By: Maryn James
As we reach the ¾ point of our Study Abroad Program in the Caribbean, our immersion into the world of advertising and public relations in tourism has been nothing short of enlightening. This week, the group had one of the most exciting experiences of the program so far: a catamaran boat day exploring Prickley Pear and Anguilla. The day was filled with snorkeling, discovering sea creatures, and connecting with friends and fellow tourists.
We boarded the catamaran, greeted by the friendly crew who immediately made us feel at home. As we set sail towards Prickley Pear, the crew briefed us on the day's itinerary and safety protocols. This initial interaction highlighted an essential aspect of tourism PR: the importance of first impressions and customer service. The crew’s professionalism and enthusiasm set a positive tone, and their ability to make guests feel comfortable and excited about the day was an example of PR in shaping tourist experiences.
Upon reaching Prickley Pear, I was ready to snorkel! The underwater world was teeming with life. Those of us who snorkeled found colorful fish and a stingray swimming through the coral reef. I couldn’t help but think about how the island's natural beauty is an advertising campaign in itself that so commonly attracts tourists. The use of visuals in promotional materials, from brochures that our group has seen all over the island throughout our month here, to social media posts that average tourists like us post, all play a crucial role in showcasing the beauty of destinations like Prickley Pear.
After snorkeling, we enjoyed a delicious lunch on board the catamaran, featuring local Caribbean cuisine. Sharing a meal with our friends and new acquaintances underscored another critical aspect of tourism PR: creating memorable and shareable experiences. The meal exemplified how tourism campaigns often focus on the social and communal aspects of travel, encouraging tourists to share their experiences with others, both in person and on social media. Around this time, we became friends with most of the other families and groups that were on the boat. Meeting new people is always one of the things I love most about traveling.
Our next stop was near a beach in Anguilla, an island renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Here, we did some more swimming, while others explored the coast of the island. A couple of my friends also found a starfish, which was a bucket list goal of mine on the trip and such a cool experience.
Throughout the day, we also had the opportunity to observe and participate in various promotional activities organized by the tour operators. From photos and videos to curated social media posts, it was evident that strategic advertising efforts were at play. These activities not only enhanced our personal experience but also served as content that could be used to attract future tourists. This practical exposure complemented our classroom learning, providing us with real-world examples of how advertising and PR strategies are implemented in the tourism industry. Although all the customers on the boat were taking photos all day, I found it interesting that the boat company didn’t take these boat days as an opportunity to take professional photos for their brand.
Reflecting on the day, it was clear that our catamaran adventure was more than just a fun excursion—it was an opportunity to observe how tourism, advertising, and public relations are put into play on the island. Throughout my trip, I have found myself observing a lot of the simple things that go into tourism success on the island. Before this trip, I wouldn’t have noticed anything related to Advertising and PR, but It plays into everything I’ve done during my time here in St. Maarten. As we continue our journey, these experiences will continue to enrich our understanding and inspire us to apply these insights in our future careers.
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