The Caribbean has long been a top tourism destination, known for its idyllic scenery and rich culture. However, President Dr Irfaan Ali believes that tourism experiences in the region must evolve, or else tourists will gravitate towards other emerging destinations.
The President gave the keynote address on Wednesday at the formal opening of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), held at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown.
According to him, the region risks becoming complacent if it doesn’t invest in new tourism experiences, as other countries, including those in the Middle East, are pouring heavy investment into their tourism industries.
“Our natural product and our natural beauty are important assets. But if we are complacent about the way we will reorganise, reorient, revalue, reposition this asset, we are not going to optimise its value in the future,” he said.
An example of the issue, he pointed out, is the development of a night safari in Guyana. Ali believes Guyana’s rich tropical forests can offer an experience like no other, but despite the Government’s willingness to support the venture, he doesn’t believe there is serious interest from investors.
“This is where our investors are missing; they are too laid back, they are complacent, they are satisfied with the product nature has given them,” President Ali said.
He also said the region must not see the Middle East and other regions as competitors, but as potential collaborators.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, and Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Ivan Alonso, were among those who made remarks.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) was also presented with the Green Destinations Country Baseline Assessment Award during the ceremony.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
