It is my pleasure to address the nation on the occasion of World Tourism Day
under the theme “Tourism and the Digital Transformation.” Over the past decade
or so we have seen rapid increase in the use of technology in all areas of our
lives. Technological advances have led to improvement in areas such as
science, medicine, commerce and agriculture. Digital communications and social
media have changed the availability and use of information and have served to
connect the world in ways previously unseen – our world has become a “global
village”. This use of technology and the digital transformation we are witnessing
is also leaving its imprint on the tourism industry, a growing and dynamic industry
on which, Grenada is highly dependent.
It is now not only possible but widely used, to book experiences without human
contact through one’s computer or smartphone. In fact, you can experience a
destination or product via virtual or augmented reality without even physically
setting foot at the location. Additionally, some organizations are already
considering the integration of Artificial Intelligence into their business models.
A digitally transformed tourism sector can improve entrepreneurship, empower
local communities, promote the efficient management of resources as well as
increase the market share and visibility of any destination. As a nation, we need
to better understand the growing economic, societal and environmental impacts
of technology and innovation in tourism if the local industry is to enjoy sustained
growth. In fact, not only must we understand, but we must engage the use of all
available technologies to promote our tourism, to maintain and improve our
sustainable practices and to ensure that the industry brings benefits to all our
people for an extended time.
I believe there are innovative ideas right here in Pure Grenada, Carriacou and
Petite Martinique that are capable of revolutionizing the way our citizens and
visitors experience all that this destination has to offer. I encourage citizens to
give voice to these ideas. I also wish to encourage tourism enterprises to ensure
that they keep abreast of the use of digital transformation to remain competitive.
At the destination marketing level, my ministry along with the Grenada Tourism
Authority will continue to lead the charge in further tapping into the opportunities
provided by digital platforms and technology to ensure the world discovers,
explores and shares Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean.
As citizens, we also have a number of digital social media platforms at our
fingertips, including Facebook and Instagram which we know so well. I urge you
to use them to share positive experiences about our country with the world,
encouraging all to #FollowGrenada. We must pay attention to what we share,
knowing that we are sending messages to the world and we need only our best
to be seen and experienced. In Grenada, the Tourism industry provides direct
and indirect employment for approx. 11,000 people and visitor spend pumps
millions into our local economy.
Let’s work together to ensure that these benefits continue for future generations.
