Regional Tourism Conference to examine economic downturn

The impact of the global economic slowdown is expected to be a major talking point at an upcoming Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) conference in Curacao.



The Fifth Tourism Human Resources Conference in May will also discuss other pressing matters affecting the industry, including tourism human resources development, including creating hospitable experiences.



“Like the rest of the workforce, tourism human resources professionals have to grapple with the impact of the global economic meltdown,” said CTO Director of Human Resources, Bonita Morgan.



“Therefore, it’s important that we explore strategies that work in difficult times and learn from each other’s experiences,” she added.



The three-day event, which has as its theme, Best Practices for Creating a Motivated and Productive Tourism Workforce, is being organised in collaboration with the Curacao Tourism Board and will attract tourism educators, trainers and human resource professionals.



Hundreds of tourism related jobs have been lost across the Caribbean in recent months, as the financial crisis has impacted business. The Bahamas, St Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda have been among the hardest hit in terms of lost employment.