Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 2016 - 2017

TRADE & EXPORT HOT SPOTS

specifically for Chinese tourists. The Caribbean is a unique travel destination not just for leisure but also for medical and business tourism. The Chinese are very proud people; the ability to travel and explore new markets and countries bestows the individual with bragging rights. In a country where the concept of ‘face’ is very important, such bragging rights are taken seriously.” He added that “the countries that comprise the CARIFORUMregionofferveryuniqueexperiences froma tourismstandpoint. Thismeans that if well executed, Chinese tourists can go island hopping either by cruise ship or by plane.”

tourists, who have become the largest tourist group in the world and are known to spend large sums of money when travelling abroad. AsiadominatesChina’soutboundtourismmarket, with many nearby cities in South Korea and Japan taking top spots because the cost of travel is considerably less than long-haul flights. Smaller numbers of Chinese are travelling to NorthAmerica and Europe, especially Germany, because of their simplified visa application process. Many countries have either abolished visa requirements for Chinese travelers or have put measures in place to attract Chinese tourists.

will become easier asAirChina is expected to begin direct flights betweenBeijing andHavana. He also believes that the newly establishedChinese cruise industry has the potential to bring more visitors to our shores. TheCaribbeanwillhavetocompete,though,against other destinations that are closer to China, such as Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand and the Philippines that, like the Caribbean, offer sun, sea and sand. Despite this, John-Williams believes the Caribbean can successfully tap into this market if the region works together.

“The CARIFORUM region needs to consider a joint approach to developing the tourism sector

The investor also shared that governments must have the will to work together so as to establish

Ambassador Singh believes wooing these tourists

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