ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION This chapter discusses strategic issues and challenges in Caribbean tourism, as well as the CTO's role in Caribbean tourism development through the remainder of this century.
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS By the end of 1990, the Caribbean had welcomed 11.8 million tourists and 7.5 million cruise passengers during the year. Combined expenditure by these visitors totalled some $8.9 billion, and tourism provided employment (directly and indirectly) for an estimated 300,000 people. The strong performance of the tourism sector since 1980 contrasts strongly with stagnation or decline in much of the region's agricultural, mining and manufacturing sectors.
