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CTO issues advice over impact of hurricanes
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation has sought to reassure the trade following four successive storms which have hit the region since last month.
Hurricane Ike is the latest to leave a trail of devastation with the Turks and Caicos islands, southern Bahamas, Haiti and Cuba being amongst the worst affected.
CTO UK and Europe marketing director Julia Hendry said: “Our first priority is the safety and security of our people and our visitors, but let me reassure travellers that the Caribbean is a covers a vast geographical area and what happens in one area does not affect all 32 islands and destinations in the region.â€
Bahamas prime minister Hubert Ingraham has offered help to the Turks and Caicos, saying that agency teams would be travelling to the destination on Monday to assess hurricane damage.
“On Turks and Caicos the government is reviewing any damage but I understand that Provo, where most of the hotels are focused, has barely been affected and should be business as usual with commercial flights operating again soon,†added Hendry.
“We will continue to make improvements in our preparations and communications for any adverse weather conditions and agents and holidaymakers can find out more on www.caribbean.co.uk or by contacting their tour operator.
“We’re committed to improving awareness and risk preparation for any eventuality. All hotels and resorts in the Caribbean have well-rehearsed hurricane preparedness plans and go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that all visitors are completely safe.â€
She said the CTO worked closely with organisations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency to ensure it has the most up-to-date and accurate information available for visitors.
“This combination of preparation and information means our industry, agents and travellers are far more knowledgeable about hurricanes than in the past,†said Hendry.
“But I would like to really reassure travellers that the Caribbean is a huge geographical area and what happens in one area certainly doesn’t extend to the whole region. Belize to Barbados for example is 1,900 miles/3,060 km. By comparison London and Rome for example are a mere 897 miles/1,444 km apart.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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