OECS Tourism Ministers Likely to Endorse New Tourism Policy

By Caribbean Business Report  

The 8th Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Tourism will take place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines March 28th and the key item on the agenda is the “OECS Common Sustainable Tourism Policy 2025 2035”. The policy was developed by the Organization 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 OECS Council of Ministers for Tourism are likely to endorse the policy. Saint Lucia’s representative is Senator Guibion Ferdinand, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information.   

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