by Curlan Campbell
- Stewart highlighted lack of Caribbean material sorting and recycling facilities
- Region competing against France, Italy, Germany, London, Paris, Singapore, and Dubai
- Chinese-made products sold under false label claiming made in Caribbean
Adam Stewart, the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, stated that Caribbean islands main rivals for tourism revenue are not other neighbouring islands. Stewart’s message to tourism industry experts was part of his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Conference at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort on Monday, 22 April.
Described as a staunch advocate for sustainable tourism, Stewart challenged regional leaders to find synergies in how each island can work together to further improve the tourism industry rather than competing with each other.
“If we can have these conversations about linkages and working together and not stand oppose one another recognising that, we are not competing with each other. Antigua is not competing with St Lucia. St Lucia is not competing with Grenada. Grenada is not competing with Jamaica. The world says the Caribbean, they put us together in the pot whether we like it or not. We’re competing against France, Italy, Germany, London, Paris, Singapore, and Dubai. That’s who we are truly competing against,” Stewart said.
While highlighting efforts such as the CTO conference’s aim to create an environment for sustainable tourism, Stewart reminded attendees that the Caribbean’s competitive advantage over more developed countries is our pristine natural and human resources and the unique stories we tell. “What we can offer differently, I promise you they can’t do it. Their beaches are not as beautiful, their people are not warm and friendly in the way that we are warm and friendly. Our stories are fascinating and this is the future of Caribbean tourism,” he said.
Another critical issue affecting the region, Stewart highlighted is the issue where Chinese-made products are being sold in the Caribbean under a false label claiming they were made in the Caribbean. “We are importing crafts from Indonesia, China, and Mexico with our country’s brands on them. These products need to be made here, the talent is here and if we believe we can fool the customer, you are short-lived,” he said.
During his discussion of Sandals’ strategic initiatives, Stewart highlighted the lack of material sorting and recycling facilities in the Caribbean. Compared to other areas, the recycling efforts in the Caribbean are notably lacking. He also acknowledged that recycling can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism, but it cannot be ignored it involves a significant investment. “It’s expensive to care for the planet. People say that it is good business, but it is expensive. Why don’t we have recycling facilities across the Caribbean? It’s expensive and inconvenient and culturally we are not adapted. You go to Europe: there are 3, sometimes 4 garbage — one for fruits, one for plastics. I have seen places that have taken that and they divided it up and there is nowhere to put it because the landfills are not capable,” he said.
Stewart touched on other critical issues that threaten repositioning the Caribbean tourism sector as a key economic driver. These issues include the ease of doing business and travel to the region, investing in the personal growth and development of stakeholders in the tourism industry and the encouragement of community-focused tourism, and responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Following Stewart’s keynote address, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell presented a painting of the late Maurice Bishop in a conversation with his supporters, by Grenadian artist Teddy Dwight Frederick.
This is a wise man, listen to him.