Minister Gooding-Edghill Advocates for Increased Caribbean Support for Tourism Stakeholders at ASTA Caribbean Showcase in Curaçao

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has called for increased Caribbean support of strategic tourism stakeholders, emphasising the critical role they play in the region’s economic development.

Speaking at the recent ASTA Caribbean Showcase in Curaçao, Gooding-Edghill stressed the need for governments and tourism agencies to bolster partnerships that enhance the Caribbean’s appeal to international travellers.

“There is a huge increase in demand for the Caribbean, and therefore it is important that we continue the sensitisation process,” Gooding-Edghill stated, highlighting the significance of collaboration with entities like Sandals Resorts and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

The event, hosted by Sandals Resorts, brought together over 235 North American travel advisers, offering them firsthand experience of Caribbean hospitality. Gooding-Edghill, who has since been elected as chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), lauded this initiative as crucial for sustaining regional tourism.

“Having travel advisers visit a destination is in no small measure a significant accomplishment . . . because these are the partners that will sell Barbados and sell other Caribbean destinations,” he noted. “Just think of the over 235 advisers who have come here now offering the destination to a potential traveller; it is huge.”

The minister’s call for support comes at a time of increasing competition and evolving travel trends in the global tourism market. He emphasised that such partnerships are key to familiarising industry professionals with the region’s diverse offerings.

Gooding-Edghill further underscored the broader economic implications of these partnerships, reminding the travel advisers that their role extended beyond mere bookings.

“When you think about the contribution to the economies, think as well what it does to the social security system and to help countries maintain the infrastructure that is necessary to ensure your own customer’s satisfaction,” he told the travel advisers.

Gary Sadler, executive vice president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations Inc, an affiliate of Sandals Resorts, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with travel advisers and other stakeholders. This collaboration, he said, was vital for ensuring the continued growth and success of Caribbean tourism.