advocacy committee meeting · 2018-10-30 · advocacy committee meeting . san felipe room, sheraton...

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE MEETING

San Felipe Room, Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Monday, January 29th, 2018, 8:30am – 9:45am

Objective of Advocacy Committee: To preserve, protect and enhance the competitiveness and profitability of the tourism industry throughout the Caribbean by advancing policies and programs which drive revenue, employment and investment activity. To Achieve This Objective the Committee will:

• Work with NHTAs, industry leaders, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and public and private sector stakeholder groups on issues and initiatives which support the industry’s growth and viability.

• Identify and share best and worst practices locally, regionally and internationally to recognize both successes and challenges and stimulate improvements

• Utilize and advance research from local, regional and global sources to support improvements

AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of the Minutes * 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes 4. Update and Feedback: Key Matters Advanced at June Meeting

a) CARICOM Heads of Governments Meetings – (1) July, 2017 Outcome and Follow Up * (2) Regional Tourism Marketing Initiatives

(a) Short-Long Term Sustained Marketing (b) Sustained Regional Tourism Initiative

(3) Air Transportation Facilitation – Framework Document advanced * b) Sharing Economy c) Zika d) TripAdvisor Fees/Servicing e) Climate Change f) LGBTQ g) Rigidity of Contractual Arrangements with Large Tour Operators h) Frivolous Liability Claims

5. New Business a) Hurricane-Related

a. Post Hurricane Report – Lessons Learned; Project/Initiative Opportunities* b. Briefings with Multilaterals, NHTAs, Local Government Representatives c. Proposed CHTA Hurricane Cancellation Policy* d. Economic Impact Research of Hurricanes by WTTC e. Impact on Insurance Premiums and Member Concerns

b) Other 6. Date of Next meeting – June 21, 2018, Miami FL 7. Adjournment

*Support Information attached

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Jasmine Room, Hyatt Regency, Miami, Thursday, June 1st, 2017, 8:30am – 9:45am

Objective of Advocacy Committee: To preserve, protect and enhance the competitiveness and profitability of the tourism industry throughout the Caribbean by advancing policies and programs which drive revenue, employment and investment activity. To Achieve This Objective the Committee will:

• Work with NHTAs, industry leaders, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and public and private sector stakeholder groups on issues and initiatives which support the industry’s growth and viability.

• Identify and share best and worst practices locally, regionally and internationally to recognize both successes and challenges and stimulate improvements

• Utilize and advance research from local, regional and global sources to support improvements • Establish specific strategies and benchmarks to drive and measure the industry’s progress

MINUTES

Present: Stuart Bowe, Karoline Troubetzkoy, Patricia Affonso-Dass, Russell George, Ted Tejeda, Leisa Carr-Caceres, Rudy Grant, Jim Hepple, Karen Whitt, Stacy Cox, Warren Binder, Bill Clegg, Stan Smith, Clarisa Jimenez, Lisa Hamilton, Matt Cooper, Martha Valdivia, Adriana Serna, Vanessa Ledesma, Frank Comito. 1. Committee Co-Chair Stuart Bowe called the meeting to order, offering regrets from co-chair Vincent Vanderpool-

Wallace.

2. Approval of the Minutes – A motion was adopted to approve the Minutes of the January 30th, 2017 meeting.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes – It was agreed that all matters arising would be covered later in the agenda. 4. Update and Feedback: Key Matters Advanced Since January Meeting

a) CARICOM Heads of Governments Meeting – February and July, 2017 Co-Chair Bowe advised members of the outcomes from the meeting by CHTA and CTO leadership at the February Heads of Governments Intercessional meeting where a case was made for them to support a collaborative public-private sector approach towards a regional tourism marketing and development initiative. The initiative would focus primarily on: 1) Short-Long Term Sustained Marketing; 2) Improving Air Travel; 3) Human Capital Development; Developing the Creative Industries and improving Economic Linkages; 4) improving tourism-related research; and 5) Managing and Financing a Sustained Regional Tourism Initiative. The Heads of Government supported the initiative and invited CHTA and CTO to advance a framework and report back with specific recommendations when they meet again in July. F. Comito reported that since that time consultations have been held with various industry stakeholders and that task forces had been established to undertake a detailed review in the various areas, indentifying priority initiatives. A steering committee comprised of President Troubtezkoy, Advocacy co-chair Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley, CHTA CMO Matt Cooper, and CHTA CEO/DG Frank Comito has been guiding the process. The Committee has also been working to ensure there is compatibility between their efforts and a research report being commissioned by CARIFORUM and undertaken by Tourism Intelligence International, to develop a regional strategic plan for tourism. Members were provided with an overview of the draft framework being developed for the Heads of Government meeting in July in Grenada, which incorporates feedback received thus far and will further reflect feedback from an upcoming CTO meeting.

Attendees offered the following feedback: • Initiative should recognize that while a level of private sector financial support is necessary, any

significant financing would need to be through a public-sector mechanism(s). Consensus was that a per passenger air and sea arrangement would be most equitable.

• There was agreement that the invite to participate, public and private sectors, must be pan-Caribbean. Likewise, the initiative should not be held back waiting for all destinations to come on board, as this is unlikely in the early stages.

• Sense was that while the entire region would benefit, there needs to be tiered benefits, recognizing destination, brand, and individual business support with commensurate added value.

b) Meetings/Discussions with US State Dept and Multi-Laterals in Washington

F. Comito advised that both CCAA and CHTA participated in meeting in Washington to provide feedback on areas of focus for the recently enacted US-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act. Messaging focused on: tourism’s impact on GDP, Employment, Govt Revenue, stability, trade balance with US. Mutual concerns about security, energy costs/security, environmental matters. Emphasized need to put in place mechanisms for ongoing engagement and dialogue.

c) Sharing Economy Advised that CHTA continues to assist those NHTAs and destinations requesting our support regarding the taxation, engagement, and regulation of the sharing economy. Attendees were provided with the results of a survey conducted with the destinations showing that while 2 jurisdictions have legislation in place to tax and regulate the host accommodations(Belize and Cayman I), 11 (9 on tax and regulation, 2 on tax only) are working on it. Attendees expressed concern that the reporting requirements re taxation are not transparent sufficiently to enable destinations to determine which licensed properties are paying and which are not.

d) Zika/Mayaro Virus/Yellow Fever President Troubetzkoy reported that while zika cases are down considerably based upon discussions with CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Agencies), the fear factor continues to impact business, particularly for weddings and honeymoons. Jim Hepple advised that there is a disparity in reported cases by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO is much higher). F. Comito advised that this has been brought to CARPHA’s attention and they are working this out with PAHO. Following discussion, it was agreed that:

• CHTA will request that CARPHA issue a public statement indicating that the risk is considerably diminished, and calling for continued diligence by hoteliers and jurisdictions on mitigation.

