Wake Up Call for the Caribbean
A look at the 11th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development
Climate changes with its subsequent disasters, growing unemployment, rising sea levels, crime, The “me” vs. “us” attitude, service vs. servitude mentality, noncooperation between private/public sectors, inequities in financial compensation were all opened for discussion on the tranquil island of Barbados. Regional and international experts opened the forum for a transparent evaluation of the realities now facing the Caribbean region. Issues in the past previously swept under the rug now have to be acknowledged, assimilated and dealt with.
John Tourtellot, the father of the term, “GeoTourism” led off with the multitude of changes taking place in the tourism sector, recognizing and responding to an ever changing market, where one caters not only to the basic ego-tourist but also to the total immersion type, interested in the heritage, culture, geography, architecture and people of the Caribbean. Maximizing economic benefits while sustaining local economies, preserving natural resources and opening niche markets will be the goals. Educating locals in the “service model” will be mandatory in facilitating a “win win” relationship.
“Canadians are poised for travel to the Caribbean” with a strong Canadian dollar, a post recession mindset and an educated, older, wealthier and more culturally oriented tourist noted Mary Mahon Jones. Recruitment of young locals to work in the tourist industry is essential to alleviate unemployment and diminish crime. Dr. Keith Nurse discussed “Brand Media” (Festivals) as an effective way for revenue sharing, benefiting the tourism chain from locals to airlines.
Requirements for “sustainable tourism” has been streamlined from more than 4,500 to 37, focusing on global standards rather than regional says Erika Harms of the Tourism Sustainability Council, a UN foundation. An international group backed by the UN Foundation, World Bank, UNEP and others will aid in increasing funding and investment for the Sustainable Investment and Finance in Tourism (SIFT). The Green Revolution is now being adopted by giants, GE, BMW, Walmart, Dupont, McDonalds and many others according to Andy Dumaine, Director of Shrinkingfootprint. Innovative methods for fishery conservation have been adopted by Turks and Caicos, eliminating lobsters from restaurant menus during low seasons along with other measures. Evidence based documentation of climate changes is essential for governments to accept and initiate countermeasures. Rising sea levels in the northern Caribbean are expected to be 25 percent higher than elsewhere globally.
Secretary General of CTO, Hugh Riley noted it’s about “Facts and Actions”, while all elements cannot be immediately alleviated, at least “every delegate left with some notion of what they can do to promote sustainable tourism.” This conference “drove home” the immense tasks facing the Caribbean and the challenges that lay ahead to maintain a viable industry.
