PM Minnis chaired second meet of CARICOM on Joint Tourism Policy

The Prime Minister of the Bahamas island - Hubert Minnis, chaired CARICOM's second meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Tourism. The meeting was held virtually from the office of the prime minister.

Bahamas: The Prime Minister of the Bahamas island – Hubert Minnis, chaired CARICOM’s second meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the Joint Tourism Policy. The meeting was held virtually from the office of the prime minister.

During the meet, the regional Heads of Government and tourism officials focused on the development of a ‘Joint Tourism Policy’ for the Caribbean community.

The discussions are held as the tourism sector of the Caribbean region has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that the fiscal revenues from the tourism industry have declined very steeply amid the novel coronavirus pandemic in the region.

The Joint Tourism Policy addresses the urgent need to revive the recovery of the tourism industry of the region while mounting efforts already established to address the longer-term growth, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the tourism sector.

This virtual meet was also attended by – Darren Henfield, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas, Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism, Reuben Rahming – High Commissioner to CARICOM and Director General of Tourism – Mrs Joy Jibrilu.

The recommendations regarding to the Joint Policy are likely to be submitted during the 42nd regular meeting of the discussion of heads of government for the approval.

Earlier, the first meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Tourismwas conducted in the month of February 2021.

During the first meet, the Bahamas’ prime minister noted that there is an urgent need to come up with a joint policy for the growth of the tourism sector during these challenging times.

He cited, “The Joint Tourism Policy and its accompanying strategy for CARICOM region are two critical tools that have to be added to our response arsenal to the path of survival, recovery and sustainable development.”

Worldwide, tourism is considered the most impacted sector by the novel coronavirus. The hotels, beaches, cruise ships and other sites were closed, which severely affected the economy of the Caribbean region, as tourism is considered one of the vital sector in their economic generation.