Ex-US president urges Caribbean nations "continue efforts to rejuvenate regional tourism industry"

The former United States President, Bill Clinton at 2018 State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC), urged the ‎Caribbean nations to continue to expand efforts to rejuvenate the regional tourism industry and guide the island countries towards a stronger and more sustainable future.

“I don’t have to tell you the critical role travel and tourism plays in the Caribbean, sector accounts for more than 15 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the region and in many countries the number is much higher,” Clinton said in an address to delegates attending the 2018 SOTIC.

Clinton said that the 2017 hurricane season has resulted in the estimated loss of more than 800,000 visitors to the Caribbean which could have generated more than 740 million dollars and supported thousands of jobs.

He said the rejuvenation of the industry as well as getting tourists to visit the region were absolutely essential to the ongoing efforts to build back better.

“We have seen already how hotels for example can act as models for businesses and other sectors ‎by emphasising sustainability, developing the local work force, forming partnerships with local farmers and small business,” he said.

Clinton said that the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), which is organising the three-day event here in collaboration with the Bahamas government, is working with his foundation and other partners to showcase the extraordinary culture biodiversity, arts food and history of the region.

“I want you to continue and expand this crucial work,” he said, noting that watching the recovery efforts over the last few years, he was struck by the resilience and sense of community among people of the Caribbean.

“We have made a lot of progress but there is so much more to be done. And with the apparent hurricane season already underway we know the work is more urgent that ever,” he noted.

Clinton noted that as time goes by “we can’t forget our commitment to revitalizing the tourism industry and in so doing to guide the region towards a stronger safer and more sustainable future. Please use this meeting as an opportunity to continue this very important work”.

Regional tourism ministers are among stakeholders meeting here to chart new directions for the Caribbean tourism sector based on the theme “Rejuvenate, Recreate and Reconnect.