Caribbean destinations urged to take advantage of Middle East violence

Caribbean countries are seeking to lure tourists to their shores as holiday makers temporarily avoid the Middle East as a result of unrest caused by persons seeking to overthrow undemocratic governments in the region.

"Every country has been growing in travel and tourism as a drive for economic growth. Middle East has been doing so too and some long-haul travel will be transferred elsewhere, at least in the short term," said Ricky Skerritt, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

"We expect some of the business diverting from Middle East could come to the Caribbean," he added.

Tourism officials hope that the situation in the Middle East may prove as a boost to the region’s tourism from the United Kingdom which has been significantly affected by air passenger duty (APD).

CTO strengthening its trade communication

Last November, the Barbados-based CTO said it had proposed reforming the controversial APD with Britain charging one rate for flights within Europe and another for long-haul journeys.

Before November 1, each economy class traveller to the Caribbean paid £50 or US$77 in APD, but that tax was increased to £75 or US $115 – the second in as many years.

The levy for premium economy, business and first class passengers rose from £100 or US$154 to £150 or US$291.

The CTO said it would look to strengthen its trade communication and warned that travellers could begin to avoid UK airports in the future.

More challenge against APD

In the United Kingdom, airlines and holiday companies on Thursday launched a campaign calling on the British government to halt any further rises in airport departure tax.

Led by the travel organisation ABTA and including British Airways and airport operator BAA, they have written to the British finance minister ahead of his budget later this month.

Campaigners say the APD has risen 26-fold since 1994 and it was increased again last autumn, with those flying to the Caribbean in particular facing steep increases.

Caribbean leaders and tourism authorities have been demanding that the British government review the tax, saying it is bad for the region's important tourism industry.

Increased cruise ship passengers

Meanwhile, Caribbean tourism is expected to increase through the cruise industry, although it has outlined some potential problems.

"Cruise lines strategically position ships outside the Caribbean in summer. Clearly for sustainability it’s better to have more consistent tourism year round (rather than winter months)," said Mr. Skerritt.

"Oil prices affect cruise lines as well and so cruise lines are slowing down to cruise at optimal efficiency and it means some can’t cruise as far as they used to," he added.

However, he said the industry was spurred by a range of new initiatives, such as the historic port in Jamaica.

(Source: CARICOM News Network)