212 CARIBBEAN: INTERVIEW Collaboration in the Caribbean Dona Regis-Prosper of the Caribbean Tourism Organization tells Rebecca Gibson how the organisation is working with partners to drive the sustainable growth of the region’s burgeoning cruise market Comprising more than 7,000 islands, cays and islets, the Caribbean is enduringly popular with travellers of all ages and retained its position as the world’s top cruise destination in 2023, according to statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association. In keeping with its ‘One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean’ motto, the Caribbean Tourism Organization aims to continue working with its members to capitalise on this popularity and facilitate future growth through improvements to infrastructure, service delivery, onshore experiences, environmental practices, and more. Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary general and CEO, shares more. What trends are emerging in the Caribbean cruise market? The Caribbean is witnessing a significant uptick in the arrival of larger cruise ships, exemplified by Royal Caribbean International’s new Icon of the Seas, which now calls at several islands in the Western and Eastern Caribbean. This expansion of itineraries signifies a positive shift, reflecting growing demand and enhanced accessibility. In parallel, there has been a notable emphasis on port and upland developments to enhance facilities and provide specialised services for these mega vessels. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable rise in homeporting, with Barbados hosting over 20 vessels, and territories such as Antigua and St. Maarten emerging as pivotal players in this burgeoning sector. Meanwhile, tourists are increasingly engaging in a broader spectrum of tours and excursions – from serene beach visits to immersive encounters with nature and engaging heritage tours. There has also been an upsurge in high-end cruise offerings tailored to the luxury market, underscoring the evolving dynamics of passenger preferences and the need for versatile and engaging cruise experiences. How do you expect the Caribbean cruise sector to evolve in 2024 and beyond? We’ll see a focus on five key areas: enhancing service delivery, developing onshore products, growing the luxury and mega vessel segments, diversifying options for the luxury market, and promoting sustainability and environmental standards. The Caribbean region is making a concerted effort to improve service delivery standards and expand the range of innovative onshore activities, excursions and amenities to deliver unique, memorable and diverse experiences that authentically showcase the Caribbean’s rich culture, nature and heritage. Similarly, there will be more options tailored to the nuanced preferences of high-end travellers looking for bespoke and exclusive experiences. Meanwhile, the CTO will support cruise lines and other members in promoting sustainability initiatives and moving towards environmentally responsible tourism. The alignment of the CTO’s efforts with the cruise industry’s objectives suggests there is potential for collaborative projects to enhance sustainability practices within the sector. What role will the CTO play in facilitating the sustainable growth of the Caribbean cruise industry? The CTO’s commitment to sustainable growth transcends any single sector to encompass the entire tourism industry. Through rigorous research, training programmes, sustainable product development practices and other initiatives, the CTO facilitates the comprehensive enhancement of the Caribbean’s tourism landscape, ensuring the benefits of sustainable practices are widespread and inclusive. We actively encourage the cruise industry to engage in these efforts too. “ Our collaborative and forward-thinking approach will ensure the long-term viability and allure of the Caribbean”
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