During a new edition of ITB Berlin, one of the largest international tourism trade fairs, Caribbean tourism leaders took the opportunity to assess climate change adaptation measures and urge stakeholders to begin implementing concrete actions.

“There is no better teacher than practical experience,” stated Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), during her presentation at the fair titled “The Climate Adaptation Gap in Tourism: From Risk to Resilience.” She described the region’s experience with extreme weather events as both immediate and relentless. Based on these experiences, she emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration and media involvement in addressing climate-related challenges with the seriousness they require.

Along the same lines, CTO’s Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism, Narendra Ramgulam, evaluated new tools to measure environmental realities and noted: “When we talk about climate risk, we see it and feel it more than others.”
Ramgulam highlighted that while the Caribbean has data, ideas, and projects to address climate issues, “what remains a constant challenge is turning those priorities into bankable projects that can truly move forward.”

A key partnership

One of the most significant developments in Germany was the renewal of the partnership between the CTO and The Travel Foundation, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism that respects nature and prioritizes local communities across Caribbean destinations.

Regarding this renewed alliance, Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation, stated: “The Caribbean is on the frontline of climate change, but also at the forefront of innovation. This partnership is built on a shared belief that the future competitiveness of Caribbean tourism depends on its ability to generate equitable benefits for local communities while adapting to the growing impacts of climate change. The collaboration provides a platform to align climate action, destination management, and financing pathways, supporting the CTO and its members in ensuring that tourism continues to benefit communities while adapting to increasing risks.”

In this context, and aligned with the message “One sea, One voice, One Caribbean,” EM Marketing & Communication, a company with strong ties to Caribbean tourism, consistently conveys to its clients and tourism professionals the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship.