Caribbean tourism professionals will explore various strategies to build on the positive signs of recovery that are emerging in the region’s tourism industry when they meet in October for the Caribbean region’s premier tourism educational and networking event, the Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC), a top official of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has revealed.

Jean Holder, CTO’s secretary general made the disclosure while expanding on the theme for the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-26) which takes place at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) from October 16-18, 2003. The theme of this year’s conference is “Recovery & Growth in a Fiercely Competitive Environment.”

“Today, the travel industry is focused on recovering from so many obstacles, such as a difficult world economy, the threat of terrorism and conflict, and global health issues,” said Mr. Holder. 

“Many of this year’s speakers have been carefully chosen because of their expertise and experience in successfully managing their companies, products and destinations over turbulent times. They will share the formulas that brought them positive results and will present practical suggestions and proposals on how to grow and thrive in this extremely competitive marketplace,” he added.

The Caribbean’s tourism industry has shown some signs of recovery after two difficult years, with stayover arrivals to the region increasing by an estimated seven percent during the winter of 2003 over the same period last year, while cruise passenger visits were up approximately five percent.

Packed with dynamic speakers, seminars and workshops, CTC-26 will focus on practical approaches to sustaining and building on this recovery. Sessions include:

*Stronger Together - Cooperative Strategies for Recovery & Growth
*Positioning the Caribbean Product for Recovery & Growth
*Getting on Board: The Cruise Industry Weighs in on Recovery & Growth
*Information Technology as a Tourism Builder

A series of business meetings will precede the official conference opening on Thursday, October 16, 2003.  These CTO business meetings take place Oct. 13-15 and include meetings of the Ministers of Tourism, the Directors of Tourism, CTO’s Board of Directors and Chapter Presidents.  The Marketing Committee, Sustainable Tourism Development Committee, Blue Flag Committee, Human Resource Development Committee, Executive Committee, Cruise Committee and the Aviation Committee will also hold meetings ahead of the official opening. 

CTC-26 is organised by CTO in collaboration with the USVI Department of Tourism.

Related Stories On Caribbean Weekly
(21/07/03) CTO Assists Quality in the Caribbean
(21/07/03) Jean Holder Believes CHA and CTO should Unite
(20/08/03) Investment Partnership Meeting for the Caribbean Tourism Sector
——-