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The Threat Within
- The Greater Caribbean This Week |
By: Jasmin
Garraway, Sustainable Tourism Director of the Association of
Caribbean States.
July 21, 2007: THE CARIBBEAN IS SAID to be the most
tourism dependant region in the world and the contribution
of tourism to foreign exchange earnings, direct employment
and its linkages to other sectors is well documented.
Critical to the survival of the region’s tourism industry is
maintaining the image of the Caribbean as a safe haven for
tourists.
One element that is tarnishing the region’s image and
consequently affecting the sustainability of the tourism
industry is a threat that lies within. Very few countries,
if any, are exempt from increased levels of crime in
general, and in particular crime targeted at the hospitality
and tourism sector. |
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Consequently, the
issue of safety and security of tourists is gaining
prominence on the agendas of many governments in this
region, and one expert suggests that crime should also be
placed on the development agenda.
A recent report on crime in the Caribbean released by the
World Bank portrays the region as experiencing rates in
violent crimes that are comparatively higher than world
averages. Even if one questions the reliability of the
statistics, the perception is very negative and the images
conveyed are gruesome.
Recent media reports described Caribbean nations as “sun
soaked paradises that keep tourists in safe beach enclaves”.
Stakeholders of the hospitality and tourism industry across
the region suffer the first direct impact of crime within
the sector as victims relate their experiences to friends
and relatives. The Internet, which allows potential tourists
to revisit reports of an incident for months and even years
after it has occurred, and the news wires which facilitate
the relay of stories to hundreds of publications in mere
minutes, contribute to the erosion of a destinations
reputation.
Travel advisories, once issued against countries, often
result in cancellation of holiday bookings, which in turn
lead to a loss of revenue, a reduction in the multiplier
effect of tourist spending, a lower probability of repeat
visitors and causes permanent damage to the image of the
destination.
Throughout the industry there is an acceptance that tourist
safety is a non-competitive issue which must be dealt with
in an appropriate and proactive manner.
Recently the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the
Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) collaborated to conduct a
pilot study with funding from the European Union in five ACS
Member States.
The study examined the existing environment for managing
tourist safety, including physical infrastructure and
administrative arrangements at hotels and tourist
attractions, the legal and judicial framework and policing
and law enforcement initiatives.
The results, which were presented recently at the Regional
Policy Dialogue on Tourist Safety and Security, indicated
that the hotels which were assessed met 90-99% of the safety
requirements listed. While there were several emerging
exemplary practices in policing and law enforcement
pertaining to the tourism sector, there was a need for a
review of the legal framework and legislation that impacted
on Tourist Safety. In addition, the study reflected a need
for a more collaborative and sustained approach amongst the
stakeholders in managing Tourist Safety.
The dialogue was attended by Ministers, Directors and
Permanent Secretaries of Tourism as well as Heads of
Regional Organisations and law enforcement agencies from
some fourteen ACS Member States. Amongst the key issues
emanating from the discussions were industry standards,
community involvement, legislative framework and policy
development to facilitate tourist protection.
Delegates agreed that there was need for a policy and legal
framework and improved collaboration and communication
amongst stakeholders to address Tourist safety issues, as
well as community sensitisation and involvement in community
policing. They also called for tourism product standards to
be harmonised and to include safety and security, as well as
the establishment of a dedicated focal point, to facilitate
consultation and concerted action.
The ACS has recently signed an agreement with the
Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police. With other
areas for priority attention clearly articulated, the
Association is seeking to establish co-operation mechanisms
with other regional organisations and key stakeholder groups
that have been identified as suitable partners in the
Regional Network for Tourist Safety and Security.
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