Director of Tourism Charles Lindo (right) speaking at the meeting for homestay hosts and tenants.
ST. EUSTATIUS–St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) hosted a one-hour informative gathering for homestay hosts and potential tenants at Gertrude Judson Bicentennial Public Library. STDF’s Director of Tourism Charles Lindo and Product Development Manager Maya Leon-Pandt conducted the session. Head of the Finance Department David Ignacio was also available to respond to queries regarding homestay room tax and turnover tax.
“On Statia, there are a lot of persons who live alone and while seeking alternative options for additional rooms and places to stay on the island, the idea of homestay came to mind,” said Leon-Pandt. After extensive research, STDF invited owner of Homestay Grenada Lisa Williams to the island.
“The idea is to give visitors a feel of your island and a touch of your culture. Sharing real local experiences,” Leon-Pandt said.
A number of topics were discussed during the meeting, such as what homestay is all about, how to get started, what is required and how to set prices.
The Director of Tourism explained the various parts of the home-stay programme, which is hosted “slightly different” in Statia.
“Travelers today are interested in community tourism. Visitors really would like to be entertained by the local community. They are seeking authentic experiences. Hence, the reason why the homestay programme is so important. The idea is to share with visitors the knowledge of their destination while they stay at your home,” said Lindo.
“Tourism is everybody’s business and with this programme locals become more involved in tourism and tourism services,” he added.
During one of the Sustainability Conferences, which are held annually in Statia, two speakers from abroad are directly involved with community tourism and homestay.
These are founder and managing director of the multi-international award-winning Three Rivers and Rosalie Forest Eco Lodges in Dominica Jem Winston and founder of Country-style Community Tourism in Jamaica Diana McIntyre-Pike.
McIntyre is a fulltime community tourism consultant and trainer. Together with a team of local and international consultants she is implementing the Villages as Businesses programme in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Winston and McIntyre both returned to Statia to conduct homestay workshops.
Since the start of the homestay programme, STDF has been seeking an individual or company to manage the programme. Several persons were approached and during the meeting founder and manager of Excellence Consultancy Minerva van Putten offered her services in managing the homestay program. The position, however, is still open. Interested persons who would like to join the homestay programme may contact STDF for more information.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79474-travellers-are-interested-in-community-tourism-lindo
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