• CHTA will continue to advise members to remain diligent with their mitigation efforts, advising that the mosquito impact is broader than zika and extends to dengue, and other mosquito borne illnesses

• CHTA work with CARPHA in an outreach to the World Health Organization, the US CDC and other appropriate bodies to reconsider the threat level for travel to the region, given the reduction in reported cases.

e) Cuba – With the change in US policy, the opportunity to engage Cuba in many of CHTA’s activities and events is diminished, and presents CHTA with exposure in violation of US policy. It was advised that we continue to reach out where possible.

f) TripAdvisor Fees/Servicing – Member’s concerns continue to be brought to TripAdvisor’s attention, with several individual situations by hoteliers being resolved through our intervention. Continued engagement, advocacy and creating training opportunities was advised.

g) Climate Change – With some members expressing concern about an anticipated change in US Policy regarding the Paris Climate Change agreement, F. Comito presented the Committee with a recommended CHTA position/statement developed by the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism to be sent to the U.S. Government and the public. Committee members supported in principle the intention, but advised that the recommended statement was far too long and too technical. They advised it should emphasize the socio-economic vulnerability which rising sea levels and intense storms present to our industry and security of the US third border. The Committee endorsed in principle a streamlining of the statement, incorporating the recommendations from the Committee, to be presented to the CHTA Executive Committee and with their approval to the Board.

5. New Business

a) LGBTQ – The President advised that a working group has been formed, with the support of British Holidays, to develop and present a plenary session at CHIEF on the challenges and opportunities for the industry and the reach to advance constructive policies and industry practices which support and welcome LGBTQ travel to the region. The intention is to continue advancing this through training and other means following the session at CHIEF.

b) Rigidity of Contractual Arrangements with Large Tour Operators – Patricia Affonso-Dass expressed concerns about the cost implications to hotels which are locked into contracts without the flexibility of addressing uncontrollable factors such as a Government’s increase in taxes within the contractual timeframe. It was agreed that this required further discussion, should also be addressed in the Marketing Committee meeting, and Rudy Grant advised that CHTA and Barbados should work together on formulating a position.

c) Frivolous Liability Claims – Patricia reported on a growing trend of claims directed to UK based tour operators of unsubstantiated food-borne illnesses from holiday stays (not just to the Caribbean but worldwide), with the claimants seeking financial compensation. F. Comito advised that this is being exposed in the UK media and coming under scrutiny by the authorities there and that the British Tour Operators Association is working on it as well.

d) There being no other business, the Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:50.

6. Date of Next meeting – January, 2018, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Thirty -Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government

of the Caribbean Community, St. George’s, Grenada, 4-6 July 2017

Confirmed Decisions

________________________________________________________________

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9. TOURISM IN THE REGION: BUILDING A CARIBBEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING INITIATIVE (Mandated by the Conference) - CONFIRMED

Having considered Paper HGC/2017/38/9 entitled, “Tourism in the Region: Building a Caribbean Tourism Development and Marketing Initiative; Noting that the initiatives put forward in the Paper are fully aligned with the tenets of the CARICOM Strategic Plan and are also in furtherance of the Strategic Plan for Tourism Services; Recognising the opportunities and recommended strategies which can be put in place to address both immediate and long-term initiatives aimed at stimulating sustainable growth in tourism; Acknowledging the importance of a collective approach and continuous dialogue; Also noting the call from the mainland CARICOM Member States that the Tourism product being marketed should also reflect more than the traditional sun, sea and beach but include, for example, the rainforest, mountains, flora and fauna; Further noting the information shared by the Prime Minister of Jamaica that the United Nations-World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO) Conference on Sustainable Tourism would be hosted by Jamaica on 27-29 November 2017; THE CONFERENCE:

Agreed to –

(i) broaden engagement to all Caribbean countries, companies and multilateral

organisations aimed at securing their input and support for a regional tourism

marketing and development initiative as outlined in the Paper;

(ii) the creation of an independent Public-Private Sector Governing Body to guide the

development and management of a sustained regional tourism marketing and

public relations effort;



Confirmed Decisions

________________________________________________________________

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(iii) support, in principle, the creation of public-private sector funding streams to

sustain a regional tourism marketing and development initiative, particularly

initiatives targeted at the development of the Region’s human capital;

(iv) endorse the establishment of a challenge grant, seeded by the public and private

sectors, to support implementation of short-term marketing initiatives;

(v) fast-track adoption and implementation of travel facilitation measures to

stimulate economic growth and specifically to support the following in the

interim, pending the finalisation of the Multilateral Air Services Agreement

(MASA):

(a) Establishment of one-stop security regime;

(b) Streamlining and harmonizing visa policies;

(c) Establishing single domestic space with full clearance only at first port of entry;

(d) Adopting a uniform E/D card;

(e) Streamlining and harmonizing policies and procedures; and

(f) Increase use of Tourism Satellite Accounting as means of informing policy decisions;

Also agreed that the Technical Working Group (TWG) would continue to advance the

regional initiative, reporting back to the Heads of Government and other regional

stakeholders at the Twenty-Ninth Inter-Sessional Meeting in 2018;

Further agreed that the Region’s eco-tourism destinations be included in any regional

tourism marketing and public relations effort being developed;



Confirmed Decisions

________________________________________________________________

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Urged Member States to attend the UN-WTO Conference on Sustainable Tourism in

Jamaica in light of its alignment with its intention to highlight the Caribbean Region as a

Tourism destination.

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Framework for the Development of a Caribbean Public-Private Sector Tourism Marketing and Development Initiative

BUILDING A CARIBBEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING INITIATIVE

I. MANDATE FROM THE 28TH INTERSESSIONAL MEETING In response to direction provided by the CARICOM Heads of Government at the 28th Intersessional Meeting in support of the establishment of an Interim Tourism Working Group (TWG) comprised of representation from the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a process has been undertaken by the TWG to identify recommended strategies aimed at stimulating tourism and maximizing the employment, entrepreneurial and revenue potential it can bring to the region. The proposed strategy focuses around the six priority areas shared at the 28th Intersessional:

1. Advancing research to better assess tourism’s economic impact and the region’s competitiveness.

2. Removing travel barriers and stimulating travel to and within the Caribbean. 3. Supporting the development of Caribbean talent through a coordinated approach to tourism-

related education and training. 4. Strengthening the Creative industries and economic linkages to tourism. 5. Marketing and Public Relations of the Caribbean brand through short and long term strategies. 6. Creating a public-private sector entity financed and managed collaboratively to sustain a

regional effort.

