It was an honest, clear picture of two major bodies partnering for the mutual benefit of many. It also reminded me of the laying of a foundation. In fact, according to the Oxford Concise Dictionary, the word “bed” can also mean the foundations of a road or railway. So, such a partnership between the CHA and FirstCaribbean has laid the foundation for tourism workers across the region.

Partnerships are essential for moving forward and within the tourism industry the word “partner” has always been a “buzz word”.

Under this new partnership and among other benefits, the estimated 1.3 million people working in the Caribbean tourism industry will be given special concessions on loans and mortgages.

According to CHA, it is expected that “an initiative such as this – granting special rates to hotel workers – should greatly facilitate the progress of the region’s people as they access financing to pursue their dreams and goals”.

FirstCaribbean has also agreed to fund research done by CHA.

“As a financial institution, the bank values timely and accurate information both for an understanding of present realities, as well as to forecast future trends. The findings of any research undertaken by CHA should not only help that organisation in its planning but provide the bank with information on an industry that is the main economic plank in most of the territories in which it operates,” according to a CHA Press statement.

Under the agreement, which, in part, should facilitate the development of programmes to benefit CHA member hotels, the association will also make FirstCaribbean its official bank.

FirstCaribbean became an allied board member upon signing the agreement and through that avenue will have a solid connection to the most significant economic engine for regional economies.

Horace Cobham, executive director of corporate banking, in signing the Strategic Partnership Agreement noted that while the bank’s relationship with the Caribbean Hotel Association is outlined in it formally for one year, he expects “the relationship will evolve into a long-standing one that goes beyond mere words on parchment, because both FirstCaribbean and the CHA are committed to the long-term development of the region.”

This is a significant step in the industry not only for workers, but for the region’s independence. Over the years many alliances within the industry have been with international bodies. This has been evident, particularly in terms of securing major sponsorships at regional tourism conferences.

To witness, therefore, the marriage of these two major regional bodies working hand in hand for the good of people in the region, is a step in the right direction.

A deserving “welcome aboard” should be echoed to FirstCaribbean by all tourism industry partners in the region.

Talk Tourism looks forward to welcoming the good news of more partnerships between regional tourism bodies and regional commercial businesses.

Let’s read about more “bed talk”. Let’s lay more solid foundations to all and sundry within the sector.

By: Nationalnews