI's "You, Unscripted" market positioning, which communicates how visitors can create their own unique vacation experience within the destination. DCI will focus on increasing awareness of the USVI's tourism experiences among consumers, through media relations, consumer promotions and film projects. Additionally, the agency will pursue meetings and incentive buyers, advancing the selection of the USVI as a meeting and incentive location. The firm will also support the USVI sales team in initiatives focused on enhancing existing relationships with operators, airlines and travel agents. "We are excited with the outcome of the extensive selection process which placed DCI ahead of 23 other agencies who bid for the USVI account, said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. "DCI's extensive experience in the tourism space will bring a new level of strategic insight to marketing across all industry segments." The agency will work in collaboration with JWT, the advertising agency of record for the USVI Department of Tourism and Marketplace Excellence, the public relations agency responsible for Caribbean and Diaspora media relations Development Counsellors International was established in 1960. Since its beginning, the firm has assisted more than 400 countries, regions, provinces and cities to drive tourism and investment. DCI's New York office is responsible for growing U.S. outbound visitor arrivals for such destinations as California, Dubai and Namibia. For more information about the partnership, contact Malcolm Griffiths at (212) 444-7112 and Allegra Kean-Moorehead at (340) 7748784. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com. B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com