TTC Travel Trade Caribbean

Paradise Island.- Josef Forstmayr of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association said there has to be a strong consensus of Caribbean leaders and the public so travel and tourism will receive the full support it needs as the Caribbean’s most vital export industry.
According to Forstmayr “It is the fastest way to create jobs, grow the economy and generate income for all,”. “Every citizen needs to understand that, whether or not he or she works directly in the tourism areas, every tourist’s dollar bring economic and social benefits to every level of our society", he said.
“It should be noted that the linkage between the tourism sector and our local industry, agriculture and services is very strong,” Mr. Forstmayr said. “According to the hotel spend study that Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association commissioned; over half of our vegetables, dairy products, meat products and alcohol are locally sourced. Not to mention 100 per cent of our utilities and information technology.”
Airlift was also key as it was how most guests arrived in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association estimated that in 2010 the Caribbean governments collectively paid $45 million to secure airlift – only to find that our airlift is still inadequate and way too expensive for our visitors.
He said there was a need to establish the best welcome and farewell to all our visitors, as well as returning residents within the Caribbean. (Source: Cay Compass)