[Media Invitation] 8th Council of Ministers: Tourism (Opening Ceremony)
Invitation to Cover
WHAT: The "OECS Common Sustainable Tourism Policy 2025-2035" has been developed by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) through extensive consultations with Member States. This policy replaces the 2011 Common Tourism Policy, which expired in 2016, and aims to drive sustainable tourism growth through a blue economy approach, significantly contributing to the region's Gross Domestic Product and job creation. Funded by the World Bank under the "Unleashing the Blue Economy in the Caribbean" project, the policy emphasises regional integration, inclusive growth, and climate resilience, ensuring that tourism opportunities are accessible to diverse communities. Key areas of focus include the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, biodiversity conservation, and inter-sectoral linkages, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 8th Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Tourism will address the endorsement of this policy. Additionally, the meeting will discuss the impacts of new U.S. trade and economic policies on the tourism sector, alongside reviewing niche tourism marketing strategies and the status of current tourism initiatives in the region.
WHO:
- Chairman: Sen. Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, Grenada
- H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS
- Hon. Carlos James, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Hon. Marsha Henderson, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Urban Development, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism, British Virgin Islands
- Hon. Sen. Guibion Ferdinand, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Saint Lucia
- Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister for Health, Sports and Tourism, Anguilla
WHEN: Friday, March 28, 2025
TIME: 9 a.m.
LOCATION: Beachcombers Hotel, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
HOW:
- The Opening Ceremony will be live streamed on the OECS social media platforms: Youtube Facebook
- The Agency for Public Information in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (API) Youtube Channel
JOURNALISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS - PLEASE BE PRESENT BY 8:30 A.M.
EDITORS: A press statement will be issued to the media on Monday, March 31, following the conclusion of the 8th Council of Ministers: Tourism.
Marvin St. Louis
OECS Communications Unit