II. CONSULTATIVE PROCESS UNDERTAKEN In support of advancing recommended strategies around the priority areas and drawing from the considerable research which has already been undertaken within the priority areas, the TWG has undertaken the following activities: A. Research

A growing body of research supports the value of public-private sector collaboration in marketing and developing tourism. The TWG points to three stand-out efforts which guide and substantiate our way forward:

1. Draft Strategic Plan for Tourism Services, commissioned by CARIFORUM 2. Tourism Industry Reform, Strategies for Enhanced Economic Impact, a study by the

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) 3. The Return on Investment of Brand USA Marketing, conducted by Oxford Economics

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The predominant guiding document for the TWG has been a Draft Strategic Plan for Tourism Services, commissioned by CARIFORUM and undertaken by Tourism Intelligence International. Commencing in September, 2017 with consultation and engagement by over 60 public and private sector stakeholders from 15 countries, and extensive participation by the leadership of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the research project is near completion and the recommendations are well-aligned with those being advanced by the TWG in the aforementioned six priority areas as will be indicated in the addendum to this report. Throughout the study an overriding theme is woven: “Cooperation between the private and public sectors is at a level never seen before in the region….regional cooperation is also on the rise (e.g. on transportation issues, agro-tourism linkages, human resource development and training issues, investment promotion, information and communication technology, research and statistics, marketing and promotion, environmental issues, cross-border facilitation, etc.) and wider and more indirect stakeholders are playing a greater role in tourism development (local communities, media, training institutions, NGOs). Support for the marketing of the Caribbean brand was overwhelming: “Nearly all (97%) of the CARICOM stakeholders consulted in the development of this Strategic Plan indicated that it is important for the Caribbean to market itself as one region – One Caribbean. Marketing, an information- and technology-driven activity, is perhaps the most significant area where true economies of scale can be had from cooperative and collaborative efforts among Caribbean states. The call for regional collaboration and partnerships around tourism is further reinforced in “Tourism Industry Reform, Strategies for Enhanced Economic Impact”, a study by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), released in May, 2017 which puts forward recommendations and strategies to enhance the economic impact of tourism in the Bank’s borrowing member countries. CDB President Dr. Wm. Warren Smith, notes “Tourism is the engine of growth and a major foreign exchange earner in many Caribbean countries. During the last two decades, we have witnessed a distinct shift in the profile of visitors to the Caribbean and as a result, in the industry’s structure. These changes in the industry have signaled a need for policy-makers and key industry players to rethink their strategies for improving the competitiveness and safeguarding the medium to long-term development prospects of the industry in this Region.” The Return on Investment of Brand USA Marketing, a study undertaken for the public-private sector partnership BrandUSA by Oxford Economics, was released in 2016, and points clearly to the incremental employment and tax revenue generated through a collaborative PPP effort. “Brand USA generated $3.0 billion in incremental visitor spending to the US in FY2015. Including indirect and induced impacts, a total of $6.6 billion in economic activity was generated by Brand USA. Economic activity generated by Brand USA sustained 44,533 jobs earning $1.9 billion in personal income. At $457 million, Brand USA generated more than double its funding in incremental Federal taxes and another $410 million in state and local taxes.”

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This research is well-synced with that coming from recent reports issued by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the private sector led World Travel and Tourism Council, the World Bank, the IMF, the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank, reinforcing the value and returns from investments in tourism and a PPP approach. Shortcomings in Research In seeking to better measure the extent of tourism’s pervasive impact on the region’s economies, employment, tax revenue and entrepreneurial spin-off activity, the substantial shortcomings in destination data became even more apparent to the TWG. Only six destinations are able to accurately measure tourism’s impact through the use of the United Nation’s sanctioned Tourism Satellite Accounts system. This shortcoming is becoming even more apparent, as many destinations are mistakenly correlating tourism’s success with increases in visitor arrivals, yet correspondingly the growth in employment and tax revenues is not proportionate with the increase in visitor arrivals. Research clearly shows that the hotel accommodations sector is the most significant driver of employment and visitor spending, and by extension tax revenue and linkages. With the rise in alternative accommodations (i.e. Airbnb, VBRO, etc.), destinations without appropriate policies and a TSA system in place to measure impact, will not fully recognize the extent to which tourism can be a primary socio-economic driver with the financial investments and policies supportive of effective tourism marketing and development. B. Individual Consultations Building upon earlier consultations with Ministers and Directors of Tourism, CHTA’s business leadership, and representatives from many of the region’s 32 National Hotel and Tourism Associations, since February, 2017 CTO and CHTA have broadened the network of engagement. Meetings have been held with several Heads of Governments and Tourism Ministers; owners, operators and senior management of major hotel brands, including Sandals, AM Resorts, Hilton, Marriott, and Atlantis; and small and mid-sized tourism enterprises; and major developers. Representatives for multi-lateral organizations have been consulted, including the Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. All consultations have resulted in expressions of strong interest and support for being part of a process to develop, manage and sustain a Caribbean tourism development and marketing initiative. C. Additional Considerations Following the distribution of the draft of this document to Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, a meeting by conference call was convened on June 12 under the direction of the CARICOM Secretariat. CTO’s Chairman invited Ministers to make comments on the draft document. Ministers gave their overall approval of the document in principle and asked that there be: (a) specific mention of the safety/security concerns facing the Caribbean; and (b) the importance of incorporating into the marketing considerations, the need for increased awareness of opportunities in the tourism industry for Caribbean people at home and abroad.

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Locally, regionally and internationally the tourism industry has expressed concerns about the threats to our region's safety and security. The protection of our citizens, our visitors and our industry from the scourge of crime is a matter of serious concern. While this issue has thankfully, not reached the proportions that cripple some areas of the world, it is in the Caribbean's best interest to do whatever is necessary to maintain the region's status as a zone of peace and tranquility. This is a top priority and a prerequisite to the sustainability of the region’s economic growth.

Recognizing that a number of best practice safety and security initiatives have been advanced by public and private sector tourism industry stakeholders throughout the region, CTO and CHTA commit to cataloguing and showcasing these efforts and encouraging their adaptation locally where applicable.

