News
Island Council promised a step change for tourism development
April 8 2008
The Bestuurscollege Curaçao is about to finalize the 2008 budget for the Island Government and the Curaçao Tourist Board. CHATA is alarmed about the proposed cut in the CTB budget from the proposed NAf 27.5 million to NAf 20 million due to serious constraints in public finance. The proposed budget cut threatens the positive development of tourism, which generated well over NAf 700 million in foreign exchange revenue in 2007 and is expected to create thousands of job opportunities in the coming years. Private sector investment is taking place to the tune of NAf 1.000 million in the coming years, based on the promise of a step-change development in tourism marketing and product development as outlined in the Tourism Master Plan and approved by the Island Council in 2005.
For that step-change development in tourism the Island Council committed to increased budgets for the Curaçao Tourist Board for the coming years and the Island Government cannot revoke on that promise.
Public sector funding for destination marketing is a pre-requisite to attract additional visitors to the island by the time the new hotel projects of the Renaissance, Hyatt and others become operational.
It is also a pre-requisite for future investments in the sector.
Around the world, governments are in charge of destination marketing and the private sector for product marketing. The private sector invests an average of NAf 15 million in product marketing each year.
It will not be possible for tourism to make the step-change in tourism marketing if CTB budgets are cut and marketing funding is decreased.
On the contrary, the government should live up to its commitment of a step change for tourism development as promised in 2005 with the approval of the Tourism Master Plan.
That step change is needed to successfully market Curaçao in our target markets, especially the USA, and to support airlift initiatives. The US market needs support now that the market is declining.
With a budget cut, previous marketing investments by CTB in the US market will be at risk and may not see the desired return on investment.
Thereto the government should even guarantee a minimum annual budget for CTB of NAf 30 million for the next 5 years, in order to sustain the momentum in tourism and the growth in visitor arrivals.
CHATA therefore urgently requests the government to reconsider cutting the CTB budget and allow for adequate destination marketing funding.
Any cut in the CTB budget 2008 will affect tourism development in the coming years and will put the creation of some 10.000 jobs and foreign investment to the token of Naf 1.000 million in danger.
The sector is willing to work with the government to find alternative funds for tourism promotion, but until that is resolved there should not be any cuts.
In view of the positive outlook for tourism in 2008, it is of utmost importance that the tourism momentum is sustained and tourism continues to be the catalyst for economic growth and employment for the island.
Jeanette Bonet elected CHATA President
April 7 2008
April 2 the CHATA Annual General Meeting elected the new CHATA Board for the association year 2008 and Jeanette Bonet (Breezes Curaçao) was elected as President. Edward Heerenveen (Inselair) was elected in the allied member vacancy left by Javier de Castro (American Airlines). The full CHATA board consists of hotel directors Jeanette Bonet (Breezes Curaçao), Frank Eustatia (Otrobanda Hotel), Irene Ferreira (Trupial Inn), Paul Kok (Avila Hotel), Hans Schellevis (Chogogo), Wibo Wilmink (Hilton Curaçao) and allied directors Omar vd Dijs (Licores Maduro), Marin van Eps (Thrifty Car Rental), Edward Heerenveen (Inselair), Billy Jonckheer (Jonckheer Advertising), Bettina Vermaas (Total Services).
The new board will appoint its Officers during the April 19 Board Retreat. The new board met with Official Guests, Past Presidents, Honorary Members and General Managers at an inaugural President’s Dinner hosted by new CHATA President Jeanette Bonet at the Breezes Curaçao on April 3.
Immediate Past President Paul Kok reviewed the past two years of his Presidency with growth in tourism arrivals and tourism development in hotel construction and related tourism activities. He particularly mentioned human resource development as a main concern and priority for the hospitality and tourism sector in view of the expected increase in hotel capacity with some 4.000 rooms in the coming years.
Former CHATA President Frank Maynard and former GM of the Princess Beach recalled the 24-years career of Jeanette Bonet from front office employee at Concorde (now Hilton) to general manager of the largest resort on the island, SuperClubs Breezes Curacao Resort.
CHATA President Jeanette Bonet stated her objectives for her 2008-2010 Presidency being the strengthening of the public-private sector partnership between CHATA and CTDF and the Curaçao Tourist Board Management team to address the need for increased tourism marketing, product and airlift funding for the coming years.
She expressed the commitment of CHATA to the public-private sector cooperation in tourism, in order to sustain the momentum in tourism and to develop tourism and economic growth to its fullest potential for Curaçao and our people.
