KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – Tourism ministers from the Organisation of Jap Caribbean States (OECS) have endorsed the 10-year Sustainable Tourism Coverage.
The coverage replaces the 2011 Frequent Tourism Coverage, which expired in 2016. Aligned with the OECS’s overarching strategic priorities, it goals to drive financial transformation, promote environmental sustainability, foster social inclusion, and improve resilience-building throughout member states.
It introduces a renewed imaginative and prescient and mission, three broad strategic targets, twelve particular strategic targets, up to date guiding rules, eight thematic improvement areas, and quite a few widespread coverage directives.
“Our accountability is to set a transparent and sustainable path. A path that balances financial prosperity with environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and social well-being. This assembly marks a pivotal second in our collective effort to form a sustainable future for tourism,” stated Grenada’s Minister for Tourism, Artistic Financial system, and Tradition, Adrian Thomas.
Thomas, who chaired the eighth assembly of the OECS Council of Ministers, stated he hopes the initiative “ensures long-term advantages for our individuals, the environment, and future generations.
“The coverage isn’t just a doc, it’s a dedication to accountable governance, environmental stewardship, and financial resilience. By approving this coverage, we’re taking the daring step in direction of making certain that our tourism sector strives sustainably, creating an enduring legacy for our individuals and planet,” he added.
Thomas appealed to his colleagues from the sub-region to work collectively to make the OECS tourism imaginative and prescient a actuality.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Improvement and Tradition Carlos James spoke of the significance of the assembly, saying, “The world as we all know it’s altering and can proceed to vary.
“An important factor we will do as a regional block, at this second and on this time, is to search out alternatives for larger integration and collaboration in tourism and to take motion on them,” he added.
OECS Director Normal Dr. Didacus Jules harassed the significance of the tourism sector to the grouping, driving employment, supporting livelihoods, and showcasing individuals’s magnificence, tradition, and resilience.
“But the challenges we face at the moment particularly are important. The Caribbean tourism sector in 2025 is navigating a panorama marked by complexity and uncertainty. Local weather change, geopolitical instability, technological disruption, and evolving traveler preferences reshape the environment.
“These forces not solely require daring management, but in addition a united dedication to reimagine the way forward for tourism in our area,” stated Jules, describing the rise of mega cruise ships as a “double-edged sword,” presenting each alternatives and dangers.
“We should strike a fragile stability between sustainability and growth. This implies implementing insurance policies encouraging cruise operators to undertake greener practices and investing in port infrastructure that minimizes environmental hurt.
“Moreover, we should discover find out how to maximize the move of tourism {dollars} to native communities. Initiatives like community-based tourism and agri-tourism are wonderful avenues for reaching this.”
The Council of Ministers additionally acquired a presentation on the potential impression of the US’ new commerce, financial, and immigration insurance policies on the OECS and their implications for the tourism sector, adopted by a dialogue.
Different updates had been additionally offered on the OECS’s progress concerning the Local weather Motion Plan for Tourism, Area of interest Tourism Advertising and marketing, and Blue Tourism actions.
The OECS teams the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St.Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