CTO and CHTA implore Heads of Government to encourage greater collaboration with relevant authorities within and outside the Caribbean, closer partnership with law enforcement and border security entities in the international community, and engagement with funding agencies whose interests align with the region’s in keeping our borders and our livelihood safe.

On the question of tourism awareness, our industry has a duty to ensure that every citizen of the Caribbean understands the value tourism brings to our economies and the responsibility this places on all citizens to be good hosts. In addition, the more our populations – at home and in the Diaspora - know about tourism, the more creativity, entrepreneurship and financial opportunity will result.

While the public- and private sectors have made tremendous progress at all levels of tourism education and scholarship, it is clear that the true economic enfranchisement of our people and the incentive for entire populations to enjoy the benefits of the industry will depend upon our region's ability to find the mechanisms to keep our citizens engaged. Their understanding of the vast range of career and entrepreneurial opportunities which the tourism industry offers is essential. In the words of one of the region's tourism Ministers, “it is as important to market Caribbean tourism to our own people in the Caribbean as it is to market it overseas.”

III. LESSONS LEARNED FROM EARLIER ATTEMPTS TO DEVELOP AND SUSTAIN REGIONAL TOURISM INITIATIVES

In the 1980s and again in 2007 the region’s public and private sector tourism stakeholders sought primarily to create a sustained effort to market tourism, as well as to address some of the region’s tourism development challenges. While there was limited success, the efforts failed to sustain and realize their potential. Recognizing this, the research and consultative process undertaken since February assessed both the successes and failures from previous attempts to create a regional initiative. Lessons learned: Challenges

Limited engagement in developing and supporting the initiative, particularly at the highest public and private sector leadership levels (i.e. heads of Governments and heads of industry)

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No engagement from non-CTO and CARICOM jurisdictions, which constitute over 60 percent of the region’s tourism activity

Insufficient financial resources to establish and sustain the initiative

No dedicated full-time CEO and support team to professionally manage the effort (reliant on the volunteer support of the CTO and CHTA)

Lack of transparency or procedures in tendering contracts

Failure to manage an ongoing process of engagement Successes

Caribbean destination branding increases visitor arrivals and marketshare, as indicated in results from the successful “Kokomo” and “Life Needs the Caribbean” campaigns

Caribbeantravel.com, a jointly-owned website by CTO and CHTA, successfully showcases the region and with limited resources applied to pilot website marketing and social media campaigns it stimulates visitor arrivals and destination spending

The seeds of a successful public-private sector partnership to market and develop Caribbean tourism have been sown with positive results in areas of marketing, transportation, and sustainability.

IV. REQUEST FOR SPECIFIC ACTION FROM THE HEADS A. Overarching Recommendations With this backdrop and a mandate from the 28th Intersessional Meeting, the TWG offers the following overarching recommendations for consideration by the Heads: 1. Broaden Engagement to all Caribbean Countries, Companies and Multi-Lateral Organizations

aimed at securing their input and support for a regional tourism marketing and development initiative. Specific Recommended Actions from the Heads:

a. Establish a Caribbean Tourism Development Leadership Council, comprised of and open to heads of all Caribbean governments or their designees and heads of industry or their designees committed to advancing a regional PPP.

b. Endorse participation by all stakeholders in the following events between Intersessional meetings to advance specific recommendations coming from this Intersessional which will serve as convening points and benchmarks for success:

1. State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), October 9-13, Grenada, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization

2. UNWTO, Government of Jamaica and World Bank Group Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism for Development. November 27-29, Jamaica (Note: this may provide a unique opportunity to facilitate results-oriented engagement with the multi-lateral organizations)

3. Caribbean Travel Marketplace, San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 31-February 2, 2018, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

4. CARICOM Intersessional – February 2018, for an extended tourism session open to all Caribbean jurisdictions.

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It should be noted that specific events over the coming six months will also be utilized to advance engagement and recommendations for specific areas within the initiative’s mandate (i.e. CARIFESTA would provide an ideal convening point to further the recommendations outlined for the creative and cultural industries linkages report which is attached to this report).

2. Create an Independent Public-Private Sector Governing Body to Guide the Development and

Management of a Sustained Regional Tourism Marketing and Public Relations Effort a. Develop Terms of Reference for Consultancy to include engaged consultative process

resulting in: i. Recommend PPP Governance Structure inclusive of: Articles and Bylaws; purpose;

board and committee composition; standards; code of conduct; sourcing, usage and allocation of funds; etc.

ii. Development of Business Operational, Marketing and Public Relations Plans iii. Development of Detailed

b. Secure Consultant 3. Support in Principle the Creation of Public-Private Sector Funding Streams to Sustain a Regional

Tourism Marketing and Development Initiative. Based upon stakeholder feedback, the TWG has identified potential funding streams for consideration by the Heads, inclusive of:

a. Airline Passenger Fee – ranges have been recommended of US$1-$2 b. Cruise Passenger Fee – ranges have been recommended of .25 cents to $2 c. Council Sponsorships – annual sponsorship support from hotel brands and destinations d. Global Private Sector sponsors – e.g. credit card, car rental, airlines, tour operators, product

brands, telecommunications, etc. (Joint Marketing Agreements) e. In-kind contributions from hotels and resorts and direct partnerships and coordination on

specific activities f. Development and promotion of Brand Caribbean and related royalties for the logo’s usage g. In-kind support from destinations, brands, hotels, and other tourism-related businesses

which agree to incorporate ‘Caribbean’ logo/tag into all media and promotions. (Note: the value of this branding insert has immeasurable market value)

4. Endorse the Establishment of a Challenge Grant Jointly by CARICOM, CTO and CHTA, seeded by the

public and private sectors, to support implementation of short-term marketing initiatives, inclusive of updating the caribbeantravel.com website, as identified in the addendum. Initiatives will be scaled according to the extent of financial commitments received.

5. Fast-Track Adoption and Implementation of Travel Facilitation Measurers to Stimulate Economic

Growth. An extensive review was undertaken of reports and recommendations in this area, in particular those conducted by CARICOM, the OECS, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and IATA. In addition, CTO has engaged various stakeholders through its Aviation Task Force. The TWG provides an addendum to this report which provides a recommended framework for advancing travel facilitation.

Based upon this review, the TWG recommends to the Heads the following:

a. Acceleration of efforts to adopt a regional policy for transportation, revising the Multilateral Air Service Agreement (MASA).

