With the 2017 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (#SOTIC2017), scheduled to official open tonight 10 October at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, in #PureGrenada, a number of member countries of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) have been speaking with the media in a specially arranged day of destinations briefings yesterday.

Overall, they spoke in detail about the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria, at and the recovery process.

Each affected destination recounted its losses, acknowledging the countries that have extended support and also explaining how they are forging ahead with the much costly rebuilding process.

Grenada

Chief executive officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Patricia Maher highlighted some of the major achievements of the tourism sector in Grenada during the past year, including a significant surge in visitor arrival, because of an increase in the number of cruise calls and flights to the Spice Island.

Ms. Maher also alluded to bright prospects for the Grenada tourism sector, with an increase in room stock, through the construction of the first luxury resort, Silversands, on Grand Anse Beach; the Kimpton Kawana Bay Resort to be constructed in the near future, and the refurbishment of the Spice Island Beach Resort, among other projects, aimed at boosting the tourism product.

Nevis

Devon Liburd, the director of tourism for Nevis, said the island escaped the worse of the storms and was open for business. Mr. Liburd also indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis had contributed US$1.5 million to some of the affected countries.

Barbados

In his address, William “Billy” Griffith, the chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) spoke of the state of the Barbados all-time high cruise arrivals of more than 800, 000 visitors in 2017 and increased development of the hotel product, such as the opening of a new Sandals Royal Hotel in December, 2017, doubling the hotel’s capacity, and the US$200 million-dollar Sam Lord’s Castle Resort – expected to be the biggest hotel project on the island - which will add 400 new rooms in 2020. He noted that air capacity has been growing due to increased demand for the destination.

St. Maarten

Rolando Brison, the director of tourism for Dutch Sint Maarten, who joined remotely, said his country lost at least 70 per cent of the hotel inventory, leaving much work to be done to restore the tourism industry there.

He announced that the Princess Juliana International Airport would resume operations today (10 October), and that Royal Caribbean cruise lines is return to the destianation in November, 2017, when the cruise port reopens for cruise arrivals.

St. Martin

Valarie Damaseau, president of the St. Martin Tourist Office, in French St. Martin, who also address the media via Google Hangout, said her country’s focus will be on preparing for the 2018-2019 tourist season.

Ms. Damaseau said roads and beaches had been cleared and cleaned; grocery stores and petrol stations are well provisioned; many bars and restaurants have reopened; electricity has been restored to 88 per cent of the households and a full recovery, including restoration of water and telecommunications, is expected by the end of October 2017.

Bahamas

Joy Jibrilu, director general of the Bahamas ministry of tourism, spoke of the growth in that country’s tourism industry and also some of the challenges being faced. The growth, however, was largely attributed to the massive Baha Mar resort. She also noted an increase in airlift to the Bahamas, independently initiated by carriers.

Martinique

Karine Mosseau, Martinique’s commissioner of tourism, commenced her country’s presentation by expressing her deep regret at the damage caused by the recent hurricanes, and shared a message of support and togetherness. She also was thankful that Martinique had been spared.

Valerie Vulcan, deputy director of the Martinique Promotion Bureau, noted that Martinique was voted as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean in 2016. She detailed Martinique’s growth as a tourism destination, particularly as a cruise destination, while stating that stayover guest arrivals were increasing, in areas such as the yachting sector.

Anguilla

Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s parliamentary secretary with responsibility for tourism, sports and culture, noted that up until the passage of Hurricane Irma, on September 6, 2017, Anguilla had recorded strong growth in the tourism sector for the year.

Mr.Connor said the island had been ranked as the top island in the Caribbean by Travel and Leisure Magazine for 2017. He said despite hurricane damage, which could exceed the annual budget of EC $200 million, cleanup across the island was progressing well. Basic utility services are being restored, the airport in Anguilla has reopened, with restored access to the Princess Juliana Airport on neighbouring St. Maarten, as of October 10, 2017, and that many hotel properties were planning to reopen for Christmas.

