Mrs Lorna Smith, wife of Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith, told the Bitter End Yacht Club that whether they like it or not they need to get with technology. Photo: VINO

The annual Service Stars award ceremony and dinner of Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) held on February 1, 2014. Photo: VINO

The annual Service Stars award ceremony and dinner of Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) held on February 1, 2014. Photo: VINO

The core of Mrs Smith speech challenged the management of BEYC to recognized that the days of the ‘Baby Boomers’ are quickly being wiped out as ‘Millennials ‘are now dominating.

“Whether you like it or not get with technology. Learn to use the computer if you do not use it already. Do emails, Get on Facebook, It's all about social media these days,” was the core of the sound advice given to BEYC by Mrs Smith.

“Baby boomers, while we love them are no longer booming. You see they are getting old like me and are finding it more and difficult to travel. So let's talk for a moment about the new breed of travellers - the millennials, the children of the baby boomers for the most part,” noted Mrs Smith.

Nothing that most BEYC guests continue to come back she commended the owners and management on the constant changes they have been making in order to remain competitive.

She explained that very quickly these travellers, millennials, were born between 1980 and 2000. “Many were no doubt conceived right here at Bitter End!” she said adding a bit of humour. “Secondly in the US alone they are now 79 million of them, they already make up a third of travellers and will become the majority in four years’ time,” Mrs Smith further said.

To attract this new breed of travellers Mrs Smith said that it is very important that the resorts like BEYC understand their personas as among other things they love speed. “For example they prefer to check in using a kiosk or machine, over the personal touch of the front desk - so you may have to get with the programme! You will tell me that personal touch is irreplaceable…” she said.

According to Mrs Smith who has told the audience that she has been travelling around the world as most recently, she has observed that millennials love to document their experiences - which presents another wonderful opportunity for BE to tell the world about their fabulous offerings including their exceptional service, great food and magical setting.

“On the other hand, millennials are undercover critics, so service must be great 24/7 or you will next hear about it on Trip Advisor.com. Millennials are curious explorers so they like to try the culture - therefore bring out the pea soup and dumplings, the salt fish, millennials though have tighter wallets so they like amenities like free wifi, which is a nice revenue stream but I am you can find ways to make up what could be a shortfall,” she said.

Mrs Smith however commended BEYC as she noted that they are unsurpassed in their services, warmth and the kind of care they give to their guests. “Bitter End is authentic,” she told the owners, management and staff.