Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

Miami, Florida:

PRESIDENT OF the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), Peter Odle, has cautioned tourism stakeholders to take steps to understand the threats climate change may pose to the competitiveness of the industry in the region.

Mr. Odle made his comments during the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Conference (CHTC) in Miami Sunday evening.

He pointed to a significant shift in the preferences of vacation travellers worldwide, caused by an increased awareness of the high impact of jet emissions on the environment. He said this has resulted in many visitors from the region's traditional markets (North America and Europe) choosing to vacation in their own countries, thus, avoiding air travel.

Low-carbon travel

"To combat the threat of global warming, they have figured out that they can play a role in controlling the damage to the environment," Mr. Odle said. "So, they are now engaging in what is called 'slow' or 'low-carbon travel'; choosing forms of transportation that are less damaging."

"And while it is too early to predict the medium and long-term impact of this trend on tourism arrivals to our region, we need, nevertheless, to be aware of what's going on in the global market and to prepare ourselves," he said.

He said in order to mitigate the effects of reduced traditional visitor arrivals, Caribbean destinations should find ways to diversify their product to meet the needs of the 'green tourist'.

Accordingly, he has urged stakeholders to continue to develop niche markets, adding that environment-conscious travellers are also demanding low-carbon accommodation, which offers solar-powered cooling systems and natural ventilation and wind-generated electricity.

However, Mr. Odle said that despite these growing global trends, the region can rest assured that vacation jet travel will continue to attract those who are willing to travel to the region.