Destinations

Caribbean Supports Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic  

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has voiced its solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Fiona, which initially made landfall in Puerto Rico’s southwestern region, causing flooding in remote and rural areas of the island, before affecting the eastern part of the Dominican Republic.

As reported, the CHTA notes, the main airport, Luis Muñoz Marín Airport in San Juan (SJU), has already reopened and the CHTA said that it has “full confidence in the ability of the people of Puerto Rico to restore normalcy in their beautiful territory.”

Said the association: “We are committed to hosting both the inaugural CHTA Caribbean Travel Forum and the 40th Caribbean Travel Marketplace in San Juan, October 3-5, 2022, and look forward to seeing our friends and business associates at the dynamic face-to-face sessions planned for the event.”

And it also extended its prayers and support to those who have been impacted, including the island of Guadeloupe, and others in the storm’s path.

While a small part of the Caribbean has been directly affected by the storm, most of the region’s 30 destinations have not been impacted and we anticipate those which have will be welcoming visitors in the coming days.

For ongoing updates on Caribbean Travel Marketplace, contact the CHTA team at [email protected][email protected] or via phone at +1 305-428-3984.

Kenneth Bryan, the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, issued the following statement:

“As the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Council of Ministers & Commissioners of Tourism, I am confident that I speak for all of my Ministerial Colleagues in saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters across the Caribbean that are being impacted by the ravages of Hurricane Fiona.”

He continued: “I sincerely hope that you, your loved ones, and colleagues are safe and secure. I recognize that the needs of your family, friends and communities are your top concern right now, and I want you to know that the CTO stands ready to assist in whatever ways we can, if and when you need us in the weeks to come.”

“As Islands in the Caribbean situated in the hurricane belt, we have all faced the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes and can relate to what you are going through. We know that there will be many difficult months ahead for those for those who have been most affected.”

“But with our strong faith and commitment to one another’s well being, we will get through this. As a region, we have strength in our collective support systems and those of us who are unaffected by Hurricane Fiona, stand ready to help our regional neighbours who are in need.”

“On a personal note, as Chairman, my heart is with you as we move from impact to recovery.”

Go to www.OneCaribbean.org for more.