|
|
|
 |
|
|
Caribbean Told Sun, Sea and Sand No Longer Enough
by CTO press release
Posted: Jun 28, 2007 21:11 UTC
|
-- Delegates attending 3rd Tourism HR Conference told to take advantage of region’s culture and heritage --
POINTE A PITRE, Guadeloupe - The Caribbean tourism sector can no longer be content with the traditional sea, sun and sand and the industry must contribute to the quality of life of the region’s peoples, tourism human resource professionals and managers have been told.
With rapid change in technology and with the customer becoming more demanding, Caribbean professionals must also place greater emphasis on training and on discovering culture-specific industries, Elie Califer, Vice President of the Tourism Commission of Guadeloupe told more than 75 delegates gathered at the Arawak Hotel here for the opening of the 3rd Tourism Human Resources Conference.
”Given that the world is constantly changing, sand, the sea and the palm trees have now become insufficient. We must explore other areas to develop the industry,” Mr. Califer said.
The tourism official stressed the region’s rich cultural heritage and oral traditions, saying these must be paraded to the rest of the world as a means of ensuring that communities are involved in and benefit from tourism.
“
”We have several monuments which attest to our countries’ histories. Our cultural heritage is very rich and we also have a strong oral tradition,” Califer said. “The diversity can be included in a development strategy for a multi destination tourist industry and an asset for our region.”
This was also emphasized by Josette Borel-Lincerti, President of the Guadeloupe Tourist Board, who noted that the region would have gone a long way towards achieving sustainable tourism if it successfully exploits its cultural heritage for the benefit of its people.
“
”We in the tourist industry must ensure the industry continues to provide favourable conditions for our citizens and a lasting economy in terms of employment,” she said. “We need to ensure that the Caribbean is not only appreciated for the quality of its beaches but also for the human resource potential that we have and for our culture and heritage.”
Organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in collaboration with the Guadeloupe Tourist Board, the Guadeloupe Hospitality Institute and the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, the conference has brought together tourism and hospitality educators, trainers, human resource professionals/consultants and managers with responsibility for human resources across the region.
Participants attending the 27-29 June conference themed, "Leading Change in Tourism Within a Dynamic, Global Environment,"” are debating issues like embracing change and shared leadership and empowerment, in workshops led by Caribbean university lecturers.
Plenary sessions deal with strengthening Franco-Caribbean tourism relations; how the digital revolution shifts information and power toward the consumer; changing patterns in the world of work; and the present and future human resource needs.
Delegates will also look at good practices in community based tourism; how to develop a tourism programme network and how to develop instructional material. A “Sharing Session” will also give delegates an opportunity to showcase innovative activities and programmes within and outside the region.
The 3rd Tourism Human Resources Conference is part funded by the European Union within the framework of the Caribbean Regional Sustainable Tourism Development Programme.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Content ©
Caribbean Tourism Organization 2007 - All Rights Reserved.
You may bookmark this web page, print it or e-mail it to
a friend in accordance with the fair-use provisions of
copyright laws. The material is intended solely for the use
of the individual user.
Archiving, redistribution, or republication of this
material
on other terms, in any medium, requires the express
written permission of the author or publication and the
notification of the editors of Caribseek News. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
