CTO Chief Pins High Hopes on Regional Tourism

Chairman of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Richard Sealy, says research has shown that the Caribbean is moving in the right direction as it relates to cruise visits, long-stay arrivals and tourism spend.

“No doubt, the unrelenting efforts of our member countries, the CTO and our partners in the private sector, combined to produce these positive results. The addition of new hotel rooms and the introduction of added airline seats out of major source markets bode well for our industry,” Sealy said in a Christmas message to the region.

Sealy, who is also Barbados Tourism Minister, said adjustments to the United Kingdom’s Air Passenger Duty (APD) were among the hallmarks for the CTO this year.

Next April’s lowering of the tax, changes from the four-band to a two-band system, which removes the unfair advantage that some competing destinations had over the Caribbean, and the removal of the tax on tickets for children under age 12 in the following month, make travel to the Caribbean more affordable for families,” he added.

Sealy said the region should, during the Christmas season, also recommit itself to realizing the CTO vision “of positioning the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination. “Let’s call on the same determination and resilience with which we faced the downturn that began in 2008, to take action to promote the Caribbean as a single destination. Let’s invoke our great spirit as Caribbean nationals to tackle the continuously vexing issue of the high cost and inconvenience of intra-Caribbean travel.

“Let’s call on our amiable hospitality to ensure an unforgettable experience every time for our visitors and guests, knowing full well that seemingly small acts of kindness can have a big impact on our industry,” he said, adding that in the new year he hoped all the stakeholders including the private sector, “embrace our responsibilities to the Caribbean and pursue sustainable and responsible practices.   

“As we gear up for an intense period of business, we encourage all within our regional tourism sector to make time to enjoy the holidays and to play your part in this season of giving,” he added.

Source: The Trinidad Express