Common and specific aspects were examined in order to reach agreements on tourism and sustainable tourism development in the Greater Caribbean. Emphasis was placed on formulating clear strategies that would link tourism to other social areas so that its growth would contribute to the economic development of our peoples, and on defining concrete actions that would benefit all countries that constitute the Greater Caribbean region.

The meeting reiterated the need for the cultural identity of the Caribbean to be preserved as one of the strengths of our peoples, in addition to its concern over the issue of the Caribbean Sea, as a fundamental area of common interest.

It was reported that Tourism was drastically affected by the events and consequences of September 2001. Nevertheless, Caribbean tourism recovered in 2002 and suffered a slight decline of 1.2% in 2003 due to equally compelling reasons.

It was indicated that in 2004, greater action and coordination between regional entities and tourism organisations is necessary, while at the same time taking advantage of the opportunities and benefit of information technology in the field of tourism in order to promote it in all its manifestations.

The key aspects to be taken into account in order to coordinate efforts and increase tourism as well as sustainable tourism can be summarised in the following considerations:

• Completion of the ratification process of the Convention Establishing the Sustainable Tourism Zone of the Caribbean and its Protocol.
• Continued collaboration among the CTO, WTO, SITCA, other specialised organisations and among countries, for the implementation of Sustainable Tourism Indicators.
• Development of research, promotion and dissemination projects regarding the importance of creating the STZC and the region's image as a Tourist Destination.
• Development of clear strategies to link Sustainable Tourism with National Tourism Development Plans and as a crucial element in reducing poverty and creating employment.
• Linkage of Sustainable Tourism with the challenge of investing in Public Health, as an integral factor in plans to fight poverty. The rise in the incidence of AIDS in the region increases this concern.
• Design of buildings must be subject to sustainability criteria. Energy management, as well as solid and liquid waste management must be improved.
• It is necessary to consolidate the development of the tourist product of the region.
• Preservation and spreading of the culture and identity of the Caribbean so as to strengthen the region's image as a Tourist Destination.
• Implementation of the initiative Uniting the Caribbean by Air and Sea, promoting interregional air and maritime transport to facilitate the transfer of tourists. This must be coordinated between Governments and the Private Sector.
• Coordination among all countries and specialised organisations, the exchange of statistical information on Sustainable Tourism and the Certification of Sustainability levels.
• Continued promotion of Multidestination Tourism in the Region as a means of co-operation as a priority and as a quest for increased benefits and competitiveness.
• Continued strengthening of efforts in the area of Tourist Safety among all countries and specialised organisations.

It is believed that the meeting promoted continued and increased levels of co-operation in the implementation of comprehensive policies for Tourism and Sustainable Tourism. The major successes and difficulties identified within the region were also examined in order to afford the stakeholders decisive opportunities to use past experiences, correct the present and plan a future that is more consistent with our realities and possibilities.

Dr Zoila González Maicas is Director of Sustainable Tourism of the Association of Caribbean States. The views expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Feedback can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

(end)

17 May, 2004