Regional tourism ministers meet
Published:Monday | May 19, 2008 | 4:58 PM
Caribbean tourism ministers have been called to a crucial meeting slated for May 29 in Antigua to respond to the fallout being caused by rising fuel costs.
Already some American air carriers have cut their carrying capacity by as much as 20 percent because of the increase in fuel prices
Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Senator Allen Chastanet, said the meeting is expected to arrive at a comprehensive plan to deal with possible impact.
According to Senator Chastanet, St Lucia’s Tourism Minister, the cut in flights to the region will seriously impact visitor arrivals.
He is projecting that the situation could get worse over the next six to nine months.
The St Lucian tourism minister has cited the ongoing economic downturn in the US and traditional low spending in an election year as reasons for his prediction.
Americans are to go to the polls to select a new president on November 4.
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation has proposed a US$30 million marketing strategy for the region.
It is to be placed before the caucus of tourism ministers in Washington, DC on June 21.
The fifth murder reportedly occurred sometime yesterday afternoon at a playing field in Andrews Pen, where Rupert Stewart was also shot and killed.