What's Happening?
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is advocating for a new framework to evaluate the true value of tourism in the Caribbean. This proposal, discussed at the 2026 Caribbean Travel Forum in Antigua, aims to go beyond traditional metrics
of visitor spending. The CHTA suggests measuring economic retention, workforce investment, and environmental impact to better understand tourism's contribution to the region. The framework includes the Domestic Capture Rate, which tracks the portion of tourism spending that remains within the local economy. Additionally, the CHTA emphasizes the importance of human capital development and environmental stewardship, urging consistent measurement of these factors to enhance the region's tourism industry.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses long-standing issues of tourism leakage, where much of the economic benefit from tourism does not stay within the local economy. By focusing on economic retention, workforce development, and environmental impact, the CHTA aims to create a more sustainable and beneficial tourism industry for the Caribbean. This approach could lead to stronger local economies, improved job opportunities, and better environmental practices, ultimately enhancing the region's appeal as a tourist destination. The framework could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
What's Next?
The CHTA plans to collaborate with governments, regional organizations, and private sector partners to refine and implement this framework. This includes developing standardized methodologies for measuring tourism's value and strengthening local supplier capacity. The association also aims to foster regional dialogue on tourism policies that promote local participation and responsible resource use. These efforts are expected to lead to more inclusive and sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
