As Caribbean destinations prepare to host major events, including vibrant festivals, carnivals, homecomings and the highly anticipated International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 Cricket World Cup, tourism and public health stakeholders call to the region to continue to be diligent while at the same time reaffirming their commitment to health security measures.
Amid the excitement for these upcoming events, there is a unified push to recommit to essential health protocols and practices, ensuring the protection of employees and visitors alike. A vital element of this initiative is the expansion of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Tourism Health Information System (THiS) to capture and immediately respond to negative health events. CARPHA is also building capacity in countries to encourage the widespread practice of food safety and prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases in the hospitality sector.
This measure builds on a decade of collaboration between health and tourism officials in the Caribbean. The partnership has laid the foundation for the region's rapid recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic declared by the World Health Organization more than four years ago. This collaboration was formed through the Caribbean Tourism and Health Program (THP) in 2014, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed by CARPHA, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA ) and the Eastern Caribbean Organization. United States (OECS).
The Caribbean's successful management of the pandemic, marked by one of the lowest per capita COVID-19 rates and one of the world's fastest recoveries in tourism and the economy, establishes a solid foundation to rebuild its events and group business segments. With groups and events accounting for more than 20 percent of the region's tourism business, ensuring a healthy environment is critical to their success.
Nicola Madden Greig, president of the CHTA, underlined the importance of “cohesive regional cooperation”, which has advanced during the pandemic. He said he had full confidence in the unified approach to public-private sector collaboration: “With the Caribbean being on such a positive growth trajectory, we cannot be complacent and our efforts must be reinforced by a strong communications approach to continue protecting our residents and visitors while we reap the fruits of our resilient tourism industry.”
Dr. Joy St. John, CEO of CARPHA, agreed, saying: “Globally, we are seeing a resurgence of diseases such as measles, dengue, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus, while New variants of COVID-19 continue to develop. “As one of the world's leading tourism destinations, we must remain vigilant to protect our employees and visitors.”
Similarly, CTO Secretary General Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized: “As we continue to welcome visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage of the Caribbean, we must remain committed to ensuring a healthy environment.”
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, shared his praise for the relaunch, stating: “The OECS is delighted to see the return of important events that allow residents and visitors to share our authentic experiences, and is pleased to continue their association. with CARPHA and other regional tourism organizations towards healthier and safer tourism.”
In support of these goals and in response to recent health and safety concerns, CARPHA is redoubling its outreach to the tourism industry, offering training, online tools and resources to improve health safety protocols.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Director of the Division of Disease Surveillance, Prevention and Control and Head of CARPHA's Regional Tourism and Health Programme, said: “This year, we have launched a robust outreach effort to urge all Caribbean businesses to related to tourism to renew their commitments to health and safety, update their training and protocols, and participate in the highly effective Tourism and Health Information System (THiS), an information center, help center and reporting system confidential online, and other CARPHA trainings, all to promote healthier and safer tourism. product."
Sources: Caribbean Public Health Agency, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States