CTC-29 to Examine Tourism Risk Management

Delegates attending the Caribbean´s the 29th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference to be held in the Bahamas from October 22 to 25, will examine tourism risk management models as practical planning and management tools for disasters, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) said last week.

The planned special session on risk management is “one of several master classes planned to afford delegates the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on areas that are critical to the sustainability and development of the tourism sector,” according to the CTO.

This master class on crisis preparedness, communications and recovery is intended to beef up delegates´ ability to conduct hazard and risk analyses and will offer practical guidelines and working templates for risk management planning that are necessary to reduce the impacts of natural and manmade hazards.

“Because of the increasing ease and lower cost of communications in today´s global marketplace the Caribbean is now open to millions of new eyes and many more potential visitors,” Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, the secretary general of the CTO said.

Mr. Vanderpool said that continued development and diversification of the industry presents immense potential for growth. However, he went on to say, potential shocks and threats that can have significant negative impact on the industry are looming. These threats range from conflicts in the Middle East and terrorism, to bird flu and hurricanes and other natural disasters, and can result in catastrophic financial and economic losses.

“A systematic approach to crisis and disaster preparedness, response and recovery is a necessary and critical component of a sustainable tourism industry. How we respond can save or destroy vital jobs in each of our nations,” Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace stated.