Caribbean Tourism Ministers To Hold Special Meeting To Discuss Critical Issues, Including A Recovery Plan In The Event Of A Gulf War

There is no doubt such a war will be disastrous for the travel and tourism business, both on a global scale and for the Caribbean, which had begun to rebound slightly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Caribbean Tourism Organization and its PR companies in the market places have been discussing the issues and will present a proposed crisis communications plan to not only address the war, but other issues that may present a threat to Caribbean tourism at this time. The ministers will also receive an update on the ongoing regional TV campaign, “Life Needs the Caribbean”; a report on Caribbean tourism performance in 2002 and prospects for 2003 and beyond, and some recommendations for new initiatives, especially in the area of Internet Marketing.
The agenda for the meeting also includes: · The Ad Hoc Committee established in October 2002 to consider how the organization, as the region's tourism development agency, can be reshaped to better meet the serious challenges facing the industry in a dynamic global environment will deliver its report. · Preparations for the creation of a regional tourism strategy with respect to the area of services for the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the General Agreement on Trade in Services, the ACP/EU and Canada/ Caribbean negotiations. · The Caribbean Film Commission will present ideas for the creation of a strategic alliance and so as to develop and promote the Caribbean as the preferred location for films, TV and photography production.

The CTO Tourism ministers' meeting will be followed by a CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Finance meeting on the 12th February. This second meeting was convened by CARICOM and again addresses the feasibility of the creation of a Sustainable Tourism Development Fund, its methods of financing and areas of expenditure. Other CTO Tourism Ministers who are not members of CARICOM have also been invited to attend.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and Toronto, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency and comprises membership of 32 governments and a myriad of private sector companies. The CTO's mission is to provide to and through its members, the services and information needed for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people. The organization provides specialized support and technical assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing, human resource development, research and statistics and sustainable development. The CTO disseminates information on behalf of its member governments to consumers and the travel trade. For more information, please contact CTO Headquarters at One Financial Place, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, Barbados; tel: (246) 427-5242; fax: (246) 429-3065; E- mail: ctobar@caribsurf.com.