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b. Recognizing that the realization of MASA may require extensive negotiation and approvals, it is recommended that Enhanced Travel Facilitation Measures be advanced in the following areas:

i. Establishment of one-stop security regime ii. Streamlining and harmonizing visa policies

iii. Establishing single domestic space with full clearance only at first port of entry iv. Adopting a uniform E/D card v. Streamlining and harmonizing policies and procedures.

6. Support the Expansion of Destinations Participating in the UNWTO Sanctioned Tourism Satellite

Accounts (TSA) Program The extent of tourism’s impact on economies throughout the region must be fully understood and measured, to support internal and regional policies and focus. This also enables regional, hemispheric and global donor groups and donor agencies from other countries to better consider grant and loan funding which supports developmental and infrastructure activities that facilitate the growth of tourism and it’s corresponding value to the broader citizenry. The TWG recommends that the Heads encourage and support efforts by all jurisdictions in the region to participate in the TSA program.

7. Commitment to Coordination and Collaboration Towards Development of Priority Action Plans

Around Area-Specific Recommendations The TWG created subgroups to focus on identifying specific actions for consideration in the areas of:

Strengthening the Creative Industries and Linkages

Supporting the Development of Caribbean Talent

Removing Travel Barriers and Stimulating Travel To and Within the Caribbean

Marketing the Caribbean Brand – Short-Term

The findings and recommendations of these subgroups are detailed as addenda to this report, along with the recommendations being advanced in the relevant areas of the Draft Regional Tourism Strategy paper being finalized with the support of CARIFORUM. The TWG recommends that these serve as guiding documents to assist stakeholders in developing and prioritizing specific action plans in the respective areas.

With the counsel and support of the CARICOM Heads, the TWG shall continue to advance the regional initiative, reporting back to the Heads and other regional stakeholders at the first Intersessional meeting in 2018.

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Framework forUnlocking Economic Growth and Development in the Caribbean through

Travel Facilitation

Improve Transport Services

Enhance Travel

Facilitation

Economic Growth through Travel & Tourism

2

Improve Transport

Services

Enhance Travel

Facilitation

Develop a transport policy

Remove regulatory

impediments that inhibit

Caribbean market access

Reduce Airfares

Improve Connectivity

Improve cooperation

between airlines

Improve Infrastructure at

ports

Establish a one-stop

security regime

Streamline and harmonise

visa policies

Establish single domestic

space with full clearance

only at first port of entry

Uniform E/D card

Streamline & Harmonise

policies & procedures

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Travel Facilitation Strategy

Key Outcomes:

Increase in Demand for Travel to and within the region Enhanced access to and within the region Increased airlift capacity to and within the region

Enhanced cooperation/alliances between airlines

Increase in growth in the Travel and Tourism sector

Improved tourism economic activity at the destination level

Increased Economic Value Added (GDP contribution) of the Travel

& Tourism sector

Increased Employment generation

Improved operationalisation of the regional integration regime

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OUTPUTS

MILESTONES & INDICATORS

ACTIVITIES

MEANS OF VERIFICATION

IMPLEMENTING

PARTNERS

RISKS/

ASSUMPTIONS

MAJOR ACTIVTY: Develop Regional Policy Framework

A regional policy for transportation is developed for the Caribbean region

Milestones: - The region adopts common/harmonised air and maritime transport policies and practices which fosters the orderly growth of the sector; - Common transport policies facilitate the conditions for sustainable solutions to challenges in the sector - The regional policy creates the enabling environment for the provisions of safe, reliable, affordable and efficient transport services. OVIs: - Common policies/practices being applied in the region

Institutions: The CARICOM Secretariat coordinates the finalization of the regional transport policy. Member States Actions: Member States need to review, agree to and ratify the regional policy.

Develop a checklist of policies and procedures to be used by each territory

Lead: CARICOM Secretariat Other: Ministries of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Transportation; Civil Aviation Authorities; CHTA; CTO Aviation Task Force

Risk: The Policy is not approved/ratified by all states Assumption: Key stakeholders, particularly Member States are given the opportunity to participate in the process of developing the policy and to review and provide feedback on the policy before finalising.

MAJOR ACTIVTY: Revise Legal and Regulatory Framework

A revised Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA)

Milestones: - Regional airlines governed by a legal instrument that is more consistent and aligned with the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas - Regional airlines governed by an Agreement that reflects

Institutions: The CARICOM Secretariat coordinates the finalization of revision of the 1996 MASA.

- Check with civil aviation authorities to determine the number of new airlines registered in the region - Number of routes and

Lead: CARICOM Secretariat Other: Ministries of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Transportation; Civil Aviation Authorities; CTO

Risk: The MASA is not approved/ratified by all states Assumptions: - Key stakeholders, particularly Member States are given the

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OUTPUTS


ACTIVITIES


IMPLEMENTING

PARTNERS

RISKS/

ASSUMPTIONS modern aviation practices/trends - Regional airlines operate with fewer restrictions to market access OVIs: - Expansion of airlines in the region, particularly 3rd tier carries - Increase in number of routes and number of flights in the region - Reduced travel time - Reduction in airfares

Member States Actions: Member States should review, agree to and ratify the MASA

number of flights in the region - Average travel time as per schedule - Average airfares

Aviation Task Force; CHTA; airport authorities

opportunity to review and provide feedback on the MASA before finalising. - The MASA will be revised based on the ICAO’s regional agreement template - Member States who sign the Agreement will adhere to its provisions and conditions - Port infrastructure is improved to facilitate increased air traffic

MAJOR ACTIVTY: Facilitation of Ease of Travel Develop a Single Domestic Space (model on CWC 2007)

Milestones: - Persons travelling within the CARICOM require full border clearance only at the first port of entry - Harmonised border management systems and procedures - Harmonised and streamlined visa policies - Infrastructural changes to distinguish between regional and international travelers

Institutions: The CARICOM Secretariat should coordinate the activities to establish the SDS including: - harmonisation of border control systems and procedures - common and streamlined visa

- Data from border management agencies on the number of persons travelling intra-regionally

Lead: CARICOM Secretariat Other: CARICOM IMPAACS/JRCC; CTO Aviation Task Force; National Departments of Immigration and Customs; Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs;

Risk: Member States are not very responsive in making the required changes (legal, operational and infrastructural) to establish the Single Domestic Space Assumptions: - Full commitment to establishing the Single

6

OUTPUTS


ACTIVITIES


IMPLEMENTING

PARTNERS

RISKS/

ASSUMPTIONS - Common mechanism for information/intelligence sharing among security agencies - Common travel document/card for intra-regional travel - Uniform E/D card OVIs: - Increase in the number of persons travelling to and within the region - Improvement in multi-destination travel

policies - improved port configuration to distinguish between travelers moving into and within the space - sharing of information and intelligence - Common travel document/card for intra-regional travel Member States Actions: Member States should implement the requisite activities to establish the Single Domestic Space

