Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

strategic planning processes being undertaken or planned, by connecting members with experts and thought leaders through webinars and podcasts,” says Walters. “The CTO is hosting a webinar series aimed at bringing the insight of thought leaders and experts to its members, and is identifying relevant tourism management ‘good practices’ that can be adopted by member states during and after the Covid-19 crisis. “With our member countries beginning to reopen their borders, the CTO provides a platform for members to share updates with global audiences through a series of ‘live’ virtual briefings and discussions on relevant issues.” Cruising is an integral part of the Caribbean’s tourism product. “In 2019 we had a record 30.2 million cruise visitors, contributing an estimated US$3.3 billion to Caribbean economies,” says Walters. “There’s open dialogue between the CTO and the cruise sector as the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and individual cruise lines are members of the organisation. Additionally, our member countries frequently engage the cruise lines,” he says. “We anticipate increased dialogue and coordination as the date draws nearer for the ships to begin sailing again.” Walters highlights the cruise industry’s track record of support. “Whenever our member countries face major crises that disrupt tourism, as was the case with the most recent hurricanes, Dorian, Irma and Maria, the cruise industry has always been quick to provide assistance and to resume service to these destinations as early as possible to help with the recovery of tourism. We anticipate that things will be no different in this case and they will be back as soon as they’re able to.” Looking to the future, Walters is committed to sustaining the same high level of activity around their research, marketing, policy and product development pillars. “Everything that we’ve done and will continue to do during this crisis and beyond is based on these pillars. We, along with our partners in the task force, have unveiled comprehensive health safety guidelines supported by an aggressive training schedule. We have conducted, and continue to conduct, research into the impact of Covid-19 on Caribbean tourism.” The CTO has also launched a new social media campaign – #CaribbeanDreaming – in collaboration with members. “The campaign is aimed at potential travellers, reminding them of the many reasons to visit the Caribbean and that the Caribbean is closer to home than they imagine,” says Walters. As Carnival Cruise Line famously says: “We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising.” CFR 2 1 1