BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Sep 27 2015 – Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Hugh Riley says the tourism sector is still struggling for recognition among regional leaders despite the “massive impact tourism has on the day to day lives of Caribbean leaders”.
In his message on Sunday to mark World Tourism Day, Riley made reference to a plea made by former chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie in July.
“There, Prime Minister Christie pleaded with his fellow leaders to give tourism greater prominence at their meetings, stressing that to do otherwise would send a message that they did not take tourism seriously.”
Riley also pointed to the lack of a fund to market the region as a single destination and the challenges of intra-regional airlift.
But he also pointed to hope for the regional industry, noting that last year tourism contributed to US$29.5 billion to Caribbean economies and this is expected to rise this year.
“Last year our region’s arrivals were up five percent over 2013 and this year we expect another five percent or so rise. Our realistic goal is to break the 30 million barrier by the end of 2017. But it won’t be easy,” he said.
The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is “One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities”.
Riley said the theme is “a perfect reminder to us of the important impact tourism has on our countries and communities, and the many opportunities to grow our tourism”
He said more than one billion people are expected to travel internationally this year and “this will challenge us to create experiences and memories that appeal to each individual, so not only will they come again but they will also encourage their friends and families to visit. In essence, it’s one billion opportunities for the most effective advertising there is”.
