The Caribbean Tourism Organization hosted a gathering of regional leaders in Saint Martin for its first round of business meetings this year.
During the week-long event, members worked together to define a vision and develop a strategy for establishing the Caribbean as the world’s leading warm-weather destination.
Premier Joseph E Farrell joined in sharing his insights on challenges, best practices and solutions.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, 10 February, the CTO said the vision for a unified Caribbean tourism industry was clearly articulated during the meetings.
“The CTO board of directors and ministerial council are developing a plan of action to address key issues affecting the region, including aviation, communication and training,” it said.
“As we collaborate, our energies are being directed toward strategies and opportunities that will benefit our tourism initiatives and stakeholders.”
In a later post the CTO added: “A remarkable synergy emerges when our Caribbean kinship convenes to forge the future of our tourism sector.”
A ‘revitalised’ future
Chair Kenneth Bryan, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Ports in the Cayman Islands, led the meetings.
“The discussions were fruitful and reflective of the vibrant spirit that characterises our collective efforts,” he said in a CTO press release.
“The CTO is moving towards a reimagined, revitalised and relevant future, with a clear focus on overcoming challenges through unity and shared vision.”
A significant part of the meetings centred on the role of aviation in connecting the Caribbean, the press release said.
Bryan stressed the CTO’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and addressing the complexities of aviation logistics.
He highlighted a resolution to engage with key stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and regional airlines.
The aim is to advocate for increased seat capacity and more seamless travel within the Caribbean region.
Aviation conference
Members also discussed the possibility of staging a Caribbean aviation conference.
This would feature airline and airport authority executives, hotel brands, tourism stakeholders, and government ministers with responsibility for tourism, civil aviation, regulatory and finance matters.
“We need robust dialogue on the necessary changes to incentivise more connectivity within the region, so we’re going to put our foot down on the gas concerning this because it’s a serious concern for many members, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean,” Bryan said.
In attendance were heads of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, St Lucia, Saint Martin, Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cayman Islands and St Kitts and Nevis.
The Government of Saint-Martin, tourism commissioner Valérie Damaseau and her team at the Saint Martin Tourist Office hosted the CTO delegation.
“From exciting local cultural talent to exquisite gastronomic experiences, ‘The Friendly Island’ was the epitome of Caribbean hospitality,” the CTO said.
