Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that whereas the Caribbean’s rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have been nothing wanting outstanding, there’s “zero room” for complacency.
“The Caribbean area has rebounded magnificently from the setbacks brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and different elements, corresponding to pure disasters, however there isn’t any room for complacency, particularly in a world crammed with uncertainties and exterior elements past our management,” stated Mr. Bartlett.
Addressing business leaders gathered for the 4th annual American Society of Journey Advisors (ASTA) Showcase, at Sandals South Coast, in Westmoreland, on August 24, he warned that threats to the sector’s sustainability have to be tackled urgently to protect the area’s financial lifeblood.
“Tourism stays the Caribbean’s most significant financial driver. The sector contributes about 22 per cent of the area’s gross home product (GDP) and sustains roughly 2.75 million jobs, underscoring why continued vigilance and strategic motion are important,” Mr. Bartlett stated.
“Our tourism-reliant economies make us vulnerable to inner and exterior shocks,” he famous.
These, he stated, embrace local weather change, extra frequent and intense hurricanes, rising sea ranges, coral reef degradation, in addition to geopolitical elements and unstable supply markets.
“By persevering with to work collectively, the chances are countless in how far the Caribbean can go in persevering with to be one of the vital extremely sought-after tourism locations on the earth,” Mr. Bartlett stated.
Turning to latest efficiency, the Minister famous that 2024 marked a powerful rebound with worldwide vacationer arrivals rising by 6.1 per cent in comparison with 2023, reaching 34.2 million guests.
Noting ongoing threats to regional tourism, he urged the sector to confront sustainability challenges extra aggressively than ever earlier than to protect long-term viability and enchantment.
The occasion’s attendance by a number of regional Tourism Ministers underscored a shared dedication to unity. Along with Mr. Bartlett, Deputy Prime Minister of St Lucia, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire; Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill of Barbados; Hon. Carlos James of St. Vincent & the Grenadines; and Hon. Adrian Thomas of Grenada have been among the many dignitaries current.
Mr. Bartlett described their presence as proof of a “distinctive spirit of cooperation,” transferring from competitors to what he termed “copetition” – a cooperative competitors that strengthens the area.
He added that COVID-19 taught a tough lesson: “We compete at our personal peril and we compete at our personal glory; we grow to be higher, stronger if we compete transferring ahead,” he added.
