Just returned from Island Routes Conference in Jamaica

Richard Moss (Trade Development Manager aka Director of Adventure - Island Routes); Me (Cheryl Echevarria); and Nelson Echevarria

We want to welcome all our new readers and update those of you who have been following since 2008.

Yes that is correct, Nelson and I are celebrating 8 years serving all U.S. and Canadian Clients since 2008. First starting out in Brentwood, NY and now we are living in the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida!

We have been busy since we arrived on September 8th, 2016 finally we have unpacked and the home and business is looking great. Remember we are a home based agency.

As the subject line reads, we have just returned for the inaugural Island Routes Tour Company - Live Funner - Certified Partners Conference September 13-15, 2016

Island Routes is the tour company created by Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandal Resorts, which includes Sandals for Couples in Live and Beaches for Everyone by Sandals, and many of their other brands.

Me (Cheryl Echevarria); Adam Stewart (CEO of Sandals Resorts International and Island Routes)

Nelson and I were asked to attend the conference to speak on behalf of those clients with disabilities. Remember, I am legally blind, but we service all abilities. Since there are over 1000+ disabilities those that can be seen and those that are invisible like being diabetic, or have cancer, dialysis, special dietary needs, etc.

Nelson Echevarria; Minister of Tourism of Jamaica (Edmund Bartlett), and me (Cheryl Echevarria)

Again, since I specialize in clients with disabilities and I am also disabled. I was able to speak on the subject very much. This conference was brought together because Jamaica wants to improve its tours across Jamaica, and since many of the Spanish Hotels have come to the Island Country, many of the business and economy has gone back to the corporations and not the people of this wonderful country. They are also bridging across the Caribbean including trying to talk to the resorts that have multiple locations like doing resorts and trips from Cuba which is the closest country to Jamaica and doing like a two for one. More about that to come.

Also once I have the full video of the conference it will be posted.

I had spoken on a panel. I was asked how can the tours of the Caribbean improve so that everyone can enjoy their experiences and not just the hotels.

Don't get me wrong they have wonderful tours of the islands, but there are looking to do more hands on and involvement in the local communities then just going ziplining and Dunn's River Falls. Like picking Blue Mountain Coffee and going through the process of roasting it and grinding it until it is coffee we drink. Or how to make the local crafts, or maybe invited into a home and learn to play music, and cook a typical Jamaica dinner, etc.

I just said to remember that those of us that have something different or disabled that, I go through the process of speaking to you our clients first prior to sending you their. Also they have to realize is to ask if you need help and not assuming that you do. 

Many of the tours I have seen list that they have listed not good for those which disabilities. I mentioned this at the event, and said "what does this mean exactly" someone in a wheelchair or scooter, someone who has back issues, etc. What are they asking?

It was a very popular learning experience for the tour operators. I kind of took over the panel. LOL!

I said finally, "It's like the movie Field of Dreams, if you offer it, people will come" Many asked me, if we offer it will I have clients. I said not only me, but many other agents will.

Just need all levels of experiences from laid back and relaxed to the adventurous person.