The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is to publish a disaster risk management (DRM) guide for the region's tourism sector as part of its objective to foster a culture of preparedness in destination management.

Aimed at tourism businesses and policymakers, the 2019 publication will help guide the tourism sector's preparedness, response and recovery from the many natural hazards that threaten the region.

The manual will provide guidelines for climate change mitigation and adaptation, showcase regional and international best practices in comprehensive disaster management, and present strategies for effective response protocols before, during and after a disaster.

"The current and future impacts of climate variability and climate change which includes an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, flood and droughts, among others, make it imperative that countries, particularly the regional tourism sector, be equipped to adequately prepare for, respond to and recover from climate related hazards," commented Amanda Charles, the CTO's sustainable tourism development specialist.

The upcoming handbook is part of a wider project titled Supporting a Climate Smart and Sustainable Caribbean Tourism Industry (CSSCTI).

Further initiatives in the CSSCTI scheme include creating a compendium of Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism; delivering an ongoing regional tourism education and awareness campaign through social media and a televised video series; and undertaking a feasibility study to inform the needs related to climate services in tourism.

Read more at: www.wttc.org