CMEx Outcomes

Government

• Tourism should be at the top of the political agenda
• Government must accept that tourism is an export industry
• Government and private sector need to fund tourism initiatives jointly
• The governments of the region need to unify around tourism
• Governments need to encourage and support local production and distribution of agricultural goods through means such as subsidies
• All Caribbean countries need to be members of the World Tourism Organisation

Media

• Media reports shape public opinions
• The media must constantly communicate with the tourism industry to be effective
• Editors should investigate government press releases, and ask the tough questions
• Good news should be reported on the front pages of newspapers
• Telecommunications should be liberalized to make them more affordable

Economics

• In many cases, tourism is the one of the few means to stimulate economic growth
• Tourism creates employment
• Tourism evaluations should look at economic benefits, not head counts
• Tourism is an export industry that sells goods and services for foreign exchange earnings
• Trade and services negotiations need to address tourism issues
• The hotel sector is overburdened with taxes
• When tourism does well, so do all sectors, and vice versa
• 60% of tourism dollars are spent outside of hotels
• Important factors for agriculture are price, quality, packaging, and presentation
• There is a need for a tourism investment fund
• Over the next few years, Caribbean countries must put into place Tourism Satellite Account practices

Civil Society

• Tourism is a national business and everyone is touched by it, and therefore should feel a part of it
• Tourism studies should be integrated into the classroom curriculum
• The youth need to be involved in influencing tourism policy
• Technology has revolutionized the world and travel industry
• The Brain Drain is a problem for the industry
• The Caribbean must take advantage of local suppliers of agriculture, arts, crafts, and music – organized marketing is imperative
• We should re-introduce and re-develop cultural products that were present in the past and be proud of these products
• The Caribbean needs to learn how to package, present and sell culture to other communities
• Culture gets an economic linkage through tourism and offers great exposure
• Sports tourism must be promoted
• Entertainment needs a more dynamic, private sector driven approach, and a workable business plan
• The arts and craft sector must be linked to tourism
• Internal transportation must be improved, taxis are more than just pick up/drop off service, drivers are ambassadors of the region
• There needs to be improved AIDS education in Caribbean communities