American express Reveals 2007 Portfolio of Caribbean Tourism Programs

American Express stressed once again its support of the Caribbean hospitality industry through an ongoing calendar of programs and initiatives during 2007.

In addition to sales and marketing, American Express has once again allocated resources to two important areas in the foundation of the Caribbean tourism product: human resource development and sustainable development.

In addition, American Express will also focus on the CHA annual industry conference held every year in June as a vehicle to promote human resource development. The conference features an educational component with topical sessions on sales and marketing, operations, environmental stewardship, safety and security, finance and technology in the Caribbean hospitality industry, among others.

The conference also serves as the stage where once a year American Express showcases and recognizes the stars of the Caribbean hospitality –the exceptional winners of the employee, supervisor, hotelier, green hotel, and allied member of the year awards.

Meanwhile, as environmental issues are increasingly top of mind worldwide, environmental stewardship is likewise more and more relevant for the industry.

With a seat on the Governing Council of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) –the environmental arm of CHA- American Express contributes to programs and services for the responsible development of the Caribbean tourism private sector.

Further, to foster responsible environmental and social practices, every year American Express also presents the American Express Green Caribbean Award to a small and large properties whose sustainable practices stand out and serve as role models for colleagues in the Caribbean hotel sector.

In previous years, American Express worked with CAST sponsoring various initiatives, most significantly the production of the Hurricane Preparedness Manual in two versions, English and Spanish.