‘Better Web product to
ensure visitor satisfaction’
MAHO--Gone are the days when information posted on the World Wide Web was one-sided and surfers had no say. Now, surfers seeking a vacation destination can request and research, with more possibilities that could persuade them to visit or turn them off completely.
Making effective use of this Internet two-way street is the focus of an ongoing Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) workshop dubbed Web 2.0, at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The four-day workshop brings together some 35 participants from around the Caribbean who are involved in marketing; more specifically, Internet-based marketing.
Course facilitator Arley Sobers told The Daily Herald the Internet was growing rapidly and was an essential tool in showcasing properties and activities and receiving feedback from interested people. “It provides more opportunities to market and more possibilities for quality control.”
The workshop offers attendees a forum to share experiences with each other and gain newer approaches to this form of marketing, he added. “Looking to the future of tourism, the Internet offers a tremendous opportunity to do what you are doing well.”
The major financial sponsorship for participants came from the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Development Programme, funded via the European Union (EU).
The choice of St. Maarten for this workshop was based on its long-time outstanding membership in CTO and its strategic position in the Caribbean, said Sobers, who is CTO Director of Information Management and Research.
The workshop comes at an opportune time for the island, as work is set to commence on revamping the official Website
www.st-maarten.com to make it more user-friendly and interactive.
The workshop, which ends Thursday, was opened by Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin.
