Sustainable tourism center of discussion in The Bahamas

Nassau._ The Bahamas has been selected as the site of the next Caribbean Media Exchange of Sustainable Tourism (CMEx), the innovative process which brings journalists right into the development and design of tourism policies, slated to take place in early May.

The first Media Exchange held in Ocho Rios last October was notable for attracting high-level representatives from communities, business and the transport sector.

Lelei LeLaulu, president of the nonprofit development organisation Counterpart International -- one of the producers of the exchange -- said his team is pleased to respond to an invitation form the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to stage the media meeting. And after a visit to Nassau this month, he is convinced that the Bahamas is the "Perfect Spot".

"The Bahamas has been a leader in this industry for decades, and we are eager to set the stage for another enlightening exchange of ideas between the media and the tourism industry," said LelauLu.

The tremendous interest generated in 2001 is a clear indication that the media has a very real part to play in the development of Sustainable tourism. "In fact, our staff is already incorporating CMEx lessons into our wider development activities," said the head of Counterpart, which has operations in more than 60 countries.

CMEx organizers, which also include Air Jamaica, Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, Caribbean Hotel Association, Great Places in the Caribbean, Caribbean Broadcasting Union, EarthVoice are planning to stage the second event in early May, while a third is being planned for later in the year.