TOURIST VISITORS UP 54.5% IN FEBRUARY 2008
April 3 2008
(Willemstad, Curacao – March 28th 2008). Preliminary figures released by the Curacao Tourist Board for February 2008 show record growth for this month; 33,653 tourists visited Curacao this month, almost 12 thousand more compared to the 21,787 tourists in February of 2007. This is a solid growth of 54.5%. Cruise passenger arrivals also marked a growth of 16% compared to February 2007. CHATA hotel occupancies showed an average of 92.7% in February 2008 as compared to 86.65% in 2007. Hotel occupancies remained record breaking during the 1st two months of the year and averaged 91.12% as compared to 86.5% in the 1st two months of 2007.
The increase resulted largely from very strong growth in traffic from Venezuela. A total of 11,201 Venezuelan tourists visited Curacao in February 2008 compared to 1,823 last year. Meetings with important Tour operators and travel agents in the Venezuelan market reveal that the most important way to obtain long term advantage from this growing interest for Curacao is to keep our promise by providing good quality product, service and friendliness towards the Venezuelan tourist. The Venezuelans rediscovered Curacao, advance bookings looks good and it all seems that we will maintain the current trend in the coming months.
Important South American markets such as Brazil (29.6%) and Colombia (63.7%) also grew in February. Also very positive is the growth of 59.3% from Peru compared to February last year. The market of Surinam dropped by 10.8% compared to the same month in 2007.
The European market grew up with 14.1% compared to February 2007; important markets such as Holland grew 11.4%. Other European countries grew also, including Germany (73%), Italy (71.1%), Belgium (30%) and Finland (24.2%). Other European markets like Sweden (-21.1%) and Denmark (-9%) declined compared to February 2007.
The United States of America contrary to the previous months showed an increase of 16% compared to February 2007. A total of 3,988 U.S. tourists visited us in February 2007 compared to 4,625 in February of this year. This is a very positive sign.
Caribbean markets also showed signs of positive growth in the month of February, except for Trinidad & Tobago 7.9%. Most markets recorded a increase; a.o. Dominican Republic 16%, Jamaica 15.8% and Aruba 13.1%.
A total of 38 ships visited Curacao for a total of 45,712 visitors on board. This represents an increase of 40.7% in the number of ships and also an increase of 15.9% in the number of Cruise visitors that visited Curacao in February 2008 compared to February 2007.
The management of the Curacao Tourist Board is satisfaction with the overall development of the past two months. Stayover arrivals registered 44% growth in mentioned period; cruise passengers increased by 6%; The average hotel occupancy number provided by CHATA was 92.7% in February 2008 and 91.1% YTD. All showing that Curacao’s tourism is growing extremely well. We have to remain however aware that we have to do our utmost to give our visitors an excellent experience and make each of them an ambassador of Curacao to guarantee sustainable development of our tourism industry.
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National Restaurant Association Show Chicago May 17-20, 2008
March 31 2008
The US Commercial Service invites you to be part of the delegation to attend the National Restaurant Association Show 2008 to be held in Chicago, Illinois, USA on May 17-20, 2008 . The NRA Show is the largest foodservice and hospitality event. No matter what type of operation you run, the NRA Show 2008 has what you need. Major areas of focus include food, beverage, equipment, small wares, apparel, tabletop, furnishings, design, technology, and services. You will learn from internationally recognized industry leaders and take home ideas that you can put into action.
More than 2,100 exhibiting companies from 115 countries will demonstrate the latest products and technologies. Additionally, 60+ free educational sessions will deliver solutions you can immediately put to work.
Attending NRA Show 2008 will provide the answers you are looking for, whether your challenges are in sales, sourcing, operations, service or menu-concept development. The NRA Show is the global marketplace that brings together the entire foodservice and hospitality industries.
The NRA Show 2007 was a huge success, with nearly 74,000 attendees from all 50 states and 115 countries looking for products and services offered by the record-breaking 2,142 exhibitors.
For more information on this event please contact me at (809) 227-2121 Ext. 225 or via e-mail: maria.elenaportorreal@mail.doc.gov
Curaçao Chapter receives 2 awards at Annual HSMAI Leadership
March 27 2008
Colorado Springs, March 27, 2008: HSMAI Curaçao Chapter board represented by Director Steven Damiana and President Tamira La Cruz were awarded with the best Small Chapter in the category of websites as well as the category of partnerships. Leaders all over the world were able to echo the name of Curacao receiving these awards during the Annual HSMAI International Leadership conference March 25-2,2008 entitled “ Reaching higher grounds: Exploring new heights” that saw over 170 leaders from all over the US as well as Caribbean, Central America and South Asia Pacific.
