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Six Tourism-Related Entities Receive CTO Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (February 17, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on February 15, 2023, announced the winners of the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards Competition 2022 at a Virtual Awards Function.

CTO has been hosting the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards from 2000 to coincide with the start of the new millennium, in seeking to support and promote the sustainable development of tourism in the Caribbean.

The Awards aim to identify and showcase sustainable tourism good practices undertaken in CTO member countries in the Caribbean and is open to individual entrepreneurs, destination management organizations, tourism businesses and others, which have developed innovative tourism related products, services or experiences and in implementing these initiatives adhere to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

“At the core of all CTO’s efforts is advocating for the sustainable and inclusive growth of Caribbean tourism, towards a viable, resilient and responsible tourism sector.  This requires careful consideration of tourism’s impact on local communities that live, work and thus support the tourism economy in our many destinations, with equal care and attention to promote conservation and responsible use of our valuable yet fragile natural resources, cultural and heritage assets,” said Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General of the CTO, delivering opening remarks at the Virtual Awards Function.  

He added that, “The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards provide a platform to recognise the efforts made by the regional tourism sector in advancing the sustainable tourism development agenda and continue to be a vital part of CTO’s efforts to reward sustainability champions in Caribbean tourism. Importantly, the Awards endeavour to celebrate initiatives that enhance the Caribbean tourism value proposition, while positioning the region as the ultimate sustainable tourism zone. In this regard, we commend all 27 applicants that submitted entries for the 2022 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards. You are all winners!”

The 2022 edition of the Awards comprised of five categories: Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award, Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award, Tourism Health and Safety Award, Community-Based Tourism Award and the Tourism Education and Training Award.

The CTO assembled an Award Selection Committee comprising a cadre of regional and international experts representing various areas of the tourism sector, including tourism development specialists and practitioners, academics and regional consultants to judge submissions. Following the review by the distinguished panel of judges, the results of the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards 2022 are:

For more information on the winners and runners-up please visit the CTO website: Awards & Competition Winners | OneCaribbean.org.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, 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 organisation provides specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com.

For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow CTO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

Posted in: 2023 News, Blog, Sustainable Tourism Roundup

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CTO Announces the Return of Landmark Events in 2023

CURACAO (February 14, 2023) – As the tourism sector across the Caribbean registers strong post-pandemic results, the 25-member Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is resuming several hallmark activities and events this year to help strengthen the region’s position as the world’s leading warm-weather destination.

Following business meetings in Curaçao last week, where ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism and their representatives met together as well as with tourism industry stakeholders, CTO chairman Kenneth Bryan announced that 2023 will see the return of “Caribbean Week in New York” in June, the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Turks & Caicos Islands in the fall, and a conference focused on sustainable tourism development.

Bryan, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Transport for the Cayman Islands, said that the CTO will have a delegation in attendance at this week’s Global Tourism Resilience Conference in Jamaica, and will celebrate Jamaica Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett’s achievements in encouraging the United Nations to recognize February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day.

Minister Bryan also reported that CTO’s marketing committee will meet in the weeks ahead to finalize details for the upcoming calendar of events.

He disclosed that the newly invigorated CTO is focused on increasing the number of member countries and territories. “We just recently welcomed the U.S. Virgin Islands back on board, and my goal is to get more and more members since we are stronger together as a team,” he said, explaining that demonstrating to the entire region the benefits of CTO membership is paramount.

Minister Bryan and his team have been focusing their time and energies to help reshape the CTO and ensure that members get value for money. “We have some ambitious goals for the CTO over the next two years and I am confident that with a united effort we can strengthen the bread-and-butter tourism industry and improve the quality of life for our residents in this wonderful part of the world we call home,” he remarked, while showering praise on Curaçao’s tourism and economic development leaders for hosting an exceptionally productive meeting of the regional body.

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About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, 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 specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com. For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow CTO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

Posted in: 2023 News, Blog, Corporate News

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The CTO Welcomes the USVI

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (January 13, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has started 2023, a  year it sees as one of growth for the regional body, by welcoming the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) as its 25th member country.

The USVI, one of the leading destinations in the Caribbean, joins the organization of regional tourism leaders at a time when the CTO seeks to refocus its mandate on shaping the Caribbean tourism sector of the future.  The relationship between the USVI and the CTO is not a new one, and the organisation is confident that the renewed partnership will result in several positive outcomes for both parties, and the wider CTO membership. In welcoming the new member, Chairman of the CTO, Hon. Kenneth Bryan expressed his belief in the opportunity this relationship presents for regional tourism. “I wholeheartedly welcome the United States Virgin Islands and Commissioner Boschulte to the Membership. Having one of the fastest growing travel destinations in our fraternity further strengthens the Organization and enhances the spirit of collaboration and cohesion among our jurisdictions. The USVI has joined a community that is committed to working together to sustainably grow and develop Caribbean Tourism and we look forward to working with Commissioner Boshulte in this regard.”

Commissioner Boschulte of the USVI, in expressing his thoughts on his destination’s status as a CTO member said, “The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is a key economic driver in the Caribbean’s growth and sustainability, and we are honoured that the USVI is now a member. Sustainability is always top of mind for us as we look to maintain the tranquil and unspoiled landscapes of St Thomas, St Croix and St John. Eco-friendly practices are vital for keeping our islands clean and pristine, and to ensure the preservation of our natural resources and ecosystems. We saw encouraging growth in tourism in the USVI in 2022. We look forward to working with the CTO in 2023 to create mechanisms to ensure that growth continues for both the USVI and our Caribbean neighbours.”