Consulate Offices Domestic Space by all Member States and key agencies - There will be concomitant initiatives geared to stimulating increased travel including liberalization of air transportation services to increase airlift capacity in the region

Establish a one-stop security regime

Milestone: - Establishment of a standard which eliminates the multiple screening of in-transit passengers OVI: - Number of security checks when traveling in the region

Institutions: The OECS should be used as a pilot for this initiative since they have been working on achieving this in the OECS (OECS Commission/

- Checks at borders to verify screening policies/ procedures - Traveller feedback to determine treatment whilst

Lead: OECS Commission/ECCAA Other: Border security agencies; airport authorities

Risk: - Initiative delayed since some Member States have not met the civil aviation requirements particularly the promulgation of the civil aviation

7

OUTPUTS


ACTIVITIES


IMPLEMENTING

PARTNERS

RISKS/

ASSUMPTIONS Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority - ECCAA) Member States Actions: Member States should adhere the six minimum civil aviation regulations as stipulated by the ECCAA.

in transit regulations Assumption: All States will commit to and implement the requirements for establishing the one-stop-security regime

MAJOR ACTIVTY: Rationalisation of Aviation-Related Taxes

Analysis of the Economic Impact of Aviation Taxation

Milestones: - Reduced taxation during slow tourism periods to assess the effect on travel demand and ultimately on the tourism –related economic activity in the region - Streamlined taxes in the region to enable more consistent application of taxes OVIs: - Increase in the number of persons travelling to and within the region - Increase in tourist expenditure/receipts - Improvement in value-added from tourism (GDP

Institutions: The CARICOM Secretariat should coordinate this initiative working closely with other regional agencies such as the CDB Member States Actions: Member States (departments of tourism, statistics and economic affairs and finance) should cooperate fully to provide the

- Tourist arrival data - Tourist expenditure data - Tourism Satellite Account data - National GDP, Employment and Export data

Lead: CARICOM Secretariat Other: CTO, CDB, ECCB, CHTA/HTAs, National Statistical Offices, Tourism Authorities

Risks: - The requisite data is not readily available to generate accurate analyses - The Heads/Ministers of Finance do not agree to reduce taxes during the slow period to undertake analysis Assumptions: - Most/all Member States will agree/commit to reducing the taxes to undertake the analysis - Data will be readily

8

OUTPUTS


ACTIVITIES


IMPLEMENTING

PARTNERS

RISKS/

ASSUMPTIONS contribution) - Increased and more stable employment in tourism and related sector - Increased occupancy rates Reduced debt-to GDP ratio

required data/statistics to facilitate the assessment.

available to conduct the requisite assessments

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 800 Coral Gables, FL 33134 USA 1-305-443-3040 www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

CHTA TOURISM POST HURRICANE RECOVERY FACT SHEET AND OBSERVATIONS December 12, 2017

I. KEY DATA POINTS RE CARIBBEAN TOURISM

Tourism represents 14.9% of Caribbean’s total GDP. It’s over 80% for some of the affected destinations according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tourism generates over 2.3 million jobs in the Caribbean

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 29 million stopover (overnight) visitors to the region in 2016. Forecasted to exceed 30 million in 2017 prior to the storms with a growth rate of 3-4 percent. The region was outperforming that rate the first half of the year, growing 5.2 percent over 2016. Post-storms, anticipate slowing 1-2 percent growth, and forecasted presently at a similar pace for 2018, well below the average global growth rate.

CTO and CDB assessed the impact of a one percent decline in stopover arrivals based upon 2015 arrivals numbers. This would translate into over 227,000 fewer visitors, $138 million in lost expenditures, and a corresponding impact on employment and Government revenue.

CHTA surveyed 19 tour operators and wholesalers in early November. At that time, 63% anticipated a decline in bookings of vacations to the Caribbean. While the survey has not been conducted again, reports from several major tour operators indicate that the pace of advance bookings to the unaffected Caribbean has stepped up considerably and is outperforming year on year performance from February onward.

II. IMPACT TO TOURISM INDUSTRY FROM HURRICANES

Over 70% of the Caribbean’s Destinations Are Open for Business and Welcoming Visitors o This Translates into over 75% of the region’s accommodations inventory o Most of these destinations were never affected by the hurricanes

Road to Recovery: Ten Destinations Seriously Impacted by the Storms o Anguilla, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. John,

St. Martin / Sint Maarten, St. Thomas. o Of these destinations – on average 20% of the hotels are operating at some level, many still

accommodating relief workers, construction personnel, impacted employees and their families

All airports are open and accommodating commercial flights – o For the most affected destinations, full air service has yet to return to pre-hurricane levels

but additional flights are being announced regularly, inbound flights are operating with high loads.

Cruise ports


o Nearly 90 percent of the Caribbean’s cruise ports of call are open o Cruise ships started returning in November to most severely impacted destinations with

reports indicating return to all parts of call by January.

Accommodations Sector Outlook for Affected Destinations o CHTA website www.caribbeantravelupdate.com provides hotel specific information o Varies by affected destinations o Turks and Caicos rebounded quickly and is fully operational o Puerto Rico expects 90 percent of accommodations to be open by end of year. CHTA is

confident that progress will continue and is planning to hold the region’s largest B2B marketing event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, in San Juan January 30th to February 1st, 2018.

o St. Maarten, St. Martin, BVI, USVI, Anguilla, Dominica accommodations will take longer to recover. Projecting 75 percent of their room inventory to be operational within 12-18 months, possibly longer, depending in part upon ability to rebuild and refurbish.

