Carrier staff support hurricane relief effort in Grenada

Three members of the Carrier reservations team have taken supplies with them on a fact-finding trip to Grenada, which was hit by Hurricane Beryl last week.

Kirsty Ralphson, Michelle Dempsey and Claire Ashton from the luxury operator flew to Grenada on Saturday as part of a scheduled fam trip that had been delayed by four days because of the hurricane, which made landfall in the eastern Caribbean on July 1.

The trio took with them a suitcase of supplies, such toiletries, food, batteries, first aid kits and activities for children such as colouring books.

Natasha Towey, managing director at Carrier, said continuing with the fam trip and maintaining close communication with connections in the destination, the operator can ensure that agents and their clients receive “comprehensive, firsthand information so they are fully informed to make considered choices”.

“Jenny Basham, our Caribbean product manager, diligently liaised with local authorities, our hotel partners, and UK representatives to stay informed and keep the business up to date,” she said.

“The impacted areas were assessed, and we confirmed that none of our planned hotels were affected.

“Key islands like Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica have already successfully completed clean-up operations and are operating as usual.

“While the Grenadines remain closed, we are actively keeping our clients informed about the current situation.

“Although for many, the resort experience remains unaffected, certain excursions like waterfall hikes may not be available.

“Additionally, beach erosion in Barbados may impact water clarity. It’s important to note that we always advise against travel during the peak of the hurricane season, typically in September, a time when most of our partner hotels are closed as well.”

She said Carrier had no clients in the destination but did have some future bookings to hotels in the Grenadines.

“We have reached out to those clients affected and offered to amend their trip to alternative dates or an alternative destination,” she said.

“The response from clients has also been heartwarming and instead of cancelling trips the response was ‘how can we help support them financially’.

“As much as there is a lot of adversity in the world, there is also an abundance of kindness and humanity, where people come together to support others around the world and it’s wonderful to be a part of this and help facilitate it.”

She added: “It was heartening to see our trip, initially intended for business purposes, evolve into a meaningful opportunity to support hurricane relief efforts.

“Our team, comprised of Kirsty, Michelle, and Claire, went above and beyond, gathering essential supplies and rallying the Carrier family to contribute.

“An additional suitcase was donated and Virgin kindly added the extra bag complimentary.

“It’s moments like this that reinforce the genuine care within our team and the kindness within travel for the communities around the world who welcome us every year into their home.”

The fam trip had been set up earlier this year in order to visit hotels that have been refurbished – Calabash and Spice Island – and two new hotels: Six Senses and Silversands Beach House.

“These trips are an essential part of ensuring we continue to provide our agent partners with the freshest, in-depth knowledge,” said Towey.