The Caribbean Tourism Organization says it is positive about the “continued rebound of the tourism industry” in the region, even in the face of the onset of the omicron variant. 

Indeed, last year saw a nearly 60 to 70 percent improvement on tourism levels in 2020, with progress expected to continue. 

“As we begin 2022, once again grappling with the effects of a new variant which is also affecting international travel adversely, we are heartened by the recovery experiences and the lessons learnt in 2021,” the Barbados-based organization said in a statement. 

“While the results to date have not indicated a return to 2019 levels, the exceptional results recorded in the summer to year-end period of 2021 show that a scaled or gradual rebound is likely and very possible by the end of 2022,” the CTO said. 

There is clear demand for the region’s tourism product, the CTO said, pointing to the Caribbean’s ability to outpace the global growth average for arrivals. 

“It is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to position the region to meet this demand in new and refreshed ways,” the organization said.