The Caribbean Tourism Group (CTO) emphasised the significance of cultural tourism on the fifteenth World Tourism Occasion (WTE) in Genoa, Italy. The occasion was organized final month by UNESCO’s Transcultura program and centered across the theme, “Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union via Tradition and Creativity.”
Narendra Ramgulam, CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Marketing consultant, underscored the significance of selling the wealthy, numerous heritage of the area whereas driving financial progress: “By highlighting our distinctive traditions, music, delicacies, festivals, and historic websites, cultural tourism enhances the Caribbean’s world enchantment and attracts a wider viewers of vacationers looking for genuine experiences,” he famous.
Ramgulam additional asserted that any such tourism promotes the preservation of native cultures and strengthens group identification, whereas additionally creating alternatives for sustainable improvement. Cultural tourism diversifies the Caribbean’s tourism choices, reduces reliance on conventional sun-and-sea tourism, and spreads the financial advantages throughout extra areas of the area, fostering inclusivity and resilience.
The WTE, a prestigious worldwide occasion, introduced collectively tourism leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the globe to concentrate on the sustainable improvement of heritage tourism merchandise. As a part of the UNESCO Transcultura initiative, funded by the European Union, the Caribbean area was prominently featured, with a devoted stand showcasing its distinctive World Heritage locations and vibrant regional tradition.
Ramgulam represented the Caribbean throughout a panel dialogue alongside former CTO Sustainable Tourism Specialist Amanda Charles. Collectively, they addressed the challenges and alternatives of sustainable cultural tourism within the Caribbean.
“We’re honored to have participated on this occasion, which not solely highlights the distinctive cultural heritage of the Caribbean but additionally underscores the vital significance of sustainable tourism practices,” stated Ramgulam. “It was a useful alternative to share our area’s experiences, join with world tourism leaders, and discover methods to foster a extra resilient tourism sector.”
The occasion additionally supplied a necessary platform for networking with UNESCO officers and different tourism leaders. Ramgulam’s presentation obtained constructive suggestions, and UNESCO has expressed curiosity in inviting the CTO to future occasions, reinforcing the significance of worldwide collaboration in selling sustainable tourism.
Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-Common and CEO of CTO, emphasised the importance of the occasion: “This expertise in Genoa reaffirms our dedication to advancing sustainable cultural tourism within the Caribbean. Partaking in worldwide dialogue and sharing finest practices are essential steps towards shaping a extra sustainable future for our area’s tourism business whereas preserving our wealthy cultural heritage.”
Regis-Prosper highlighted that, for the primary time, the CTO has introduced sustainable heritage tourism methods within the Caribbean to such a world viewers. This achievement reaffirms CTO’s important function in selling the area globally and underscores the worth it presents to its members by amplifying their presence on the world stage. “Because the Caribbean continues to take part in world conversations on sustainable tourism, CTO is raring to construct on the momentum from the WTE and strengthen partnerships that promote accountable and sustainable tourism improvement within the area,” she asserted.