Hotels that have already reopened have been mainly accommodating hurricane relief workers. However, Anguilla is now officially open for business, with plans for significant development of their current airport facilities in the near future.

British Virgin Islands

Sharon Flax-Brutus, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands (BVI), also joined remotely and said that pre-Hurricane Irma the BVI was poised to have a record-breaking year.

She said progress was being made in restoring communication, basic utilities and airport services.

Ms. Flax-Brutus said most luxury properties may take up to two years to complete refurbishment, properties like the Nanny Cay - a top resort and marina – will be the first to reopen to guests, with other smaller hotels and places of accommodation soon to follow.

The BVI will not be open for business during the month of October 2017, during which time assessments will be completed; yachts repaired; accommodations, beaches and tourist attractions restored and the integrity of access ports repaired.  Like Anguilla, available room stock is currently being utilized by hurricane relief workers. The BVI will begin to welcome guests to the islands on November 1, 2017.

St. Eustatius

Charles Lindo, director of tourism at the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation, made a brief presentation about his island, which is a short flight from St. Maarten. The island currently has a room stock of approximately 175 rooms, which is expected to increase to 250 by 2018. The island, known for its diving and nature, boasts a tranquil, environment, he said. Lindo said the island is actively seeking suitable investors.

SOTIC, which has as its theme Supercharging the Caribbean Brand: Meeting the Needs of the New Explorers, is the preeminent educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals. This year’s conference is being organised by the CTO in collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority and Grenada’s ministry of tourism, and will be held from 10-13 October at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort. The conference will be preceded by business meetings on 9 and 10 October.

Key conference sessions include Infusing Dynamism in Caribbean Tourism, Who are the New Explorers, Business Models that Rock, Turning Our Waters Into Goldmines - Investing in the Blue Economy, and Spicing Up the Caribbean Brand.

The highly anticipated tourism youth congress and a Stakeholders Speak Out session are also part of the programme.

French interior designers, Paule de Romeuf and Amélie Montocchio, worked together to ensure that after several months Canonnier's doors have reopened to reveal a completely transformed resort. Canonnier boasts commanding views over the northern islands and sparkling Indian Ocean and the Beachcomber team has successfully blended these breathtaking surroundings with the resort's interiors.

Guests staying at the revamped Canonnier Golf Resort & Spa will enjoy the new rooms draped in soft linen with the natural feel of rattan, wood and raffia that reflect the vegetation and gardens of the resort's grounds. New lighting in all the rooms reflects Beachcomber's desire to create harmony between the exterior and interior of the resort, which plays an essential role in creating the resort's peaceful and serene atmosphere. Guests can rest assured that top quality materials were carefully selected for all aspects of the hotel to respect nature and the environment, as well as ensuring complete comfort and luxury.

At Canonnier there is plenty to explore once guests have settled in to their luxurious rooms. A unique feature of the resort is its wellness centre built in the branches of a 100-year-old banyan tree where therapists soothe body and mind. Evoking a small tree house, Canonnier's spa provides an authentic tropical hideaway for guests wishing to escape the stresses of daily life. This haven of peace and relaxation now features a new low stone wall that recalls the lighthouse that once stood in the resort's tropical gardens, whilst the spa now also includes a sauna, hammam and fitness room. The resort's swimming pool has also been refurbished to feature mosaic tiles that create a lagoon effect where the water shimmers a sparkling blue-green. For guests seeking a more active holiday, there is a wide range of land and water sports available. From tennis, volleyball and mountain biking to diving and snorkelling, there is something for everyone. The only golf course in the north of the island is also just 700 metres away and offers a very special welcome to hotel guests.

Cannonier's fantastic transformation reflects the combination of experience and careful thought that has gone into creating a resort that is perfectly balanced between luxury and comfort. With all of these exciting new improvements guests will need to get in quickly to be among the first to experience the revamped resort and to enjoy their own Beachcomber holiday filled with relaxation, indulgence and spectacular surroundings.

