Caribbean Tourism Month – OneCaribbean.org

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CTO Announces Theme and Social Media Showcase for Caribbean Tourism Month 2023

BARBADOS (October 30, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has declared the theme for this year’s Caribbean Tourism Month in November as “One Caribbean: Investing in Our People, Protecting Our Planet, Prosperity for All”.

The 2023 theme echoes the sentiments of the recently concluded 2023 World Tourism Day, focusing on “Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity”, underscoring the interconnectedness and the shared future of Caribbean nations and territories.

In a dynamic region renowned for its vibrant culture, beaches, rivers, majestic waterfalls and warm hospitality, Caribbean Tourism Month 2023 is set for another landmark celebration that not only highlights the scenic beauty and diverse cultures of the Caribbean but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and investment in human capital.

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper remarked, “This year’s theme, ‘One Caribbean: Investing in Our People, Protecting Our Planet, Prosperity for All’, reflects our deep-rooted commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures our people’s gifts, talents and abilities, safeguards our natural resources, and promotes sustainable prosperity as a goal for every man, woman and child,” she said. She continued: “We believe that the path to sustainable tourism and inclusive growth lies through concerted efforts in these critical areas.”

Throughout November, the CTO will showcase the unique attributes of each of its 25-member destinations across its social media platforms. Designed to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the Caribbean, this campaign offers a window into the rich cultural tapestry and the majestic natural environments of CTO members. The hashtag for the campaign is #OneCaribbean.

Regis-Prosper added, “Our social media showcase is more than just a promotional activity. It’s a canvas for storytelling, sharing the narratives of our people, the custodians of our planet, and the architects of our shared prosperity. It will be a testament to the distinct yet unified spirit that comprises our Caribbean region.”

CTO invites residents, travelers, industry stakeholders, and the global community to join this month-long celebration. Through engagement, exploration, and shared dialogues, Caribbean Tourism Month 2023 aims to strengthen the bonds within the Caribbean community, encourage responsible travel, and showcase the myriad opportunities for investment and collaborative growth within the region.

For further information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit www.onecaribbean.org.

Posted in: 2023 News, Blog, Caribbean Tourism Month

Caribbean Tourism Month Message from the CTO

Our celebrations of Caribbean Tourism Month this year continue our focus on Caribbean wellness which is the theme for 2022.

Considering the World Tourism Day theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, as we navigate the post pandemic period, our region, like all other regions, has been tasked with ensuring that the new tourism paradigm takes into account, first and foremost, sustainability as the mainstay of any rethinking process. This approach is designed to ensure that we carefully consider the economic, environmental, social and other critical factors which affect or are likely to affect the sector in the foreseeable and longer-term future.

Since the start of tourism in the region, going back to the years shortly after our countries began receiving European settlers, persons from these countries travelled to the Caribbean to improve their health, seek their fortune, start a new beginning and, in more recent times, for fun, relaxation and ‘wellness’.

At the recently held Caribbean Community-Based Network Forum, held under the theme ‘Wellness Tourism Beyond the Norm’, feature speaker, Ms. Stephanie Rest, Founder, Caribbean Wellness and Education prefaced her statements by pointing out: “Wellness comes naturally to the Caribbean”.

In rethinking tourism in the Caribbean, we have an opportunity to capitalize on our land and marine based assets including our warm tropical climate, pristine oceans and seas, and the abundance of hot springs, waterfalls, rivers and enchanting flora and fauna that can be found across the Caribbean landscape. Additionally, our rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality further sets our region apart from others, while presenting each destination in the Caribbean as a unique and rewarding experience for visitors.

“The potential of the tourism sector and several elements which can add to its sustainability remain untapped. In rethinking tourism, we have to find the right formula to properly and responsibly use these natural and heritage assets to the advantage of our sector and all Caribbean people” said the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

“The reshaped tourism sector in the Caribbean, led by the CTO, in accepting its place as a key economic driver, must remain diverse in its product offerings, and ready to withstand any shock; a lesson learnt from the 18 months of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

As the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), our member countries, allied and affiliate members and Caribbean tourism interests celebrate Caribbean Tourism Month this November, let us celebrate the Caribbean’s sustained position as the place to visit for wellness as we embrace and highlight the treasures which can be found within our shores.

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About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Among the benefits to its members the organisation provides specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.
For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow CTO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Caribbean Tourism Month, Corporate News

Statement by Neil Walters, Secretary General(Ag) on the Launch of Caribbean Tourism Month 2019

THEME: BUILDING A CARIBBEAN TOURISM LEGACY THROUGH FESTIVALS

Friday 1 November, 2019 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) joins the region in celebrating Caribbean Tourism Month as we reaffirm the value of “One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.”

As we continue to observe 2019 as the Caribbean Year of Festivals, we celebrate both the unique distinctions of our region and the many features that bind us together. The unique rhythm and tempo of each CTO destination is reflected best in the music, art, sailing, lights, food, rum, religious, literary, dance and the many other festivals celebrated throughout the region. Unquestionably, there is a festival to commemorate each element of the cultures and heritages which personify the region.

The unique characteristics, diverse backgrounds, and traditions that enrich the Caribbean’s cultural tapestry create enchanting and magnificent sights and experiences for us, the people of the Caribbean, as well as our visitors.

The dynamic spirit of the people of the Caribbean comes to life in an unmatched array of diverse festivals which energise communities and entice visitors to come and immerse themselves in the wonderful blend of culture, beauty and warmth that define us.

While these festivals are of great significance to the people of the Caribbean, they have also become a signature feature of the region’s tourism product, capturing the attention of the millions of visitors attracted to our shores. No doubt, many of the 17.1 million tourist visits to the Caribbean during the first half of this year were influenced by festivals. Therefore, as we seek to grow our arrival numbers and tourist spend, these events will continue to be integral to our planning. Critical to this will be maximising resources while minimising waste by developing a model which emphasises environmental preservation, maintains economic viability and prioritises cultural considerations.

The CTO encourages all our member countries and partners to organise some form of activity in observance of Caribbean Tourism Month and to share your events with us so that we can help tell your story to the world. We also encourage everyone to participate in our social media campaign during these next 30 days.

I wish everyone a successful and exciting Caribbean Tourism Month.

Posted in: 2019 News, Blog, Caribbean Tourism Month