The OECS’ participation in the internationally acclaimed boat show in France known as The Grand Pavois will feature prominently on the agenda when Ministers of Tourism gather in Anguilla on Thursday and Friday for their second council meeting.

The OECS will be hosted as Guest of Honour at that prestigious event in September of this year. Last year the OECS Secretariat traveled to La Rochelle France to witness the event dubbed as the biggest boat show in Europe. The Grand Pavois is renowned as a high tourist attraction spectacle. 

Also during the April 21st and 22nd OECS meeting in Anguilla, the Tourism Ministers will examine the conditions

of expanding the council to incorporate a wider forum of ministers in the Eastern Caribbean. So far, the OECS Council of Tourism Ministers also embrace the Dutch and French Antilles islands in the region. However the Ministers have recommended that the council include representatives from the US Virgin Islands.

During the two day meeting in the ministers will hear as well, a report on the best linkages between Tourism and Agriculture in the sub-region.Tourism and Agriculture are the most vital industries to the Economies of the OECS.

Anguilla’s Minister of Tourism Victor Banks is expected to preside over discussions.

In addition, the Tourism Ministers will attempt to finalise the rules of procedure for the establishment of the council.

The ministers will discuss the OECS Secretariat’s Tourism work programme for the upcoming financial year. 

They will also speak to the OECS Initiative in Cruise Marketing. This entails the provision of goods to Cruise Ships.

The second meeting of OECS Ministers of Tourism will be staged at the Paradise Cove Resort (left) at Cove Bay West End.