by Curlan Campbell
- Grenada currently hosting CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference
- 10th anniversary of launch of ‘Pure Grenada’ brand
- Minister encouraged visiting media delegations to spotlight environmental and socioeconomic difficulties faced by region
Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Adrian A Thomas, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting equity in the tourism sector, especially regarding tourism developmental projects.
Speaking at the Media Breakfast Orientation held at Six Senses La Sagesse on Sunday to mark the commencement of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Conference, Minister Thomas said this can only be fully realised through the leverage of community-led sustainable tourism that is people-centred. “Whatever tourism project this government is embarking on must reach the people and therefore we will be embarking on heavily on community tourism where the people can feel part of it. Hospitality does not end at the hotel has to be the community. Tourism must be organised and designed in a way where the people feel part and parcel of it and they are well compensated.”
The STC conference features 3 days of interactive engagements with presentations designed to focus on the fundamental pillars that are vital for promoting a legacy that is both transformative and sustainable in Caribbean tourism. The conference theme is “The 5 Ps for a Legacy of Caribbean Tourism Sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose & Partnership.”
The tourism minister spoke of the need to address various challenges and threats to the tourism industry, such as climate change, sargassum seaweed, over-tourism, and issues related to airlift and transportation. These challenges, he said, need to be addressed to support the growth of the industry in Grenada and the wider Caribbean.
Minister Thomas emphasised the need for preservation and heritage management, which are closely linked to sustainable tourism, to avoid future repercussions in the region. He hinted that if the Caribbean fails to prioritise the preservation of its cultural heritage and proper management, the region will lose its charm as a tourist destination. While the Caribbean has always been known for its beautiful beaches, sunny climate, and lush landscapes, tourists are now seeking more value for their money, as a result, it has become crucial for the region to offer more than just natural beauty.
The STC conference is described as the “Caribbean region’s premier event for high-level networking and regional dialogue on sustainable tourism development.” The event also brings together both regional and international journalists, travel writers and content creators to engage with industry professionals within the tourism sector. The minister encouraged visiting media delegations to spotlight environmental and socioeconomic difficulties faced by the region. “By spotlighting sustainable tourism initiatives, eco-friendly accommodations, community-based tourism projects and responsible travel practices, the media can educate travellers about the importance of preserving the Caribbean fragile ecosystems, supporting local communities and minimising the environmental footprints. Moreover, by showcasing success stories and best practices, the media can inspire governments, businesses and individuals to prioritise sustainability in tourism developments, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation and prosperity of the Caribbean diverse destination,” he said.
Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the CTO Dona Regis-Prosper congratulated Grenada for emerging as one of the top-performing destinations according to the latest CTO’s performance report. “For our recently published performance reports in 2023, the Caribbean saw amazing results; a 14% increase in international stay over rivals. Grenada, in particular, emerged as one of the top-performing destinations. Additionally, the Caribbean registered approximately 32 million stayover arrivals, 4 million more than in 2022. The Caribbean also received an estimated 31.1 million cruise ship passengers and an increase of 11.3 million, ladies and gentlemen set a record for the Caribbean,” she said.
Grenada is currently hosting the Sustainable Tourism Conference of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation during the 10th anniversary of the launch of the ‘Pure Grenada’ brand, which occurred in February 2014. This conference also coincides with Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April 2024.
What nonsense is this? Sustainable Tourism Conference, Minister Thomas said this can only be fully realised through the leverage of community-led sustainable tourism that is people-centred. “Whatever tourism project this government is embarking on must reach the people and therefore we will be embarking on heavily on community tourism where the people can feel part of it. This is known in legal circles as trying to confuse when you don’t have any facts. Tourists don’t come to see the island people and the culture such as it is – they come for sunshine and beautiful scenery. They may like what they see but won’t buy land or houses here due to the exhorbitant taxes imposed on foreigners