The Caribbean’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at a faster rate than any other region in the world, with its contribution to GDP expected to rise more than 47% this year, compared to just 30.7% globally, reveals new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
 
WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, says that the recovery of the sector globally has been hindered by the lack of international coordination, severe travel restrictions and slower vaccination rates. 
 
“Our research clearly shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is slowly beginning to recover from the ravages of COVID-19, the Caribbean is recovering much faster than any other region. 
 
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic stole almost a quarter of all Travel & Tourism jobs from the region but due to a significant increase in international and domestic spend, both jobs and GDP are on the rise,"said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO .
 
According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if four vital measures are met by governments around the world.
 
These measures include allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination and the implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world.
 
The measures also include the recognition of all vaccines authorised by WHO and/or SRA, and the agreement from all relevant authorities that international travel is safe with enhanced health and safety protocols, as well as vaccine equity to ensure no region is left behind.