Caribbean Tourism Month 2024: A Celebration of Resilience and Sustainability

Building a Resilient Future

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is proud to join its partners, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and other regional tourism stakeholders in celebrating Caribbean Tourism Month 2024. Observed each November, this year’s theme, “ONE CARIBBEAN: Building a Resilient Future,” highlights the region’s commitment to unity, recovery, and sustainable development, strengthening the Caribbean tourism sector’s resilience and sustainability for generations to come.

The Importance of Tourism in the Caribbean

Tourism remains the lifeblood of Caribbean economies, making the region one of the most tourism-dependent in the world. However, the increase in international travel unfortunately also increases the risk of introduction of emerging diseases, such as COVID-19. This reality, combined with the fact that the Caribbean region consists of small island developing states (SIDs) which have highly interconnected and porous borders and are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, impacts on the resilience of the region’s tourism product. Despite these challenges, Caribbean tourism has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The region’s tourism sector led the world in recovery rates, welcoming approximately 32.2 million visitors in 2023.

Caribbean Tourism and Health

CARPHA, through its novel Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP), supported by CTO and CHTA, plays a vital role in advancing the health, safety, and sustainability of Caribbean tourism by strengthening health and safety measures to promote safer, healthier experiences for both residents and visitors.

THP: A Game-Changer for Caribbean Tourism

Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director of CARPHA, remarked, “As we celebrate Caribbean Tourism Month, CARPHA remains dedicated to advancing health and safety for both residents and visitors. The implementation of the THP in the Caribbean provides the region with a distinct and competitive advantage over other destinations as a measurable healthier safer destination. Visitors now have the freedom of choosing a tourism destination or entity with a THP ‘Healthier Safer Tourism Award’ – an award granted to an entity that has implemented proactive health and safety measures.”

THP: A Comprehensive Approach to Health, Safety, and Sustainability

The THP is an internationally recognized programme that uses a comprehensive approach to enhance health, safety, and environmental standards across the Caribbean. Through a real-time confidential monitoring and response system, capacity building, health and safety guidelines, operational standards, and partnerships, the THP aims to reinforce traveller confidence and create a sustainable, resilient tourism product. This multi-sectoral program is a first of its kind globally, setting a new standard for tourism safety and health, and contributing to a resilient Caribbean tourism sector.

Conclusion

Caribbean Tourism Month 2024 is a celebration of the region’s resilience and commitment to sustainability. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize health, safety, and sustainability in our tourism industry. The THP is a vital tool in achieving this goal, and we look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

FAQs

* What is the theme of Caribbean Tourism Month 2024?
+ “ONE CARIBBEAN: Building a Resilient Future”
* What is the goal of the THP?
+ To advance the health, safety, and sustainability of Caribbean tourism by strengthening health and safety measures to promote safer, healthier experiences for both residents and visitors.
* What is the benefit of the THP to visitors?
+ Visitors now have the freedom of choosing a tourism destination or entity with a THP ‘Healthier Safer Tourism Award’ – an award granted to an entity that has implemented proactive health and safety measures.