More than 170 top industry leaders of the 25 different chapters present were able to accept the different awards in the categories which were all judged by other international chapters. Besides the 2 awards, Curacao won also the special honored prize of chapter with the highest rate of retention in the whole of HSMAI International chapters all over the world.
The chapter of the year resulted to be the HSMAI Mid South Chapter ( cities such as Memphis, etc.) The Annual Leadership meeting had meetings for the different chapter Managing Directors and conducted several workshops, trainings and presentations on how to work in a team, characteristics of leaders, energy management for hospitality leaders, motivation of volunteers and culminated in a formidable Chinese Auction which funds will go to the HSMAI Foundation. From Curacao, Superclubs Breezes Curacao donated an impressive prize, followed by Floris Suite Hotel and destination management company Explore Curacao.
For information please call 465 1005 or visit www.hsmaicuracao.org or mail to info@hsmaicuracao.org. Come join us!
HSMAI is a global organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprised of nearly 7,000 members from 35 countries and chapters worldwide. HSMAI’s Americas Region, headquartered in McLean, VA, consists of 38 chapters in three countries. HSMAI's European Region, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, consists of five national chapters in Europe. The Asia Pacific Region is under development. The HSMAI Foundation was established in 1983 to serve as the research and educational arm of HSMAI".In August 2007, CHATA initiated the first Caribbean Chapter in Curacao which now has held several educational events in 2007, won several international awards and has around 40 members. More info about HSMAI Curacao: www.hsmaicuracao.org
CHATA Announces Employee & Supervisor of the Year 2008
March 19 2008
On March 19,2008 during the “Stars of the Industry” Lunch at the Breezes Curaçao Resort, CHATA announced the Employee and Supervisor of the Year 2008. In his introduction, CHATA President and Chairman of the Human Resources Committee Mr. Paul Kok recognized our human capital as the most important asset of the hospitality and tourism industry.
He stressed the importance of the Caribcert job improvement and recognition program and the Stars of the Industry recognition program. He referred to the CHATA initiative of the Curaçao Hospitality Training Foundation, Academy Hotel and the role CHTF is playing in the re-vitalization of the Apprenticeship program and in the establishment of the Academy Hotel.
CHATA recognized the following nominations:
Employee of the Year
Avila Hotel- Norvel Riley, Best Western- Albertson Conquet, Breezes Curaçao- Selvin Angelista, Curaçao Marriott - Alderich Rijnschot, Hilton Curaçao- Nicolas Perez , Hotel Kura Hulanda - Gilbert Lourens, Otrobanda Hotel- Marla Lebacs , Sunset Waters- Maryluz Statia- Wawoe.
Supervisor of the Year
Avila Hotel - Aishel Kleinmoedig, Breezes Curaçao - Violetta Garcia, Curaçao Marriott - Alton Gijsbertha, Hilton Curaçao - Charles Martina, Sea Aquarium Resort- Jessy de Jongh, Sunset Waters - Kenneth van Dinter.
The Election Committee, consisting of Billy Jonckheer (Jonckheer Advertising & Marketing Consultants), Sonairie Kleinmoedig (CTB) and Rudy Eleonora (REMA Consultants) elected as winners:
Norvel Riley, Housekeeping Attendant in the Housekeeping Department of the Avila Hotel Employee of the Year 2008.
Aishel Kleinmoedig, F & B Supervisor in the F& B Department of the Avila Hotel as Supervisor of the Year 2008.
Aishel Kleinmoedig and Norvel Riley will represent Curaçao at the Caribbean Employee & Supervisor of the Year elections at the Taste of the Caribbean 2008 in Jamaica in September 2008, joining our Curacao Culinary Team 2008.
The winning Employee and Supervisor of the Year received a CHATA plaque and a gift certificate from MCB Platinum Curacao Tourist open and all nominees received a Certificate of Nomination, a Dolphin Academy gift certificate, MCB Platinum Curacao Tourist Open for golf lessons and 1000 Funmiles from Funmiles Pro- “The Hospitality Card” .
CHATA Hotel Occupancies shows record in February 2008
March 18 2008
Willemstad, March 18, 2008- CHATA hotel occupancies showed an average of 92.7% in February 2008 as compared to 86.65% in 2007. Hotel occupancies remained record breaking during the 1st two months of the year and averaged 91.12% as compared to 86.5% in the 1st two months of 2007.
