It’s been just over a month since the one-two punch of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean. They knocked out services and blew off roofs, as they ripped through the islands.

While the day-to-day lives of so many of our Caribbean friends have certainly been severely impacted, so has their economy. Where tourism was a reliable employer, now there is uncertainty. Many resorts are closed or heavily damaged. Puerto Rico still has no power. This means that every taxi driver, every waiter, every charter boat captain, and every local band member is out of work or has radically reduced opportunities. We hear updates from our DMC and hotel colleagues, all facing challenges.

Like many in our industry, we at Next Level Performance have spent weeks and months every year, working side-by-side with our island partners, delivering unforgettable experiences for our clients. We have enjoyed the tremendous hospitality and unparalleled scenery that make incentive programs so special. After the storms, however, many 2018 and 2019 programs have had to move to other locations while repairs are made and the power grid restored.

In the meanwhile, we want to help. We’ve made a donation to United for Puerto Rico. They and many other worthy organizations could use a hand, including the One America Appeal, which supports hurricane recovery in the islands, in Texas, and in Florida.

We’re working hard to rebook our programs on future dates on those islands impacted by the hurricanes. We look forward to the clear blue waters, the sandy beaches, and the warm welcome from our Caribbean friends. We’ll be back as soon as they’re ready for us.