OECS Tourism Ministers are to increase collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation in joint marketing and promotion efforts in European markets, and in the exchange of market intelligence information. This as the Ministers are of the view that a distinct brand identity is required for the OECS, to capture the uniqueness of the tourism products and services offered by OECS destinations. In order to avoid duplication of effort and conflict with the “rebranding” of the Caribbean tourism sector, Ministers  have agreed to seek the services of a consultant to determine the feasibility of establishing a separate tourism brand for the OECS tourism sector – to include land and marine based tourism.  This move is among key decisions at the 5th meeting of OECS Ministers of Tourism in Grenada in June.

Ministers further agreed to engage in detailed discussions with Puerto Rican authorities regarding the development of pre and post vacations packages for convention groups traveling to Puerto Rico.  This will of necessity include discussions with the major airline carriers serving both markets.  They also considered cooperation between the OECS and Puerto Rico regarding enhancement of airport facilities for passengers utilizing the Puerto Rico airport as a hub for traveling to the Eastern Caribbean.  All of these activities would be undertaken under the auspices of an OECS Office which was officially launched in Puerto Rico in October 2006.

As per the request of the Minister of Tourism of Grenada at the 4th meeting of the Council, a special presentation was made on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its impact on the tourism sector.   Ministers agreed that the challenge of mitigating the potentially negative impact of the pandemic could only be addressed by adopting a multi-sectoral approach.  To this end, all Ministers were urged to embark on public awareness efforts on the implication of the HIV/AIDS pandemic to their respective constituents.

Ministers commended Grenada for its achievements in recovering from Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, and recommended that Grenada’s experience be included as a Best Practice example to be shared with all Member States and included in CTO’s inventory of Best Practices for the Caribbean.  Among the prime lessons drawn from Grenada’s experience were the danger of complacency, which leads to a lack of preparedness, and the difficulties encountered in effecting rapid and efficient responses to a crisis situation due to existing bureaucratic procedures.

Ministers were informed of a proposal by a Grenadian company to establish an OECS TV Channel called the Palm Channel. In response the Council agreed to explore this proposal further and a final decision would be taken pending technical visits by the project proponents to key stakeholders in each Member State.

Montserrat will host the 6th meeting of the Council of Tourism Ministers from  October 1st  – 3rd , 2007