More wheelchair users across the Midlands could get the chance to discover touchtennis and play year-round following the success of a programme at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall campus and an LTA initiative designed to improve grassroots tennis facilities.

Wheelchair athlete David Sinclair, from Walsall, discovered touchtennis through playing wheelchair basketball at the University of Wolverhampton. The programme is run throughout the region by Walsall-based tennis coach Clayton Edge, who originally held sessions on the grass at the Arboretum.

This proved a huge barrier for David who, as a youngster, was a keen tennis player before an accident in his teens left him in a wheelchair and unsure he would play again. However, with the support of the University, Clayton was able to begin sessions indoors at the Walsall campus, which enabled David to return to a sport he loves.

One of the key differences to David's experience is the access to indoor facilities – playing indoors means it is far easier for him to move around the court and has really enabled him to excel at the sport.

David said: “I’ve always been sporty and I was so happy to discover touchtennis and begin playing again. I loved the sport as a kid and didn’t want being in a wheelchair to affect that. One of the biggest differences for me is having access to well-surfaced or indoor facilities, because it’s almost impossible to move around on grass in a wheelchair.

“Having access to these sessions with Clayton here at the Walsall campus has enabled me to play to a high standard and I know access to more indoor facilities and well-surfaced courts would allow more wheelchair athletes to take up the sport.”

David has progressed enormously as a wheelchair touchtennis player, and now plays regularly in tournaments. Recently, he became the first wheelchair athlete to take part in the main draw of the Black Country Open.

Van Willerton, Regional Participation Manager for the LTA in the Midlands, said: “We’re very proud to work with Clayton in delivering programmes like touchtennis, which is a form of tennis that is absolutely suitable for everyone. The fact that David can play with able-bodied athletes here at the University of Wolverhampton is a fantastic example of how these programmes can be enjoyed by all.

“The key to increasing opportunities for people to play is through facilities like these here at the University’s Walsall campus and, with the recent record level of funding for grassroots facilities available through Transforming British Tennis Together, there has never been a better time for clubs, universities and local authorities to tell the LTA what is needed in their local areas to get more people playing the game.”

Transforming British Tennis Together aims to reduce the barriers to playing tennis by doubling the number of floodlit and covered courts across the UK over the next ten years, increasing available playing hours. The initiative will also see the LTA work with local communities across the region to:

·       Install online booking and entry systems so everyone can book a tennis court easily from their mobile phone, computer or tablet;

·       Refurbish courts, clubhouses and other social spaces to ensure players have a great experience every time they visit;

·       Support other innovative and creative ideas that meet local demand.

Kate Williams, Senior Officer for Sports Development at Walsall Council, said: “It’s great to see University facilities here in Walsall being used by tennis clubs and wider community programmes. We work closely with the LTA and other tennis partners in the area to develop local tennis projects and support clubs and coaches in delivering community tennis.

We have introduced touchtennis at Walsall Arboretum and we are happy to look at all initiatives which might get more people active. The exciting new investment programme in Transforming British Tennis Together is something we hope will help us continue to deliver sustainable and accessible opportunities for all”.

Deputy Director of the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Sport, Bess Evans, said: “We’re very excited to see how the LTA’s multi-million pound investment could benefit us here at the University of Wolverhampton. With Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games it is a really significant time for sport in the West Midlands.

“Walsall as an area is not physically active enough and the possibility to improve and develop facilities with tennis at its heart is a fantastic chance for us to increase participation in the region.

“We’ve seen today how the university can partner with community initiatives like the touchtennis programme and we’d love to be a part of more initiatives with the help of the LTA to get people more active and playing tennis.”

British Gymnastics has announced it has chosen Birmingham as the host city for the 2018 Gymnastics World Cup. It’s another win for Birmingham which hopes to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The exciting event will take place at Arena Birmingham, in the city centre over two days in March 2018. On Wednesday 21st March, the men will battle it out on all the famous apparatus (floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar). On Thursday 22nd March, it’s the women’s turn to wow the crowds as they compete on vault, uneven bars, beam and floor.

