213 Destinations such as St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands are enduringly popular with cruise lines Photo: USVI Department of Tourism Our collaborative and forward-thinking approach will ensure the long-term viability and allure of the Caribbean as a premier cruise destination. How are the CTO’s comprehensive training programmes helping stakeholders across Caribbean destinations to deliver safe and enjoyable cruise experiences? Training is a vital aspect of the CTO’s broader advocacy efforts to enhance the skills and capabilities of those working in the Caribbean tourism sector. Educational initiatives such as the CTO’s Leadership Skills Development Program foster growth and human capital development, reinforcing the region’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association is a proud member of the CTO and discussions with the organisation highlighted that training is a pivotal area of collaboration. Together, we aim to ensure the region’s tourism workforce is well-prepared to meet the industry’s evolving demands. We invite cruise lines to participate in these initiatives and become members too. Why is collaboration between the CTO, cruise brands and other industry stakeholders key to future success? The Caribbean’s status as the leading global cruise destination provides a robust foundation for expanded collaboration between the CTO and cruise brands. This position allows for opportunities to extend beyond traditional customer and guest services, examining the broader economy and fostering vital linkages between agriculture, manufacturing and the cruise industry. There is immense potential to establish enduring connections within the sector and to convert transient cruise visitors into longer-term tourists. This period of dynamic growth presents a valuable opportunity to amplify engagement with the cruise sector more extensively than in the past. Now is an opportune moment to leverage the Caribbean’s premier status to foster deeper partnerships, pioneer innovative service delivery methods, and explore new avenues for economic integration that yield mutual benefits for the region and the wider cruise industry. Learn about the CTO’s tourism strategy at its Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, which will take place in Grenada from 22-24 April 2024: www.caribbeanstc.com
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