The CTO member countries are representative of the diversity that exists in the Caribbean, which makes the region one of the most unique tourism destinations in the world.   The organization has adopted a mandate to support the sustainable tourism and economic development among its members.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Corporate News

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CTO 2023 NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE

January 9, 2023 – In 2022, the Caribbean was among the fastest-recovering regions globally and would have reclaimed between 85.0% and 90.0% of total arrivals in 2019.  Some individual destinations surpassed their 2019 levels with record-breaking performances, while others are approaching the benchmark levels of 2019, and are expected to equal or exceed these levels in 2023. Nevertheless, a few destinations will require a longer period to reach pre-pandemic levels.  We have seen unprecedented levels of airlift into the region from our source markets and the aforementioned recovery has been very evident in both land based and cruise tourism. This speaks to the resilience of the sector and the positive perception of the region in our source markets, based on our hospitality, stability, connectivity and our perennial well-earned status as a region for wellness.

“The year 2022 and especially the second half of the year has been a very encouraging one for Caribbean tourism. While we are still seeing elements of the effect of the pandemic on international travel, here in the Caribbean, we have noted a much more consistent pattern of travel which is a good indicator of a return to normalcy and a path to 2019 levels.” said Mr. Neil Walters, CTO’s acting Secretary General.

Of course, the gains we have recorded have not been achieved without challenge.  Our ability to learn from and recover from the significant challenges of the 27 months up to June 2022 are a testament to the resilience of Caribbean tourism and Caribbean people in general. Many of those challenges continue today, compounding the latent effects of the pandemic and evolving into new challenges for the tourism sector and Caribbean economies in general. Thus far, we have been able to ride out the supply chain issues, the political unrest existing in some regions of the world and the economic unrest which seems to be forever looming in our key source markets. Of immediate concern is the lack of intra-regional connectivity especially in the Central, Southern and Eastern Caribbean. The effect of this is particularly acute in these sub-regions where several of our member countries depended on intra- regional travel in the pre-pandemic era as one of their key source markets.

Our aim in 2023 is to create mechanisms to ensure that the Caribbean remains in the top 5 of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world. To date, the majority of our efforts have been focused on traditional markets, resulting in the significant recovery outlined above. But we do recognize that even within and abounding our traditional source markets there are untapped markets which are ripe for growth including the non-traditional markets outside of the USA, UK and Europe.

The Caribbean tourism sector’s key assets – our people and diverse cultural and natural resources – remain critical to the development of regional tourism. Sufficient and sustainable funding including foreign direct investment are other critical factors. Market growth, development of the sector’s key assets and sustainable funding are examples of some of the actions needed for sustained recovery and rebuilding of Caribbean tourism. By focusing on the key pillars of the CTO’s work – research, product development including human resource development at all levels of the Caribbean and marketing – the aim is to ensure the CTO’s continued leadership in the development of regional tourism and to overcome some of the challenges outlined above.

In affirming this action, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and Minister of Tourism and Transport for the Cayman Islands noted, “The CTO is the region’s tourism development agency and in recognizing this, the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism has started a process to reshape the organization reposition it to be more relevant in the post-pandemic era. In this way, the CTO can best lead the region in developing tourism into a more resilient and robust sector, confirming its significant contribution to positive regional economic growth.”

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Caribbean Tourism Month Message from the CTO

Our celebrations of Caribbean Tourism Month this year continue our focus on Caribbean wellness which is the theme for 2022.

Considering the World Tourism Day theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, as we navigate the post pandemic period, our region, like all other regions, has been tasked with ensuring that the new tourism paradigm takes into account, first and foremost, sustainability as the mainstay of any rethinking process. This approach is designed to ensure that we carefully consider the economic, environmental, social and other critical factors which affect or are likely to affect the sector in the foreseeable and longer-term future.

Since the start of tourism in the region, going back to the years shortly after our countries began receiving European settlers, persons from these countries travelled to the Caribbean to improve their health, seek their fortune, start a new beginning and, in more recent times, for fun, relaxation and ‘wellness’.

At the recently held Caribbean Community-Based Network Forum, held under the theme ‘Wellness Tourism Beyond the Norm’, feature speaker, Ms. Stephanie Rest, Founder, Caribbean Wellness and Education prefaced her statements by pointing out: “Wellness comes naturally to the Caribbean”.

In rethinking tourism in the Caribbean, we have an opportunity to capitalize on our land and marine based assets including our warm tropical climate, pristine oceans and seas, and the abundance of hot springs, waterfalls, rivers and enchanting flora and fauna that can be found across the Caribbean landscape. Additionally, our rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality further sets our region apart from others, while presenting each destination in the Caribbean as a unique and rewarding experience for visitors.

“The potential of the tourism sector and several elements which can add to its sustainability remain untapped. In rethinking tourism, we have to find the right formula to properly and responsibly use these natural and heritage assets to the advantage of our sector and all Caribbean people” said the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

“The reshaped tourism sector in the Caribbean, led by the CTO, in accepting its place as a key economic driver, must remain diverse in its product offerings, and ready to withstand any shock; a lesson learnt from the 18 months of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

As the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), our member countries, allied and affiliate members and Caribbean tourism interests celebrate Caribbean Tourism Month this November, let us celebrate the Caribbean’s sustained position as the place to visit for wellness as we embrace and highlight the treasures which can be found within our shores.

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About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which is headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, 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 organisation provides specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

The CTO’s Headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026; Tel: (246) 427-5242; E-mail: CTObarbados@caribtourism.com. 
For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow CTO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Caribbean Tourism Month, Corporate News

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