A tectonic shift is taking place in the global tourism sector. It is being triggered by advances in information and communications technology that are changing consumer expectations, industry operations, management, products and promotion. For tourism dependent regions like the Caribbean, technology is opening access to new markets and creating exciting new opportunities. However, for markets unable or unwilling to adapt, the changing landscape may signal their demise.
The time is ripe to design, develop, distribute and support Caribbean tourism technology products and services that meet both local and global needs.
High Stakes, High Rewards
Tourism is big business globally. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), “international tourism accounted for 9 percent of global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), one in every 12 jobs, and six percent of world trade.” Tourism is the largest contributor to economic growth in the Caribbean contributing an average of 14.7 percent to all of the Caribbean GDP in 2011. More