Each year, the World Cup travels the globe with four events staged in four different countries. In 2018, it’ll appear in the USA, Germany, and the UK, before reaching an exciting climax in Japan. Nations compete to be crowned World Cup winners with each individual event securing vital points on the leader board. Medals are awarded at each event, with gymnasts also picking up ranking points in the hope of being crowned the World Cup series champion.

The event will feature (up to) nine male and nine female gymnasts representing eight different countries. Nations will nominate their representatives in the spring. Historically, Olympic, World and European medallists have competed for their countries which have included the USA, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and of course Great Britain. As the host nation, GB secure four spots automatically. With the depth and breadth of talent in the British Gymnastics team, the selectors will be spoilt for choice.

Jane Allen, CEO of British Gymnastics: “We’re delighted to bring this world class gymnastics event to Birmingham which has a long history of staging gymnastics championships at World, European and British Championship levels.

Birmingham and the West Midlands has produced some of the most successful British gymnasts in history and it’s time to return to Birmingham and stage this spectacular event. It’s a fantastic competition and a real crowd pleaser that’s been enjoyed by sold-out crowds over the years.

Besides the display of world class sport, where you’ll see some of the world’s best gymnasts in action, there’s always a firm focus on fun and entertaining the audience.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Interim Leader of Birmingham City Council: “We’re delighted British Gymnastics has chosen Birmingham to stage this prestigious event. All eyes again will be on Birmingham as hosts of another significant international sporting event and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s best gymnasts to our city. We know Birmingham and the West Midlands will get behind this event and we are proud to support it."

2018 Gymnastics World Cup

21-22 March 2018, Arena Birmingham

Families can find out more about WV Active's Swim Academy by diving into free pool parties which are being held next weekend.

Parents and children are invited to visit WV Active Central from 11am–1pm on Saturday 14 October and WV Active Bilston–Bert Williams from 11am-1pm on Sunday 15 October to discover the swimming programmes offered at the two City of Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centres.

Instructors from the WV Active Swim Academy will be on hand at both centres to lead free taster swimming lessons and assess people's swimming abilities. And there will also be a free pool party for families with toys and inflatables taking place from noon-1pm on both days.

The WV Active Swim Academy works in partnership with Swim England to offer swimming lessons for children aged between four and 16, and for adults.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “This is a great opportunity for families to find out more about the learn to swim programmes on offer through the Swim Academy at WV Active Central and WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams.

“Swimming is a hugely important skill to have, and our Swim Academy delivers lessons to thousands of children and adults every year.”

This Sunday, October 1, 150 years of Wasps Rugby Football is being celebrated at theirr anniversary Aviva Premier League game against Bath Rugby at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

As players, coaching staff, management and fans get together to celebrate this huge milestone for the club, it will be a who's who of Wasps players past and present this Sunday! You will have a chance to rub shoulders with legendary players including Lawrence Dallaglio, Kenny Logan, Richard Birkett, Fraser Waters and John Hart, who will be taking part in activities all over the stadium.

Dallaglio, who played for Wasps throughout his entire 18-year career, said: “To have such a wide range of former players present on the day really adds meaning to the phrase of ‘once a Wasp, always a Wasp.’

Wasps Rugby Club is a part of my DNA and I have an overwhelming number of great memories at the club, which I’m looking forward to re-living with a number of my former team-mates on the day.

It’s important for the club to reflect on its successful past, and now the club has its own permanent home in Coventry, hopefully the day can inspire this generation of players and fans to even more success in the future.”

Wasps Chief Executive, Nick Eastwood, added: “This is the go-to game for rugby lovers with so many iconic players set to be paraded on the pitch.

A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes since the summer to get as many former players as possible together all at once, and it promises to be a great day for everybody connected with the club.”

The club is putting on celebrations across the venue with an outdoor street festival-style fan village with lots of fun activities to enjoy, including live music from new band "The Peas" and a performance by award-winning magician Will Gray, who will be bringing his unique style of magic and comedy to the day.