Tours, Attractions and Sites o Beach cleanups in tourist areas largely completed in affected destinations; some erosion

reported and natural restoration is occurring o Nature trails severely damaged in PR and Dominica o All major roads cleared and most secondary roads open in affected destinations o Vegetation and lush green is quickly returning to the affected islands

Impact to Non-Storm-Affected Destinations o Many Media unfortunately portrayed entire Caribbean as being impacted and even

‘devastated’ by the storms o Storms underscore ongoing need by industry to education the consumer and travel industry

partners about the geography of the Caribbean where it is a shorter distance between New York and Florida then the northern and southern Caribbean

o High level of cancellations and no-shows occurred in September and October. o Slowed booking pace reported by hotels, tour operators and wholesalers through end of

November, now picking up for unaffected destinations o Open for Business Destinations Vulnerable to ‘Contagion Effect’ - Antigua, Aruba, Barbados,

Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos

III. PRIORITY NEEDS TO HELP TOURISM DESTINATIONS AND BUSINESSES RECOVER Tourism and Construction are Key to the Long-term Sustained Recovery of Affected Destinations

o Stimulating Employment o Energizing Entrepreneurs and Creating New Business Opportunities o Growing Government Revenue to Meet Basic Needs, Support Recovery, Service Debt

Success Factors

Communication, Collaboration and Coordination by All Stakeholders

Take a Pan-Caribbean Approach – inclusive of all affected areas

Fast-Track Decision-Making and Approval Process to Support Recovery – locally, regionally, int’l

Commitment to Build Smart, Better and More Sustainably

http://www.caribbeantravelupdate.com/


Incentivize Recovery – tax and duty exemptions for designated building materials, appliances, furnishings; energy efficient and renewable energy equipment and materials

Insurance – Scale of impacted businesses and residences is so great that the claims process is painstakenly slow. Where engineering, surveying, adjuster skills are in short supply, governments should allow for the temporary free movement of technical labor to support the acceleration of the claims process; Engagement with the insurance industry is important to understand how to ensure appropriate coverage while minimizing anticipated premium hikes, projected to increase in the region by 25% to 40% over the next year

Financing Business Recovery and Restoration – Need to facilitate access to financing, particularly for small businesses; commercial and development banks need to support the establishment of special loan facilities

Build Better, Smarter – Provide support to destinations and businesses to adhere to latest best practices. Lessons learned from the New Orleans Katrina experience, Grenada’s recovery following Hurricane Irma, Florida’s rebound following Hurricane Andrew and other global experiences should be catalogued and shared.

Public Relations and Marketing Support – to support recovering destinations and rest of Caribbean to mitigate ‘contagion effect’ thus contributing to employment, revenue and overall recovery.

Airlift – Focus collaboratively by region’s public and private sector tourism interests on retaining and building airlift to support long-term recovery

Human Resources – Minimize brain drain, diversify and improve skills

Capacity of Impacted Local and Regional Support Entities – NHTAs, Ministries and Boards of Tourism, Destination Marketing Organizations, CHTA and CTO are all being impacted by the storms. Ensuring their capacity to effectively operate financially and with the necessary human resources to support ongoing operations and significantly elevated demands to facilitate the recovery is essential.

IV. KEY PARTNERS TO TOURISM’S RECOVERY Regardless of the hurricane’s, the Caribbean has been losing global tourism marketshare, with trendlines showing a continuation of this erosion over the next ten years and most destinations forecasted to perform under global tourism growth rates. The hurricanes shed light on our vulnerabilities and add urgency to addressing the immediate recovery needs while also taking the opportunity to collectively address how to reverse the region’s forecasted growth and maximize the potential which tourism brings to the industry and governments. This requires the engagement and coordination among all partners important to the success of the rebound, including:

Local Partners – National Hotel and Tourism Associations; Ministries of Tourism, DMOs

Regional Partners – CARICOM, ACS, CTO, CHTA, CEDEMA, CDB, FCCA, CCAA, CARPHA, CCCCC, OECS

Multi-Lateral Organizations – UNWTO, World Bank, IDB, EU, OAS, IMF

Others – UNWTO, WTTC, Tourism Cares An existing partnership between CHTA, CTO and CARICOM provides a framework for a collaborative approach to a regional tourism marketing and development initiative. This was developed with input


from National Hotel and Tourism Associations and local Ministries of Tourism and DMOs. Separate but related, CTO and CHTA are part of the Global Caribbean Tourism Recovery Team, led by the UNWTO and its designated Chair Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and also including representation from the WTTC. Other organizations, working on various aspects of tourism’s development, have been consulted and need to continue to be engaged in supporting the development and implementation of regional tourism initiatives.

V. HOW CHTA IS SUPPORTING DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY

A. COMMUNICATIONS

Ongoing Updates - CHTA and CTO provided reports to members, travel industry partners, and the media giving the status of destinations and their support infrastructure. Within days of Irma hitting we created www.caribbeantravelupdate.com to inform consumers and trade about destination and hotel status. These continue to be updated and viewable on both organizations websites.

Media Briefings and Interviews – In addition to a series of press releases providing a status of tourism-related impacts, through their respective PR agencies CHTA and CTO conducted dozens of interviews with all major consumer and trade media, urging support for affected destinations and advising that over 70 percent of the region was not impacted and open for business.

Outreach to Tour Operators, Travel Partners, and Public Relations Firms – Briefings and support information were provided, within hours post Irma. Personal outreach to tour operators worldwide and thousands of travel agents, providing updates, requesting their cooperation in communicating accurate information on the status of the Caribbean, and urging their support for relief and recovery efforts.

Travel Agent Webinars – Briefed over 700 travel agents in series of webinars. This is ongoing.

Support Webinars on Insurance and Restoration – Aimed at assisting hotels and tourism-related businesses to understand implications the storms will have on future insurance coverage and plan accordingly to minimize the impact, assist damaged properties with their insurance claims process, guide hotels in improving and rebuilding properties to better withstand future storms, and reduce energy costs through smarter rebuild.

B. IMMEDIATE RELIEF AND SUSTAINED RECOVERY

Assessment of National Hotel and Tourism Associations – Impact and Capacity – Conducted with the most severely impacted destinations to determine capacity to support the operations of the association. Through CSHAE’s disaster relief fund, some measure of initial support is being provided to the affected Associations. Through the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund, CHTA and Tourism Cares are looking at project-specific recovery initiatives to further support local capacity.

Support for Immediate Relief – Early on, destinations were polled to determine where best to direct immediate relief. A listing of officially sanctioned aid organizations for each affected destination was created, posted on websites and provided to the press, members, travel partners and others. The outpouring of immediate relief support from CHTA and CTO’s leadership, independent and chain hotels, the cruiselines, tour operators and wholesalers, media, the travel trade and friends of Caribbean tourism has been overwhelming

National Hotel and Tourism Association’s Support – With support from CSHAE and CHTA, a number of associations from non-affected areas are assisting those associations most impacted.



Curacao, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Haiti, Belize, Barbados and Grenada are among those associations that organized direct support to the affected destinations.