Curacao has a new Culinary team 2008.
March 17 2008
Willemstad March 17, 2008- The judges announced the Curacao Culinary Chef of 2008, Junior Chef 2008 en Bartender 2008 after two days of cooking and making cocktails on March 15 and 16, 2008 at the SKALOKO! Garden.
Vanesse Tweeboom of the Hilton Curacao was awarded Curacao Chef of the Year 2008. For the second time in history a female cook has won this title. It was also the second time that there could be battled for the Curacao Junior Chef 2008 title. This titel and honor was awarded to Erik Castillo, also working at the Hilton Curacao. Bartender of the Year 2008 resulted Mr. Grimiti Martes, working at the Clarion Hotel.
The Curacao Culinary team 2008 consists of 7 members : Team managers Mike Pastoor (Curacao Renaissance) and Imi Kader (Hilton Curacao), the chefs Misherella Rooi(Avila Hotel), Octavio Verhelst, Erick Castillo and Vanesse Tweeboom (Hilton Curacao) and bartender Grimiti Martes (Clarion Hotel). They will be representing Curacao in the Caribbean Culinary Competitions (Taste of the Caribbean) in Jamaica.
Curacao Culinary welcomes your interest and support.
For more information please contact chtf@chata.org
or contact Hetty van den Ouweelen at 465-1005 ( CHATA office).
Upcoming: MCB Platinum Tourist Open 2008: July 26,2008
March 11 2008
On Saturday the 26th of July 2008, the “Curacao Tourist Open” Mid Year edition will take place again. All companies in our tourism industry can participate. For example: sponsor the tournament, sponsor a team, donate a price, playing the tournament, take part of the golf clinic, send the tourists and/or your business partners. It's fun and you can network with the tourists, with locals or network with other players.
For all information please visit the website:
www.curacaotouristopen.comPerfect examples of this tournament were held in May 2006, December 2006 and earlier in 2007 and December 29, 2007 which were a success due to the mixture of teams of locals with tourists. CHATA wishes the Curacao Tourist Open Organizers the best of luck in order to organize yet another grand event for our tourists, hospitality partners and our tourism industry. For more information regarding sponsoring or participation feel free to email:
info@curacaotouristopen.com
rogiervdmeer@curacaotouristopen.com
seppkoster@curacaotouristopen.com
CHATA congratulates HILTON CURAÇAO on their 5th ANNIVERSARY
March 7 2008
Willemstad, March 6, 2008 – On March 6th, 2003, 5 years ago, the Hilton chain arrived on Curaçao. Since that date the staff and personnel of the Hilton Curacao has been responsible for implementation of the Hilton standards in the Curacao hotel. During these years the Hilton Corporation and the hotel owners, the Lionstone Group, have invested a total of US$ 6 million in this property and have committed to invest more in the next year to come.
The hotel turned into one of the finest on island and, to mention a few, is the only hotel with an exclusive Executive floor and lounge, a Kidz paradise Club, to open the first LivingWell Health & Beach Club in the Caribbean, and opened a Hilton meetings complex with a board room and a business center.
For the team members, many training programs have been and are still being conducted, and the Hilton Esprit program has been introduced, which has a positive impact on our guests’ satisfaction.
Projects are ongoing and include the recently finalization of the painting of the building and the upgrading of the entrance of the hotel. Presently, the renovation of the Willemstad room is due to be completed in July 2008, the renovation of the lobby and reception area are due for the 3rd Quarter, and more upgrades in our hotel rooms like flat screen tv in all rooms, replacement of balcony furniture and carpeting will be completed at the end of the year.
Hilton Curaçao has also a commitment with the community of Curaçao and has been sponsoring several projects dedicated to our children through the K.I.D.S. charity program. Some of the institutions which received our support throughout the 5 years are Huize Hebron, Casa Manita, Huize St. Jozef, Kinderoorden Brakkeput, Monseignor Willem Ellis college, and more.
The Hilton Curaçao has made a substantial contribution in promoting the tourism to Curaçao. Throughout these 5 years the hotel has experienced year-on-year growth in occupancy and average rates. In 2008 the hotel started off with another record in revenue for the first two months and forecast to continue this trend for the rest of the year.
