OECS Revamps Tourism Policy

Tourism serves as the mainstay of the economies of many islands within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Consequently, the OECS Commission has adopted a unified and collaborative approach to enhance and address the industry’s challenges. The OECS Tourism Policy Regional Task Force, comprising Regional Permanent Secretaries and Senior Technical Officers from the Ministries of Tourism across OECS Member States, convened for a two-day Regional Consultation in Antigua and Barbuda. This gathering aimed to establish new guiding principles and articulate a mission and vision for the development of a new OECS common Tourism Policy. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, notes that the updated policy will seek to develop a fully comprehensive and pragmatic approach that supports competitiveness, balanced growth, greater community participation, and increased benefits to local communities as mandated by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, introducing new areas of opportunities specifically within the blue economy. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, welcomed the participants with optimism about the initiative’s potential. James highlighted the economic challenges of developing tourism and the benefits of a collective approach: “Your collective expertise will be instrumental in enabling you to engage in meaningful discussions and articulate...