Sustained Recovery Support – CHTA partnered with the Tourism Cares organization to provide targeted support focused on tourism, inclusive of training and education initiatives, voluntourism, physical restoration of tourism training facilities, restoring and improving wayfinding, supporting local and regional advocacy efforts to assist with recovery, and providing marketing support to assist destinations on the rebound. CHTA and Tourism Cares are working with the National Hotel and Tourism Associations in the most affected areas to put initial support activities in place.

C. MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Continued Messaging on Caribbean’s Status – On a daily basis CHTA and CTO are providing reports and information and conducting interviews with trade and consumer media.

One Caribbean Family Promotion/Relief Initiative – A number of hotels, chains, and tour operators have partnered with CHTA, providing consumers with promotional travel offers with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Caribbean Tourism Cares Recovery Fund.

Social Media Utilization and Outreach – Both for information gathering and dissemination, CHTA has utilized all major social channels.

CaribbeanTravel.com – CHTA/CTO consumer site continues to promote travel, provides status information and presents the region in a positive light with ‘hot news’ and ‘blog’ sections.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace, San Juan, Puerto Rico - Decision made to keep Caribbean’s largest B2B event scheduled for January 30-February 1, 2018 in Puerto Rico, following consultation and an assessment with industry and Government representatives about Puerto Rico’s readiness to welcome visitors, CHTA is working with its Puerto Rico partners to bring added value to the event, including pre and post tours for media and int’l tour operators in Puerto Rico and nearby affected destinations, meeting and group business focus, niche markets focus, and a voluntourism component.

D. REGIONAL APPROACH TO TOURISM MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

Caribbean Marketing and Communications Campaign – CHTA and CTO have established the Caribbean Coalition for Tourism Promotion Challenge Fund, with support from the region’s public and private sector tourism industry stakeholders joining forces to counter the negative publicity caused by the recent storms and stimulating bookings throughout the region. The goal is to raise over one million dollars to conduct a social and digital marketing promotion and public relations campaign while also allocating funds to hire the expertise to recommend the governance, managerial, and funding support mechanisms to sustain a regional tourism marketing and development initiative.

Agreement with Heads of Government Takes on Added Significance – In July at a CARICOM Heads of Government’s meeting in Grenada, CHTA and CTO presented a framework for a Caribbean-wide approach to developing and marketing tourism. The Heads of Government endorsed the framework and recommendation to proceed with developing a sustained public-private sector initiative which is independently managed and funded with public and private sector commitments. This now takes on greater urgency and relevance.

Establishment of Caribbean Global Tourism Recovery Team – Led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, the World Travel and Tourism Council, CTO and CHTA have come together to assist with coordinating the long-term tourism product restoration efforts of affected Caribbean countries. Priority focus will be on


working together and with other stakeholders, including multi-lateral organizations like the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States and others to secure technical and financial support. A key gathering point for the industry’s public and private sector is the Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism, scheduled in Jamaica November 27-29.

E. RESEARCH

Destination Status – Provided through ongoing communications by CTO and CHTA with affected destinations, research, and from local releases by the Governments, Boards and Ministries of Tourism and posted on CTO and CHTA websites.

Status of Hotels - A special website, www.caribbeantravelupdate.com, was created which provides property-specific updates as received by affected destinations..

Tour Operator Survey – To better assess both the immediate and forecasted impact of the storms on Caribbean travel CHTA has surveyed international tour operators. The results support the critical need for an ongoing effort by the industry to counter the strong perception by the travelling public that the entire Caribbean was affected by the storms.

Economic Impact Research by WTTC – In support of industry’s sustained recovery efforts and at the request of CHTA, the World Travel and Tourism Organization, which produces the industry’s annual travel and tourism economic impact reports globally, regionally and by country, has commissioned Oxford Economics to produce a special report assessing the immediate and long-term impact on the industry and economies resulting from the storms.

VI. LESSONS LEARNED: PREPARING FOR FUTURE CRISIS The freshness of a crisis passed is the best time to catalogue what’s been learned. What worked well and could work even better in the future? What didn’t and hasn’t thus far? CTO and CHTA partnered in the past, developing a Caribbean Hurricane Readiness Manual. CHTA has also partnered annually with the Caribbean Central American Action organization and Tropical Shipping in the conduct of crisis management workshops. The Organization of American States has also provided guidelines to support crisis management. CTO, with support from the Caribbean Development Bank and endorsement of CHTA prior to the hurricanes, is embarking upon a regional crisis management project, which now takes on added significance given the storms. Locally, there is a variance in the effectiveness and inclusiveness of destination crisis management and how the tourism industry and related stakeholders are engaged and prepared in advance and to respond to a crisis. Regionally, through CEDEMA, opportunity is now presented to consider how the tourism industry can be better integrated into their efforts. Given the magnitude of the recent storms and the outlook for this level of intensity of storms to continue, a new reality with a new approach to readiness and response, must be given precedence. Led by CHTA and CTO, areas to look at include:

Communications (pre, post, internal amongst stakeholders, external)

Coordination – (extent to which all stakeholders are involved)

Readiness and Capacity of public and private sector tourism organizations/stakeholders (destinations and CTO and CHTA)



Business Continuity and Redundancy – (operations, communications, utilities, staffing, provisions/supplies)

Ongoing Training Support – at varying levels

Tools, Policies, Approaches Necessary Going Forward to better prepare for future crisis.

Proposed Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

Hurricane Cancellation Policy

For Consideration by CHTA Advocacy Committee – January 29, 2019

Recognizing public concerns and perceptions regarding travel to the Caribbean during the

hurricane season and the need to provide assurances to travelers and prospective travelers, the

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has established a hotel cancellation policy.

CHTA’s Hotel Cancellation Policy is designed to facilitate the comfort of guests as well as to

protect the reputation of hotels and destinations in the Caribbean.

The CHTA policy considers travelers who would need to postpone or cancel their vacation or

extend their stay while at a CHTA member hotel in the event of an official hurricane warning

being issued by the Government for the destination.

The policy gives the vacationer a choice of using deposits or payments toward a future stay at

their property or an affiliated property, or in the event that the vacationer cannot travel to the

destination at all, it provides the vacationer with a full refund.

In the event that a guest is already staying at a hotel in a destination under a hurricane warning

and needs to extend their stay beyond the original departure date due to the temporary closing of

an airport or airline cancellations, CHTA member hotels agree to offer a room rate at or below

the rate which is part of their existing arrangement.

Although it is not mandatory that all hotels in the Caribbean should adopt the Hurricane

Cancellation Policy, the properties that are members of the CHTA have been encouraged to

adopt it. The CHTA also encourages hotels which are not members of the association to extend

the goodwill policy to their guests.

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