Anegada businesses upbeat about Lobster Fest 2013
On the other hand, members of the BVITB spent much time emphasising the need for greater involvement of the general community in the event this year.
Meanwhile, a team of officials from the BVITB, led by Events Marketing Manager Mr Rhodni A. Skelton, called a community meeting at the Anegada Community Centre Yesterday, November 6, 2013.
Optimism and positive vibes
According to most of the businessmen and woman present at the meeting, they are impressed with the number of vessels that are scheduled for the islands, starting form Friday November 29, 2013 (the date for the Restaurant week at Anegada) and for Lobster Week activities on November 30 and December 1, 2013.
They complimented the BVITB for the massive public relations it has been pushing. “Even in other people’s advertisements you are hearing about Anegada Lobster Fest in the background, everywhere you turn on and off islands Lobster Fest 2013 is being talked about a lot,” said one businessman.
The Lobster Festival will see patrons moving among the eight and other businesses to purchase lobsters done in different flavours and styles as opposed to all the businesses having booths in one location. “This way we have everyone benefiting, including the taxis and rental companies,” noted Mr Skelton. He also emphasised the importance of the business units doing some level of promoting the event independent of the BVITB.
Get everyone involved – make money
While the attendance of community members was not realized, the business sector was out in full numbers. “We really want residents here to get the message that this thing is not just for the eight businesses who signed up but it’s for the wider community and that’s the message we came here with,” Mr Skelton told those present.
He said that it’s the first time that the Lobster Festival is taking on the format of an ‘Adventure’ and it was so designed to pull the greater involvement of members of the community. “At least for this year this is an opportunity for some people to make some money, not just the regular business.”
He further explained that persons can take on the initiative of have small snap bars along the routes between restaurants that visitors would be targeting.
“It does not have to be anything large, just a small set up here and there with some drinks or some sugar cakes and other treats, t-shirts, some handicraft. The grandmothers and others in families can bring out their little handiworks and make some money and also add to the attraction,” he stressed.
It was said the purpose of the meeting was misinterpreted at some levels but was also affected by the inclement weather conditions that prevailed throughout the day.
Determined to get the message out for greater community involvement, Mr Skelton and his team spent some time moving around the community and interacting with members and other business operators who had not signed on to be officially part of the ‘Adventure’ experience of the festival this year.
Flip side
One businesswoman was struggling to grasp the concept and expressed the view that more benefits could be derived if the main aspects of the Lobster Festival are to be held in one location. She said that she finds it costly to effectively provide a quality level of entertainment with everyone else. “When I look at the cost to bring a band or DJ, provide accommodation and all that I cannot say for sure that I would make back that money and then a profit,” she said with skepticism.
She was, however, challenged to give the set structure a try this year. Mr Skelton explained that due to a tight budget from Government this year they have been doing their best at assisting as far as possible. He explained that the cost to set up a village would have been over the top but it is something that can be explored in the future.
Lobster Fest is Anegadians’
Much time was also spent stressing the need for residents of Anegada to take on the lead role in organizing and executing the Lobster Festival. “Two three years down the line this should be something that you the people of Anegada should be organizing with Tourist Board taking a more back seat,” Mr Skelton told residents.
He added that should this be done they would be able to speak better to the needs of the general community as they would be knocking heads to develop ideas that would benefit them as a community. “We (BVITB) will be there to support you along the way but this should be your thing, you live here, your livelihood is here, you best understand the culture of this Islands and you are the ones who directly interact with your visitors so you are the best one to do this,” he further stressed.
He also spoke of the need for improved customer services and additional staffing for the fest. “More than any other time you will be having in excess of 300 people coming in at once and you need to tighten up on the little shortcomings that might exist at your business. Customer service is key and you may need to employ more staff to work during that period to make sure that you maximise on excellent customer service,” added Mr Skelton.
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11 Responses to “Anegada businesses upbeat about Lobster Fest 2013”
Will like to take my kids along Sunday.