Reimagining of Caribbean Tourism Key to Resilience of the Industry, Says Minister Bartlett

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett believes the push to reimagine Caribbean Tourism is key to ensuring the resilience of the industry.

Speaking at the Council of Ministers during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York on Tuesday June 18, Minister Bartlett expressed his support for implementing changes that will benefit the region.

“Tourism remains the lifeblood of the Caribbean and as such we must do everything in our power to ensure that the industry is resilient. As we continue to grow, post COVID-19, it is important that we take a deep look at how we are operating and how we need to operate in the future to respond to the changing demands and potential disruptions,” said Minister Bartlett.

Held during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Caribbean Week covered the Caribbean Tourism Organizations’ (CTO) business proceedings which included meetings of the Board of Directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

“The call by the Secretariat of the CTO to actively look at reimagining the organization is welcomed as the region looks at finding strategic ways to increase our partnerships, creativity and opportunities to benefit us all. The pandemic showed us that we must do away with competition and move towards co-petition to grow exponentially to benefit livelihoods within our communities,” Minister Bartlett said.

The primary objective of the Caribbean Tourism Organization is to provide to and through its members, the services and information necessary for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.

From this year’s deliberations, plans are being developed, through a consultant to look at ways of reimagining the organization.

It was agreed that a working committee be set up to ensure the input of Caribbean destinations in the development of the strategy.