The Caribbean 'World Tourism Day' Virtual Forum

Theme: Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity

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The Caribbean’s celebration of World Tourism Day, brings together practicing professionals from the tourism public and private sector, academia and regional and international development partners to share perspectives, best practices and insights on the theme for World Tourism day 2023 ‘Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity’. The theme as designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments to enable tourism to deliver on its promise and potential as a driver for social and economic development and responsible environmental management. For the Caribbean, it underscores the need for the regional public and private sectors to provide opportunities for self-development with a focus on future skills for tourism to meet the ever changing market demands, which continue to be influenced by green technologies and Artificial Intelligence. It further reiterates the call for the sector to accelerate climate action, while championing greater sustainability and responsibility for the Planet, in tourism activities. Moreover, it places emphasis on equitable and inclusive growth, in parallel with tourism product diversification towards ensuring greater economic resilience.

This year’s Caribbean ‘World Tourism Day Forum will feature expert panellists, remarks from the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Ministerial Council, the CTO Secretary General and the President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). Interventions will discuss challenges, opportunities and recommend strategies for the triple ‘P’ investment, to inform the future of Caribbean Tourism. The event targets tourism destinations, enterprises, host communities, as well as individual tourism professionals, students and diverse practitioners from tourism related and ancillary sectors.

 

Draft Agenda

Welcome Dr. Sherma Roberts, Chairperson
9:00am – 9:05am Opening Remarks
Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport & Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization
9:05am – 9:10am Remarks
Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig Group Director of Marketing & Sales, The Courtleigh Hospitality Group & President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
9:10am – 9:15am United Nations World Tourism Organization - Video Presentation
Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organization
9:15am – 9:25am Feature Address
Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization
9:25am – 9:30am Official Virtual Photo (Speakers, Partners and Panellists); Overview of the day’s proceedings by Chairperson; Introduction to Moderator of the 1st Panel Discussion
9:30am – 10:00am

Investing in People: People Centered Future Tourism – Education and Skills needed to service the industry, ensure global competitiveness and support long term sustainability.

Moderator: Ms. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, Director of Resource Mobilization and Development, Caribbean Tourism Organization

  • The Evolution of Tourism Jobs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Future Impact on Job Quantity and Quality, Mr. Lars Johansen, Deputy Director, International Labor Organization, Caribbean Office

  • Sustainability Skills and Greening of the Tourism Curriculum, Dr. Acolla Cameron, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

Q and A (7 mins)

  • Empowering the Future: The Youth Voice on Tourism Careers, Kenita Henrick, BSc Tourism & Hospitality, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
10:00am – 10:30am

Investing in The Planet: One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean and One Planet for All – Special focus on Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG)

Moderator: Christine Young, Managing Director, Green Caribe Consulting, CHTA Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Board Member

  • Green Transformation – The Role for the Tourism Sector, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission

  • The Case for Sustainability – Opportunities, Benefits and Best-practices in Tourism and Hospitality, Nancy Foran, President & Founder, ESG Partners

Q and A (7 mins)

  • The Case for Sustainability, Blue Horizons Grenada – Hotel Showcase

  • St. Lucia World Travel Award as the 'Caribbean's Leading Nature Destination' – Destination Showcase
10:30am – 11:00am

 Investing in Prosperity: Partnerships for Equitable Prosperity – Fostering Inclusion, Fairness, Equality and greater Equity to augment social and economic growth, while also meeting the needs of the new traveler seeking to Live, Work and Play Beyond Borders

Moderator:  Anne Brobyn, President/Founder, Hibiscus International Ltd.

  • The Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas and eLibrary Showcase, George Washington University

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Caribbean Tourism: Bridging the Gap, Roni Weiss, Executive Director, Travel Unity

Q and A (7 mins)
11:00am – 11:10am

Video Showcase

  •  Introductory Remarks – Sonia Gill, Secretary General, Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU)

  • Launch of CBU–UNDRR–WBU ‘Tourism Tomorrow’ Sustainable Tourism Series (Caribbean Episode)
11:10am – 11:30pm

Summary Proceedings

  • Stakeholders Speak - Discussion and Feedback from the Audience, Bevan Springer, President, Marketplace Excellence Corporation (10 – 15 minutes)

  • Event Communique & Summary of Outcomes, Dr. Sherma Roberts, Chairperson

  • Vote of Thanks, Bevan Springer, President, Marketplace Excellence Corporation

 

Forum Details

Caribbean World Tourism Day Virtual Forum
Date: September 27th, 2023
Time: 09:00am – 11:30am EST/AST
 
Please register using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/wtd2023register

 

#CWTD2023; #CaribbeanTourism; #WorldTourismDay

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