CMEx in St. Lucia to Reflect on Faith Tourism

Among the issues under review at the forthcoming Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) in St. Lucia is the call to Caribbean tourism authorities to have the faith to aggressively pursue travelers who place a premium on their spiritual heritage.

The region´s destinations have a lot to offer spiritually-minded travelers, said a dozen media, tourism and youth delegates who debated the issue at the earlier CMEx in San Juan this year.

They believe that in the midst of international chaos, the Caribbean should position itself as a refuge for those seeking to grow and explore spirituality given the region´s rich history, spiritual heritage and Christian foundation.

A recent poll points to growing importance of spirituality among Americans, and delegates observed that spiritual development is as integral to a balanced individual as physical, intellectual and social development.

While delegates agree that faith tourism is viable, they acknowledged that a “balancing act” is needed.

Most CMEx attendees agreed that it is time for the region to emerge as a destination for spiritual renewal and revival. And some effort is already being made in this regard.

CMEx St. Lucia, to be held from October 12 to 16, is produced by Counterpart International. The San Juan February talks were produced in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.