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The Greater Caribbean This Week

The threat within

by Jasmin Garraway

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.

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 to 99 percent 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 cooperation mechanisms with other regional organizations and key stakeholder groups that have been identified as suitable partners in the Regional Network for Tourist Safety and Security.

Ms. Jasmin Garraway is the Sustainable Tourism Director of the Association of Caribbean States. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments and reactions can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

Jackson, Frankensteen's monsters
Bernal, Beating the truth into our heads
Silkwood, Condi Rice and Latin America
Gangadharan & Nagy, Ecuador's foreign policy
Racheotes, Open the US gates to immigrants
Araujo, Central America's gangs
Gutman, Eric Volz and Nicaraguan injustice
Garraway, The criminal threat to tourism

Pilgrim, The Caribbean garbage problem

Sirias, In this corner...