September 19, 2023
The recent European Union report on Sustainable Tourism just underscores how important tourism is for the Caribbean and how we must continue to develop the product at all cost.
We have natural endowments with sun, sand and sea and great weather. But our competitive advantages need to be exploited in cultural, eco and religious tourism. We have all of the ingredients to make significant strides in all of these areas.
Never has there been a time in history when so many people want to travel and explore this world. These people want to “feel” life and experiences. This amazing rebound in tourism need to be complemented with new sites and activities for these droves of people looking to travel.
So, as the EU report says, we must raise that estimated stop-over spending of $26bn and turn that into an easy $30bn so that the majority of us can enjoy the fruits of the vineyard we tend for our guests.
Tourism must now be integrative with and for our visitors. They must be involved in every aspect of our daily lives here in the Caribbean. It is what they have been asking for for years now, “to see the people.”
Let us give them that opportunity.