The World Wide Web Makes Caribbean Tourism Advance, CTO Says

The Internet has become such a powerful tool that it now enables small Caribbean countries like the Cayman Islands, to act as its own travel agent rather than rely on foreign countries to drive tourists to their destinations.

Furthermore, the Internet and digital technology can upscale the travel experience, increasing the likelihood that tourists will recommend that destination to their family and friends, according to the Secretary of General Caribbean Tourism Organization, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, who spoke at the Cayman Business Outlook conference in Grand Cayman last week.

“The cost of communication to call foreign countries used to be so high that very few phone calls were made,” said Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace. “Now, you can connect a telephone to your laptop anywhere in the world at rates that are unbelievable.”

He said a survey for a Caribbean website showed that tourists like to chat online with other people who are going to the same destination at approximately the same dates. The survey showed that forming a connection with other people during their vacation increased the value of their experience.

He added the data from Immigration cards that tourists fill out at the point of entry could be used as a database to provide a higher level of service and goodwill and improve the chances the tourist will return or recommend the destination.

“No matter how good the destination may be many people will not come back next year. But one number that needs to grow is the number of people they recommend your services and products for your jurisdiction,” said Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace.

Booking through the Internet for all the services and products needed to enjoy their holiday will become more of a seamless experience from taking a taxi to the hotel, tours and souvenirs.