Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
52 B M & T ••• March/April ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com "This means connecting the region to its source markets, pursuing new links to emerging destinations, and returning intra-regional travel to its glory days when convenient sched- ules as well as affordable fares were the norm," the Jamaican hotelier asserted. Madden-Greig commended recent expansion efforts by indigenous carriers such as Caribbean Airlines and interCaribbean Airways, and was encouraged by LIAT's tran- sition to a new company to eventually "bolster efforts to pro- mote multi-destination travel throughout the region." Reflecting on the past year, Madden-Greig said that despite the global downturn in inbound tourism, the Caribbean has defied the odds with an impressive increase in visitors. "This achievement, however, has not been equal across all destina- tions, as many still face challenges posed by air connectivity issues and soaring costs." "As we set our sights on the horizon, it is paramount that we elevate Caribbean tourism beyond recovery and growth, liter- ally propelling it into the stratosphere. Our vision is clear: learn from our successful innovations and recovery stories, imple- ment best practices, and foster seamless collaboration with industry and government stakeholders. And together, we can reach new heights and redefine the narrative of Caribbean tourism," she commented. In addition to addressing the ongoing challenges of air con- nectivity, Madden-Greig stated that "we need to strengthen our resilience by implementing robust crisis preparedness strate- gies, ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and resi- dents alike, while embracing sustainable practices to safeguard our pristine landscapes and promote responsible tourism." Preparing team members to meet the new paradigm shift brought on by technological advances and consumer prefer- ences is also of critical importance to the region, she noted, explaining that the region's public and private sectors must empower local entrepreneurs to create pathways for gener- ational wealth through the expansion of micro-, small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises. "We have a heritage of creativity, innovation and resilience, and we must continue to write the success story of Caribbean tourism, a narrative of prosperity, sustainability and inclusivity," she noted. For further information, visit www.caribbeanhoteland- tourism.com. CTO CELEBRATES 35 YEARS, ANNOUNCES 2024 THEME Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Dona Regis-Prosper has welcomed 2024 by recognizing January as the organization's 35th anniversary and inviting regional tourism stakeholders to join the CTO in a yearlong journey of celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes and experiences that define the Caribbean. Introducing the CTO's theme for this year, "Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity", Regis-Prosper explained that it under- scores the CTO's commit- ment to inclusivity, cultur- al excha-nge, and sustain- able tourism practices. "This is a call to embrace the uniqueness of each destination while recog- nizing the shared thread that binds us together as one vibrant and diverse Caribbean family," she stated. The Secretary-General reflected on the resilience and recovery of the Caribbean tourism sector in 2023, acknowledging the challenges faced and the collective strength demonstrated. "Our Caribbean tourism sector demonstrated remarkable strength and adaptability in the face of challenges and uncer- tainties," she noted, adding, "We persevered, worked together, and welcomed visitors back to our beautiful destinations." Regis-Prosper highlighted the successful reintroduction of hallmark CTO events, including Caribbean Week in New York and the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), and the revitalization of tourism offerings in the region, "ensur- ing the safety and satisfaction of all who chose to experience the magic of the Caribbean." The Secretary-General also noted the strides made by mem- bers in sustainable tourism, and the CTO's ongoing focus on effective communication. She emphasized the critical role of research in reimagining Caribbean tourism and positioning the CTO as a leading research authority in the field.\ She underscored the importance of the region hosting the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in June, describing the tour- nament as an opportunity to showcase the region's hospitali- ty, cultural richness, and sporting prowess to the global com- munity. The tourism executive invited stakeholders to join the CTO in its endeavors to promote the region, expressing eagerness to engage with industry officials at upcoming CTO events such as the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Develop-ment, April 22-24, 2024, in Grenada. The 25-member intergovernmental organization's priorities for the new year include sustainable tourism, membership serv- ices, communication and market engagement, research, and the revitalization of the CTO. For more information about the CTO, visit www.OneCarib- bean.org.