Introducing –CTO~ MIST Marketing & Management Information System for Tourism

1. Introducing –CTO~ MIST Marketing & Management Information System for Tourism Presented by Gail Clarke (Market Research Specialist) CTO

2. REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY • Caribbean Global Gateways consumer internet system (doitcaribbean.com) • global: multiple markets and multi-language • supports official internet sites of member countries • CTOnet Caribbean regional intranet system (OneCaribbean) • regional tourism statistics & reports • market research & market intelligence • on-line training materials, events, etc • Databases towards a Caribbean Tourism Web Community • CTO-MIST Tourism Management Information System • with national and regional components

7. Tourism Management Information Systems BACKGROUND • Information Technology revolution • Impact on international tourism • National Systems • Processing of tourism statistics • Statistics Departments • Tourist Offices • CTRC MicroStats - past its best? • National Internet Systems • Other Information Systems

8. About CTO ~ MIST ! • Developed in “Off the Shelf Software” - MS Access and MS SQL • Windows Technology ( W 95 / 98 or NT ) • Runs on “standard” PC - 350 Mhz,4.3 GBHD,32/64 K RAM, CD ( 40X) + Zip Drive • Reports • Facilitates Data Transfer - National, Regional, International -via Network - Email – Disc – Zip etc. • Facilitates Data Input - follows existing information flow • Can be further enhanced to meet local needs • Can be customised to Support a National Web Initiative • Is both Regional and National. • Progressive Implementation Approach to Meeting National Needs Flexible and User Friendly

9. CTO-MIST - Design Considerations • Inclusive – meet the needs of all Caribbean tourism destinations - large and small, developed and new. • Modular– selected components can be installed at first; others can be added later to meet new demands. • Flexible – operated by, and accessible to, a wide range of users, e.g. over a computer network. • “Best Practice”– guide to standard methods of collecting and disseminating tourism information. • InternetSupport – linked to the national Internet site for greatly improved information management. • Regional – facilitate regional data comparisons and the development of a regional information system at CTO.

10. CTO ~ MISTAn Integrated MIS Comprising Performance Module • E/D Cards • Visitor Surveys • Other Indicators (Economic) etc. Product Inventory Module • C.15 Databases - Accommodation, Attractions, Events, • Flexible Search and Select and Detailed Reporting Marketing Module • Market Intelligence • Source Market Information • Market Research • Reports MIST is an Integrated Management Information System not just a Replacement for current Stats Systems.

17. What can CTO ~ MIST mean to Member Countries ? • Introduces least developed members to the Information Technology Age • Influences methodology for collection and processing Tourism Research, Marketing & Planning information. • Aids Tourism Planning, Research and Marketing • Formalises & Centralises some existing & diverse collection activities • Underpins National Internet Initiatives • StandardisesI In formation collection and dissemination across the region • Links Information Collection to CTO and Regional needs. • But - Absorption Capacity, Resource and Technology Entry Level is a consideration CTO ~ MIST can be a “Great Leveler” Giving CTO member countries & product suppliers equal access to Tourism Marketing & Management Information.

18. Where are we now – Where are we going ? • EU funded project started 1998/9 • Actively being used in St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis • Recently implemented in Antigua and Barbuda and Suriname. • Request for installation in others • Other CTO written systems in existence in Guyana and Belize • Next moves: • 2003-2004 – Upgrade of MIST given new technology of Internet and intranet systems enhance CTOs ability to maintain the system. • Training, increase in house capability within CTO and our NTOs to manage the system • Regional MIST, establish The CTO system as the database for tourism information in the Caribbean

19. The Key to a Successful Implementation • Commitment & Cooperation - Tourism - Statistics - Immigration - and Public / Private Sector stake holders. • Acceptable Entry Level of Data Availability and Technology at a National Level • Absorption Capacity - Resources and Information Availability .

20. Thank youfor your Kind Attention