CTO Launches Workshops to Strengthen Regional Tourism Data Skills

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the International Tourism Studies Association/Caribbean Tourism Researchers Network (ITSA/CTRN), has announced a series of virtual Tourism Data Workshops aimed at enhancing research and statistical skills across the region’s tourism sector.

Running from November 11 to December 2, 2024, the workshops are designed for tourism professionals responsible for data collection, research project design, and analysis in their respective destinations.

These expert-led workshops will cover essential areas such as building a Caribbean tourism data ecosystem, understanding research methodologies, applying digital technologies, and utilizing AI for data analysis. They will also explore modern survey methods for market research and impact studies, all presented in accessible language to suit participants with diverse levels of technical knowledge.

Dr. Michelle McLeod, the project lead, emphasized the program’s relevance, sharing her own experience as a former tourism researcher who recognized the importance of effective data management for regional planning and performance monitoring. The eight workshops were developed based on a training needs assessment across 19 Caribbean countries, aiming to foster a collaborative network of skilled tourism researchers.

Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s Director of Research, highlighted the initiative’s importance for sustainable tourism growth, noting that data-backed insights are crucial for informed decision-making. The interactive format, featuring group activities, polls, and Q&A sessions, is designed to encourage active participation, allowing tourism professionals to share insights and develop a unified approach to data-driven decision-making in Caribbean tourism.