The theme for the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO's) celebration of Caribbean Tourism Month 2022 is Caribbean wellness.
At the recently held Caribbean Community-Based Network Forum, held under the theme ‘Wellness Tourism Beyond the Norm’, feature speaker, Ms. Stephanie Rest, Founder, Caribbean Wellness and Education, prefaced her statements by pointing out: “Wellness comes naturally to the Caribbean”.
The CTO notes that since the start of tourism in the region, people have travelled to the Caribbean to improve their health, and seek fun, relaxation and ‘wellness.'
It points out that this year's World Tourism Day theme was ‘Rethinking Tourism,' as all destinations and the travel industry navigate the post pandemic period. According to the CTO, it believes that the new tourism paradigm should take into account, first and foremost, sustainability as the mainstay of any rethinking process to ensure, considering the economic, environmental, social and other critical factors which affect or are likely to affect the sector in the foreseeable and longer-term future.
"In rethinking tourism in the Caribbean," a CTO statement says, "We have an opportunity to capitalize on our land and marine based assets including our warm tropical climate, pristine oceans and seas, and the abundance of hot springs, waterfalls, rivers and enchanting flora and fauna that can be found across the Caribbean landscape.
"Additionally, our rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality further sets our region apart from others, while presenting each destination in the Caribbean as a unique and rewarding experience for visitors."
“The potential of the tourism sector and several elements which can add to its sustainability remain untapped. In rethinking tourism, we have to find the right formula to properly and responsibly use these natural and heritage assets to the advantage of our sector and all Caribbean people” said the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.
“The reshaped tourism sector in the Caribbean, led by the CTO, in accepting its place as a key economic driver, must remain diverse in its product offerings, and ready to withstand any shock; a lesson learnt from the 18 months of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
For more information on the Caribbean Tourism Organization, please visit www.OneCaribbean.org
