OECS Member States have embarked on a joint approach to marketing the region as a single yachting destination. This is part of a coordinated and sustained approach to further develop the sector, and comes as the result of a series of targeted activities, as outlined in the OECS Tourism Policy and mandated by the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism.
The OECS Member States will present themselves as a collective in one yachting space within the ambiance of an “Eastern Caribbean Village” manned by over twenty (20) people from the region’s public and private yachting sector. This Eastern Caribbean Village effect will bring to the fore the uniqueness of respective destinations, the services and attractions relevant to the yachting sector in the region, and, through the inclusion of Sail Clear, information related to ease of travel.
The OECS Member States presenting at the Toronto Boat Show are: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
The OECS has opted to participate in The Toronto International Boat Show as a grouping, to help grow the region’s yachting sector because this event is marketed as North America’s largest indoor boat show, the preeminent selling venue for Canada’s recreational boating industry, and the premiere showcase for new 2015 products. It is also reported to be patronized by increasing numbers of high end visitors. Last year’s show, which spanned over 9 days, recorded over 93,000 visitors. Canada is also seen as a major tourism market for the Caribbean region.
The event is known to influence marked increases in sales among yacht manufacturers. The anticipated ripple effect would be tremendous for the region, with the potential increase in sailing into the tranquil OECS Ports. Major European manufacturers including Beneteau, Dehler, Dufour and Jeanneau have already confirmed their attendance for the 2015 show.
The joint presence of the OECS at the Toronto International Boat Show is supported by funding under the 10th European Development (EDF) project.
The 57th Toronto International Boat Show takes place in Canada from January 10th to 18th 2015.
Dominica government not ready’ I also think education got a lot to do with it . Going to hight school alone is not enough to go into politics. We need to travel the world and see other countries . How can we make job available for the people
It beats me that we named our island “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” To date we have no marina, or night time activities for sailors to partake in. We lack ancillary services to handle waste disposal such as sewage and garbage.
Then again, what are we really planning for at home? Not much. It’s business as usual. Portsmouth has been the mecca of anything “Marine” in Dominica and we have never developed this sector besides the Mom and Pop operation that it is. And then we wonder why we’re always last in everything.
My guess is the ruling class elite has not seen any opportunities for profit or maybe it competes with their desired interest.
All politics aside, I’ve counted on many occasions, upwards of seventy (70) yachts lying in the Portsmouth Harbor during the winter months. And sadly, there is nothing (absolutely nothing) for the occupants to do during the day or night around town. Beats me. I just cannot understand how no strategy is in place on developing this industry that portends a viable marine economy. Residents of the area seem content to boast that no less a person than Richard Branson, the wealthy British aviation pioneer, has graced our shores, on many occasions. SMH.
Yes,we have Sikiri marina and sea defence wall from loubiere to newtown so here we go but the only thing he has turned invisible so we have to rename him Slippery!