Bahamas and St Lucia Receive Awards for Resilient Caribbean Destinations
The Bahamas and St Lucia recently secured victories at the Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards, held during the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 2024 Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Established three years ago, these awards recognize destinations that have shown a deliberate focus on resilience by addressing some or all of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) 17 sustainable development goals. The Bahamas clinched the award in the large tourism destination category, highlighting destinations with substantial stopover visitor arrivals exceeding US$500,000, while Aruba and Puerto Rico were named runners-up in the same category.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas, Chester Cooper, expressed his joy at the government and stakeholders' hard work being acknowledged through this prestigious award. He stated, “This is phenomenal and a great tribute to our stakeholders in The Bahamas and Team Tourism. We have worked very hard and as a result, we are being recognized by our peers. I am overjoyed.” This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment shown by The Bahamas in creating a resilient and sustainable tourism industry, contributing to the country's economic growth and stability.
In the small destination category, St Lucia emerged as the winner, outshining competitors Bonaire and St Marteen. Richard Moss, the Senior Sales Manager of the St Lucia Tourism Authority, shared insights on the journey towards achieving this award. He emphasized the hard work and collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing St Lucia's tourism product. Moss highlighted, “In St Lucia, we are a growing destination and we understand the business of tourism and hospitality. Working with private sector partners has been invaluable to us, as we have drawn inspiration and support from them, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic. This collaborative effort has not only made us resilient but has also driven our growth.”
These awards serve as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Caribbean destinations in the face of various challenges, including natural disasters, economic downturns, and global pandemics. By aligning with the UNWTO sustainable development goals, these destinations have demonstrated their commitment to building a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that benefits local communities and preserves the natural environment. The recognition received by The Bahamas and St Lucia underscores the importance of strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration in creating resilient tourism destinations that can withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions.
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, Caribbean destinations like The Bahamas and St Lucia are setting an example for others to follow in building resilience and sustainability. By embracing best practices, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing the well-being of their people and environment, these destinations are paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for the region. The Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards not only celebrate the achievements of The Bahamas and St Lucia but also inspire other destinations to prioritize resilience and sustainability in their tourism strategies, ultimately creating a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean tourism sector for generations to come.
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