CTO Hails Changes in U.S.-Cuba Relations

The recent announcement of a change in diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States is a welcome opportunity to increase tourist arrivals to the Caribbean. The US is the region's largest source market, producing nearly half of our tourism business. Last year we welcomed over 12 million Americans to our shores.

Any opportunity to substantially increase that number will be welcomed. Cuba is a longstanding and active member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, having joined the organization in 1992. We engage the destination in our efforts in Canada, Latin America and Europe and we look forward to including Cuba in our programs in the United States.

We made a small but important breakthrough in 2002 when we succeeded in our efforts to  secure a visa for the then Coordinator of International Affairs in the country's Ministry of Tourism, Orlando Rangel Delgado, to attend Caribbean Week in New York. We anticipate much broader participation in all CTO-organized events.

The CTO proudly promotes an exciting, diverse tourism product offered by its over 30 member countries. Cuba is an integral part of the diversity. We support our members' initiatives and will continue to provide the technical and other resources necessary to grow viable source markets and create sustainable tourism development strategies. This is an important part of the CTO's overall vision for the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, 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 organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.