The International Council of Tourism Partners announced the Caribbean Tourism Organization has joined the alliance as a destination member.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization exists to increase significantly the inclusion of the Caribbean region in the set of destinations being considered by travellers. The organisation said that it envisions the global recognition of the Caribbean as a growing set of places and experiences that people feel compelled to enjoy in their lifetime.
Its mission is to create and manage the partnerships necessary to increase the purchase of travel to and within the Caribbean that results in sustainable economic and social benefits for its people. The tourism organisation, with headquarters in Barbados, comprises 32 member countries, including English, French, Spanish and Dutch countries and territories, as well as private sector allied members. These include the Caribbean Hotel Association, companies, organisations and people providing products and services to the Caribbean tourism industry.
Important partnership
Geoffrey Lipman, president of the International Council of Tourism Partners, said he was pleased about the link up.
“This partnership with The Caribbean Tourism Organization is of huge importance to [us], amplifying our bottom-up links with communities, citizens, companies and consumers in the region,” he said.
“Not only is this one of the most travelism-centric regions in the world, it is one of the most ecologically and climate sensitive. Small Island Developing States are particularly vulnerable to sea level rises and the Caribbean’s coral reefs are a major part of our global biodiversity heritage. It’s also a great personal pleasure to work with The Caribbean Tourism Organization again – they have a long history of leadership in this area going back 20 years when we worked together to craft the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism.”
In the quest to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the vital tourism industry, the Caribbean Tourism Organization member countries strive to improve their tourism management practices, whether at the public or private sector levels, in all possible spheres of operation.
International Council of Tourism Partners Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said that The Caribbean Tourism Organization believed that best practices were the most effective and efficient methods for doing things, while at the same time minimising risks and costs.
“The [organisation] also believes best practices must be relevant, realistic, and must be part of a continuous improvement strategy, and as such, must be based on the best available information and in the context of the region’s tourism development goals. This is a perfect fit with the council’s goals for quality tourism growth.”
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