Said Wibo Wilmink, General Manager of the Hilton Curacao, “Curaçao’s tourism growth continues to offer opportunities and we will further develop our product in contributing to this growth. Our owners, The Lionstone group, looks forward in expanding the hotel with a complete new wing consisting of 132 additional rooms.
I am confident that we will continue the success that the hotel has achieved over the past 5 years in the years to come”
To celebrate the 5th Anniversary the Hilton Curaçao will create a 5th Anniversary Cocktail that will be available during the whole month of March at the Bligh’s Bar and Beach Bar & Grill for a special rate of $5.
Furthermore all guests staying at the Hilton during the week of March 2-9, 2008 can book an upgrade of a hotel room at an additional charge of only $5 per person per night, subject to availability.
Furthermore festive sweets will be available for our guests and team members on March 6th during the entire day.
The beachfront Hilton Curaçao, located at the Piscadera Bay, boasts two white sand
beaches and is set on 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The hotel offers 196
guestrooms including 12 suites, two wheelchair accessible rooms, and two rooms for
guests with allergies. All rooms feature island or stunning ocean views, private
balconies, satellite television, direct dial telephone, in-room safe, coffee maker, clock
radio, iron and ironing board, and high-speed Internet access in all guestroom plus and
deluxe room categories.
Hilton Curaçao features the ultimate spa experience at the Color of People Spa with ocean view treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, relaxation area and outside Jacuzzi. Additional
facilities include, a Gold Palm PADI certified dive center, extensive watersports, a freeform infinity pool, children’s pool and Kidz Paradise activity center, two restaurants, two bars, weekly manager’s cocktail reception, casino, and the first Livingwell Health & Beach Club in the world.
In addition, with over 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, Hilton Curaçao is an ideal choice for any event. The hotel offers an array of function and banquet facilities, including capacity for over 400. And, with a dedicated meeting coordinator and the ‘Hilton Caribbean Meetings Guarantee,’ stating that every aspect of the meeting will proceed as contracted or the client does not pay for that portion of the event, all meetings are carried out without a glitch.
For information or reservations at Hilton Curaçao, a member of Hilton Caribbean and Hilton Worldwide Resorts, visit www.hiltoncaribbean.com/curacao or call (5999) 4625000.
For information or reservations at Hilton Curaçao, a member of Hilton Caribbean and Hilton Worldwide Resorts, visit www.hiltoncaribbean.com/curacao or call 1-877-GO-HILTON.
***
Media Contact
Maritza Molina
Director of Sales & Marketing
Tel: 4625000 ext 6012
Maritza.Molina@hilton.com
April 2 the CHATA Annual General Meeting elected the new CHATA Board for the association year 2008 and Jeanette Bonet (Breezes Curaçao) was elected as President. Edward Heerenveen (Inselair) was elected in the allied member vacancy left by Javier de Castro (American Airlines). The full CHATA board consists of hotel directors Jeanette Bonet (Breezes Curaçao), Frank Eustatia (Otrobanda Hotel), Irene Ferreira (Trupial Inn), Paul Kok (Avila Hotel), Hans Schellevis (Chogogo), Wibo Wilmink (Hilton Curaçao) and allied directors Omar vd Dijs (Licores Maduro), Marin van Eps (Thrifty Car Rental), Edward Heerenveen (Inselair), Billy Jonckheer (Jonckheer Advertising), Bettina Vermaas (Total Services).
Colorado Springs, March 27, 2008: HSMAI Curaçao Chapter board represented by Director Steven Damiana and President Tamira La Cruz were awarded with the best Small Chapter in the category of websites as well as the category of partnerships. Leaders all over the world were able to echo the name of Curacao receiving these awards during the Annual HSMAI International Leadership conference March 25-2,2008 entitled “ Reaching higher grounds: Exploring new heights” that saw over 170 leaders from all over the US as well as Caribbean, Central America and South Asia Pacific.
On March 19,2008 during the “Stars of the Industry” Lunch at the Breezes Curaçao Resort, CHATA announced the Employee and Supervisor of the Year 2008. In his introduction, CHATA President and Chairman of the Human Resources Committee Mr. Paul Kok recognized our human capital as the most important asset of the hospitality and tourism industry. 
On Saturday the 26th of July 2008, the “Curacao Tourist Open” Mid Year edition will take place again. All companies in our tourism industry can participate. For example: sponsor the tournament, sponsor a team, donate a price, playing the tournament, take part of the golf clinic, send the tourists and/or your business partners. It's fun and you can network with the tourists, with locals or network with other players. 