Representatives from the territories of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) recently convened for the OECS Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Workshop, a high-impact initiative supported by the European Union through the 11th EDF RIGHT Programme.
The event brought together tourism professionals from across Member States to advance a “beyond business as usual” agenda aimed at enhancing the economic benefits for the sub-region’s residents.
Held from June 8 to 12, the workshop focused on shifting from volume to value, ensuring that communities directly capture the economic gains of Caribbean tourism.
This initiative closely aligns with the OECS Sustainable Tourism Policy 2025-2035, which champions Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as a potent vehicle for inclusive economic development and equitable income distribution.
An OECS directive stated, “By focusing on cultural preservation and sustainable resource management, we empower youth, women, and remote communities to transform local heritage into a resilient economic engine.”
Workshop Agenda Highlights:
– Day 1: Explored core CBT concepts to lay the foundation for regional, inclusive growth.
– Day 2: Mastered the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) CBT Toolkit and engaged in practical fieldwork to observe local tourism practices.
– Day 3: Identified country policy priorities and action plans to institutionalize CBT capacity across the region.
The OECS release emphasizes, “By prioritizing cultural preservation and direct local engagement, the initiative aims to empower micro-entrepreneurs and ensure host communities receive a larger, more equitable share of the region’s tourism revenue.”
The workshop and associated initiatives underscore several actionable strategies to maximize economic impact:
– Policy Alignment: Sessions aligned with the OECS Sustainable Tourism Policy 2025-2035, targeting inclusive growth for youth, women, and remote communities.
– Capacity Building: Training programs equip local stakeholders with knowledge in profitable pricing structures, financial management, and effective social media marketing.
– Extended Stay & Expenditure: CBT promotes diverse local activities that encourage tourists to extend their stays, significantly increasing the local tourism multiplier effect.
– Regional Support: High-impact workshops and educational tools—such as the CBT Online Course and CBT Enterprise Handbook—provide local entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to establish and run successful enterprises.
The OECS Secretariat extends heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Community Tourism Agency (CTA) for executing this vital event.