LONDON, UK (7 Nov, 2010) - Three experts on tourism trends in the UK and Europe have painted an optimistic picture of the British market for the Caribbean tourism sector in 2011.
A panel of media and industry practitioners concluded that the worst is over for the global economy and that the Caribbean region can look forward to an improved performance next year despite the impact of the British Air Passenger Duty (APD).
"The global recovery has begun," John Taker, the purchasing director for Virgin Holidays told dozens of Caribbean tourism ministers, directors and private and public sector officials gathered at the London offices of the Daily Telegraph for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) European Marketing Forum. This annual event is held as a precursor to the tourism trade show, World Travel Market (WTM).
Taker added that there was a clear opportunity to grow the family travel market for the Caribbean, pointing out that price was a more important consideration for consumers booking a Caribbean holiday than it was for holidays to destinations like the United States.
While admitting that the APD “is a punishment that the Caribbean will have to live with for a very long time,” Graham Boynton, the Daily Telegraph’s travel editor, said there was hope for the region.
"While ultra long-haul is still suffering from the effects of the recession, medium long-haul is seeing recovery (and) the Caribbean is doing relatively well when compared to (other regions). The Caribbean is doing better than Australia…it is doing better than South Africa,” Boynton told delegates.
However, he advised, there was a need for Caribbean destinations, individually and collectively, to communicate the realities of the region in a more dynamic manner.
Meanwhile, Daniel Pearce, editor of the travel trade magazine, TTG, unveiled exclusive research which painted a confident picture from British travel agents. The research revealed that two out three agents felt the reputation of the Caribbean had increased in the past year, and half the travel agents surveyed said they expected sales to the Caribbean to increase in 2011.
The Forum had as its theme: “2011, A Year of Opportunity or Threat?”
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