OECS Secretariat, Castries St. Lucia April 17, 2008: Greater collaboration in promoting the sub region, presentation of an OECS theme at CHA Marketplace 2009 and preparation for the CARICOM Summit on Tourism in July were among the key focus issues at the 7th meeting of the OECS Council of Tourism Ministers, held April 10th and 11th in St. Johns, Antigua/Barbuda. 

The Tourism Ministers also deliberated on plans for OECS Member States, through their respective Ministries of Tourism/Tourism Authorities, to work closely to promote their islands at major tourism events, as part of a strategy to minimize the cost of participating in such events. In addition, OECS Member States will identify specialised markets which would be targeted for future joint tourism promotion activities. Collaboration on multi-destination tourism with neighbouring countries, including Martinique, will also be pursued. Ministers of Tourism welcomed a proposal for St. Lucia’s hosting of CHA Marketplace 2009 under an OECS theme. Grenada’s Director of Tourism will spearhead the coordination of the various inputs of OECS Member States, with support provided by the OECS Secretariat. CHA Marketplace is an annual tourism marketing event which sets the tone for holiday packaging in the Caribbean. It is conducted over two days of pre-scheduled business appointments where buyers and suppliers meet to discuss existing contracts, develop packages and contract for future business. 

OECS Tourism Ministers also agreed on a number of items to be discussed at the upcoming CARICOM Summit on Tourism in July. These include reduction of the cost of intra-regional travel, obtaining greater benefits from cruise tourism, establishment of a common immigration card and adapting to climate change. 

Recommendations for enhancing the cruise tourism product within the sub region, through analysis of the actual benefits derived from that sector and its impact on the respective destinations, were also endorsed. 

A comprehensive analytical report will be presented to OECS Heads of Government on the increase in intra regional airfares and its impact on travel. Recommendations on reducing airfares as a means of increasing travel will be tabled to the Heads. Due consideration will be given to the implications of climate change on the tourism sector, increasing awareness of the issue and instituting measures for the sector to adopt. 

A plan of action for addressing safety and security issues in yachting was approved, with input to be sought from private sector representatives. Ministers expressed concern over the implications for the yachting sector of the proposed reintroduction of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) by CARICOM. Based on information relayed by yachts people, the System hinders their spontaneous travel, which in turn may serve to reduce the number of yacht visitors to the sub region. The 8th meeting of the Council is scheduled to take place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in April 2009.