| Tourism continues to be the most important industry in the countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, accounting for an increasingly significant proportion of the total foreign revenue earnings of these islands. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) estimates an increase in activity in the tourism sector in the first quarter of 2006, compared with the outturn in the corresponding period in 2005. |
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In 2005, the number of stay-over visitors rose by 2.4 per cent to 292,334. The growth in the number of stay-over visitors was influenced by an increase in airlift, intensive marketing and other promotional efforts by Member States, and the re-opening of accommodation establishments in Grenada. During the same period, cruise ship passenger arrivals rose by 0.2 percent to 790,925 while yacht passenger arrivals increased by 0.6 per cent. Visitor arrivals to the Eastern Caribbean States in the first quarter of 2006 amounted to 1.17 million, roughly 1.1 per cent above the total in the first quarter of 20051.
The region possesses all the necessary attributes for investing in the development of tourist accommodation and facilities: spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, and warm and friendly people, and one of the world’s most appealing climates. Most of the infrastructure to accommodate tourism is in place, including modern port facilities, one of the most modern telecommunications system in the world and international airports located on several of the islands. Additionally, the islands are situated right in the heart of the Americas, in the same time zone and some three to five hours by air from Miami or Toronto.
Visitors planning to visit the region from the U.S. or Canada require proof of I.D. or citizenship in the form of a passport, a birth certificate or driver’s license. British citizens usually require a valid passport. Visa restrictions may apply to some other nationalities. Further information can be obtained by checking the Consular Services section. The following links provide all the information you need for planning your trip to the islands of Eastern Caribbean. Also, kindly visit the Trade and Investment section for doing business in the tourism sector or relocating.
Be sure to make the islands of the Eastern Caribbean your next vacation stop!
Links:
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominica
Grenada
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St.Vincent and The Grenadines
1ECCB: March 2006 Economic and Financial Review.
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