CTO 2023 NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE

January 9, 2023 – In 2022, the Caribbean was among the fastest-recovering regions globally and would have reclaimed between 85.0% and 90.0% of total arrivals in 2019.  Some individual destinations surpassed their 2019 levels with record-breaking performances, while others are approaching the benchmark levels of 2019, and are expected to equal or exceed these levels in 2023. Nevertheless, a few destinations will require a longer period to reach pre-pandemic levels.  We have seen unprecedented levels of airlift into the region from our source markets and the aforementioned recovery has been very evident in both land based and cruise tourism. This speaks to the resilience of the sector and the positive perception of the region in our source markets, based on our hospitality, stability, connectivity and our perennial well-earned status as a region for wellness.

“The year 2022 and especially the second half of the year has been a very encouraging one for Caribbean tourism. While we are still seeing elements of the effect of the pandemic on international travel, here in the Caribbean, we have noted a much more consistent pattern of travel which is a good indicator of a return to normalcy and a path to 2019 levels.” said Mr. Neil Walters, CTO’s acting Secretary General.

Of course, the gains we have recorded have not been achieved without challenge.  Our ability to learn from and recover from the significant challenges of the 27 months up to June 2022 are a testament to the resilience of Caribbean tourism and Caribbean people in general. Many of those challenges continue today, compounding the latent effects of the pandemic and evolving into new challenges for the tourism sector and Caribbean economies in general. Thus far, we have been able to ride out the supply chain issues, the political unrest existing in some regions of the world and the economic unrest which seems to be forever looming in our key source markets. Of immediate concern is the lack of intra-regional connectivity especially in the Central, Southern and Eastern Caribbean. The effect of this is particularly acute in these sub-regions where several of our member countries depended on intra- regional travel in the pre-pandemic era as one of their key source markets.

Our aim in 2023 is to create mechanisms to ensure that the Caribbean remains in the top 5 of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world. To date, the majority of our efforts have been focused on traditional markets, resulting in the significant recovery outlined above. But we do recognize that even within and abounding our traditional source markets there are untapped markets which are ripe for growth including the non-traditional markets outside of the USA, UK and Europe.

The Caribbean tourism sector’s key assets – our people and diverse cultural and natural resources – remain critical to the development of regional tourism. Sufficient and sustainable funding including foreign direct investment are other critical factors. Market growth, development of the sector’s key assets and sustainable funding are examples of some of the actions needed for sustained recovery and rebuilding of Caribbean tourism. By focusing on the key pillars of the CTO’s work – research, product development including human resource development at all levels of the Caribbean and marketing – the aim is to ensure the CTO’s continued leadership in the development of regional tourism and to overcome some of the challenges outlined above.

In affirming this action, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and Minister of Tourism and Transport for the Cayman Islands noted, “The CTO is the region’s tourism development agency and in recognizing this, the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism has started a process to reshape the organization reposition it to be more relevant in the post-pandemic era. In this way, the CTO can best lead the region in developing tourism into a more resilient and robust sector, confirming its significant contribution to positive regional economic growth.”

Posted in: 2023 News, Blog

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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 FacebookTwitterInstagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

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

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Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Officials Tapped as Top Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Executives

For the first time, a Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism has been elected as the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Chairman. The Honorable Kenneth Bryan was unanimously elected by CTO members and assumes the chairmanship of the CTO Council of Ministers for the next two years. In addition, Rosa Harris, the Cayman Islands Director of Tourism, will serve as chairman of the CTO Board of Directors for the next two years.

“I am honored to take on this role and proud to serve as Cayman Islands first Chairman elect,” said Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism. “I am committed to supporting the Caribbean region especially since many of our sister islands recently lifted Covid testing and restrictions making it easier for consumers to travel to the Caribbean which is imperative post-pandemic. Having the confidence from my colleagues to represent the Caribbean is humbling and I look forward to collaborating with them during my chairmanship.”

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.” CTO provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning and execution, and research and information technology.

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization please visit www.onecaribbean.org. For more information on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism please visit www.visitcaymanislands.com.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Corporate News

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Statement From CTO Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Regarding the Passage Of Hurricane Fiona

As the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Council of Ministers & Commissioners of Tourism, I am confident that I speak for all of my Ministerial Colleagues in saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters across the Caribbean that are being impacted by the ravages of Hurricane Fiona.

I sincerely hope that you, your loved ones, and colleagues are safe and secure.

I recognise that the needs of your family, friends and communities are your top concern right now, and I want you to know that the CTO stands ready to assist in whatever ways we can, if and when you need us in the weeks to come.

As Islands in the Caribbean situated in the hurricane belt, we have all faced the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes and can relate to what you are going through. We know that  there will be many difficult months ahead for those for those who have been most affected.

But with our strong faith and commitment to one another’s well-being, we will get through this. As a region, we have strength in our collective support systems and those of us who are unaffected by Hurricane Fiona, stand ready to help our regional neighbors who are in need.

On a personal note, as Chairman, my heart is with you as we move from impact to recovery.

 

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Corporate News

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Tobago ‘Junior Minister’ Wins CTO Youth Congress

 

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Sep 16, 2022 – J’nae Brathwaite of Tobago has won the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress which was staged at The Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands on Thursday.

In her winning presentation on Experiential Tourism, the 17-year-old Brathwaite articulately outlined three strategies which would help Tobago meet the growing demand of the millennials and Generation-X market.

A student of Signal Hill Secondary School, Brathwaite pointed to immersive museums, digital marketing of user-generated content and augmented reality tours as initiatives which could further market Tobago and enhance visitor experience.

“I’m still in a daze because I still can’t believe it. When I heard my name called as winner, I literally wanted to melt away,” said an emotional Brathwaite.

“It was a lot but I know that I put in a lot of hard work. I know that my teachers were continually there and my family was always supporting me regardless of the time and circumstance.”

Tobago’s Tourism and Culture Secretary, Tashia Burris, said she was “absolutely elated” by her island’s success at the Youth Congress.

“We certainly see this as a demonstration that our programmes in the education system are working,” Burris said.

“We are trying to invigorate our island post-COVID and one of the strategies we’re using is to really start with the young people and I’m happy to see this bear fruit.”

Seventeen-year-old Marika Baptiste of St Vincent and the Grenadines placed second while 16-year-old Kelvin Archer of the Bahamas was the third place finisher.

Prizes for the top three finishers were sponsored by Sandals Barbados Resort and Spa and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

Eleven countries participated in the Tourism Youth Congress, which was chaired by the 2019 winner Danae Dennie of Turks and Caicos Islands. Each Junior Minister made a three-minute presentation on one of the three topics: Agriculture in Tourism, Experiential Tourism and Community-based Tourism. They were also required to make one-minute presentations on one of three mystery questions.

The Tourism Youth Congress, the first to be staged since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, brought the curtain down on the CTO Business Meetings and Caribbean Aviation Day event which got underway on September 12.

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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 FacebookTwitterInstagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

Contact:
Kevin Pile
Communications Consultant, pilek@caribtourism.com

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, CTO Cayman Islands 2022

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