KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Tourism ministers from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have endorsed the 10-year Sustainable Tourism Policy.
Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Adrian Thomas, who chaired the meetingThe policy replaces the 2011 Common Tourism Policy, which expired in 2016. Aligned with the OECS’s overarching strategic priorities, it aims to drive economic transformation, promote environmental sustainability, foster social inclusion, and enhance resilience-building across member states.
It introduces a renewed vision and mission, three broad strategic goals, twelve specific strategic goals, updated guiding principles, eight thematic development areas and numerous common policy directives.
“Our responsibility is to set a clear and sustainable path. A path that balances economic prosperity with environmental conservation, cultural preservation and social well-being. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to shape a sustainable future for tourism,” said Grenada’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, Adrian Thomas.
Thomas, who chaired the eighth meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers, said he hopes the initiative “ensures long-term benefits for our people, our environment, and future generations.
“The policy is not just a document, it is a commitment to responsible governance, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience. By approving this policy, we are taking the bold step towards ensuring that our tourism sector strives sustainably, creating a lasting legacy for our people and our planet,” he added.
Thomas appealed to his colleagues from the sub-region to work together to make the OECS tourism vision a reality.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Carlos James, spoke of the importance of the meeting, saying “the world as we know it is changing and will continue to change.
“The most important thing we can do as a regional block, in this moment and in this time, is to find the opportunities for greater level of integration and collaboration in tourism, and to action them,” he added.
OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General, stressed the importance of tourism sector to the grouping, driving employment, supporting livelihoods, and showcasing the beauty, culture, and resilience of people.
“Yet the challenges we face today especially are significant. The Caribbean tourism sector in 2025 is navigating a landscape marked by complexity and uncertainty. Several forces – climate change, geopolitical instability, technological disruption, and evolving traveler preferences – are reshaping our environment.
“These forces not only require bold leadership, but also a united commitment to reimagine the future of tourism in our region,” said Jules, describing the rise of mega cruise ships as a “double-edged sword,” presenting both opportunities and risks.
“We must strike a delicate balance between sustainability and expansion. This means implementing policies that encourage cruise operators to adopt greener practices and investing in port infrastructure that minimizes environmental harm.
“Additionally, we must explore how to maximize the flow of tourism dollars to local communities. Initiatives like community-based tourism and agri-tourism are excellent avenues for achieving this.”
The Council of Ministers also received a presentation on the potential impact of the United States new trade, economic and immigration policies on the OECS and their implications for the tourism sector, followed by a discussion.
Other updates were also provided on the OECS progress made with respect to the Climate Action Plan for Tourism, Niche Tourism Marketing and Blue Tourism activities.
The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St.Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.
