Leaders in the Caribbean are taking note of the challenges and needs of the region and will provide new solutions to help encourage continuous growth in the Caribbean this coming year.
Investors have been concerned about the Caribbean economy as a whole mainly due to the struggling US economy, which will undoubtedly hurt many and cause them to keep from visiting. The US is the largest tourism factor in the Caribbean countries. Additionally, new regulations have been put in place in terms of passports, which could make it more difficult for some tourists to visit as easily as in the past.
Tourism is the economy and the lifeblood of the Caribbean region. As reported by the CaribWorldNews.com, the Caribbean Marketplace on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which was an event held with representatives from most Caribbean countries, allows the Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, to issue a call to action. As reported, he "made a resounding call to protect, preserve, expand and improve Caribbean tourism which now is expected to take a more prominent role of Heads of Government meetings."
Tourism here is essential to the economy growth, the development of properties and to increase foreign investors. The travel and tourism industry is likely to generate about US $57 billion in 2008.