May 9, 2016 (Mandeville, Jamaica). The Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN) and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean have appointed Mr. Charles Lindo, Director of Tourism for St. Eustatius, as their Caribbean Director of Community Tourism to assist with the marketing and promotion of the Countrystyle Villages as Businesses (VAB) and the IIPT/SKAL Peace Villages/Towns programmes. His portfolio includes: the further development of the training offered from the Academy for Community Tourism (ACT), marketing support for the Countrystyle Caribbean Vacations and Tours (COCAVAT) and its tour partner CARIBIC/OLYMPIA TOURS with the Caribbean Community Experience™, as well as the CUPID CRAFT training and promotion of village products (includes art, craft, music and cuisine). Lindo will seamlessly integrate marketing the official website (www.accesscommunitytourism.com) and social network, currently managed by the Let’s Do It In The Caribbean marketing network, into the strategic plan for CCTN/IIPT Caribbean and VAB and the IIPT/SKAL Villages/Towns programmes.
The Director of Community Tourism will represent the mission and interests of the IIPT Caribbean and CCTN/VAB in his country and other Caribbean islands as well as promoting the Countrystyle Villages as Businesses and IIPT/SKAL Peace Villages/Towns programmes as a sustainable product for Caribbean communities. This includes the promotion of CCTN’s professional Consultant services and its training in Community Tourism entrepreneurship, basic hospitality skills and special interest marketing, marketing support for the Countrystyle Vacations and Tours (COCAVAT) and its tour partner CARIBIC/OLYMPIA TOURS with the Caribbean Community Experience™.
Mr. Lindo is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he received his Master’s Degree in Hospitality/Business Management. He has served for many years in top management positions in both the private and public sectors across the Dutch Caribbean.
Raised by his grandfather on the Island of St. Eustatius, Mr. Lindo developed a craving for culinary arts during his early childhood. It was no surprise, therefore, that upon completion of his secondary education in Curaçao, he secured a scholarship to pursue his passion.
Immediately upon completing his studies at Johnson and Wales, he was recruited by Wyndham hotels and Resort and joined the company’s Manager in Development programme. Mr. Lindo served in various managerial positions at hotels in Aruba (Wyndham), Curaçao (Kura Hulanda) and St. Maarten, where he was instrumental in securing franchise rights from Wyndham for Sapphire Beach Club. He also played a leading role in the establishment of Hotel Kura Hulanda Lodges on Westpoint in Curaçao.
Returning to Statia (St. Eustatius) in 2008, he was offered a position as Deputy Director of Tourism, a position he held until 2011 when he was appointed Director of Tourism at the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. He is a member of numerous boards and organizations on his native Island, St. Eustatius.
According to Diana McIntyre-Pike, President/Founder of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/Villages As Businesses and President of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean, “when we met Charles Lindo in St. Eustatius during our community tourism consultation and training, we were impressed with his passion for his country, the Caribbean and his dedication to the upliftment of the people. We look forward to his support in promoting our Countrystyle Community Tourism Network throughout the Caribbean.”
Director of Tourism, Charles Lindo receiving the trophies from Siem Dijkshoorn and Koos Sneek that were won over the years during the Golden Rock Regatta. This year, the Statia team won all the 7 races in the Bare Boat Class. Congrats to Team Statia for a job well done!!
