Tourism everyone’s business

(CNS) : The Department of Tourism is hoping to attract a significant number of local people who are not necessarily connected to the business of tourism to its annual conference this year as it says even those not directly involved are still stakeholders in the country’s tourism product. Tourism is everyone’s business says the DOT and by attending the conference they can find out why. 

“The Annual Tourism Conference is an open forum designed to provide the tourism industry, other partners in our economy and the broader community with an overview of the Department of Tourism’s goals, strategies and plans for sustainable tourism, the economy, people and the environment,” said Shomari Scott, Acting Director of Tourism.  “This conference is not just for members of the traditional tourism industry, Tourism is a major player in the Cayman Islands, and everyone who lives here is somehow involved in creating a positive experience for our visitors. Knowing a little about how the industry works helps people put their best foot forward and make a lasting impression.”

 Scott explained that the conference would however provide a means to inform everyone involved in the industry what the DOT will be working on in the upcoming year. “ATC is an efficient and effective way to network and basically understand how the tourism industry conducts its business,” he added.

This year the diverse range ofpresentations include a keynote address focusing on “Climate Change & Tourism Global Challenges” by Dr. Murray C. Simpson who will share his wealth of knowledge in sustainable development, tourism, climate change and the environment.   The presentation during the Friday morning session promises to bridge the gap between research, policy and implementation. Dr. Simpson is a Senior Research Associate at the Oxford University Centre for the Environment, as well as Principle of the international consultants Sustainable Solutions Worldwide. He has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors in a range of initiatives, including sustainable tourism development, tourism strategy, tourism analysis and climate change adaption and mitigation projects in developed and developing countries and small island states.

Set to be opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment Charles Clifford with the ‘State of the Industry Address, the Annual Tourism Conference takes place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September at the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa.  

Trina Christian, Executive Director CITA said that the conference is a valuable annual event for members of the tourism industry and the business community at large and chance for them to come together and receive industry updates.

“It also presents an opportunity for networking and for us to discuss issues that our Islands and our tourism product are facing locally and globally so that we can increase awareness and begin planning proactive strategies for this coming season. CITA is encouraging all of its members to attend and looks forward to contributing to the programme this year,” she added.