Caribbean is open for business – as officials aggressively tout tourism and investment opportunities in the region

Senior Caribbean tourism officials are hoping for a turn-around in fortunes as the region Wednesday continued efforts to lure visitors to its shores.

“We are truly convinced that high tide floats all boats and together by marketing the region collectively is extremely important,” Chairperson of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Beverly Nicholson-Doty told reporters.

She spoke as delegates attended the Caribbean Investment Forum that forms part of the activities marking Caribbean Week here. The CTO official said it is important for the Caribbean to send out the message that the region is “open for business.

“I believe that it is so important for us to show case the Caribbean, we know that we are a beautiful place to vacation but I think that it is also important for investors to recognize that there is such development opportunity in the region.
“There’s opportunity for return on their investment and that the Caribbean is open for business and so this is a good opportunity for us to network and to showcase what the Caribbean has to offer,” she added.

CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley said events, such as the Caribbean Investment Forum, were crucial since they represent “the machine that runs the tourism sector. “Caribbean Week has become such an incredibly important event in the life of the people involved in Caribbean tourism, and an important part of that is clearly attracting investment to the Caribbean.” -(CMC)