The CMEx sessions brought together the region�s media minds, with local, regional and international stakeholders of the world�s largest industry. 
 

According to Lelei LeLaulu of the private development organization, Counterpart International, one of the conference organisers, �The potential for the industry and the media to effectively integrate individuals and communities into tourism is tremendous.� LeLaulu noted that with additional attention focused on �people-centred tourism development,�  Caribbean nationals will be in a better position to understand the personal, national, regional and international importance of tourism.  The conference also called for more extensive coverage of sustainable tourism issues to encourage greater interest and involvement; an evaluation of the impact of government policies on the international competitiveness of the industry; export recognition for the industry; a reduction of barriers that prohibit the growth of land-based tourism; the streamlining of exit and

Lelei LeLaulu Counterpart International

While ideas that foster sustainable tourism development objectives continue to evolve after the meeting, the organisers and participants came to the following general conclusions: 

• Sustainable tourism has a vital role as the engine for the growth and indeed economic survival of the Caribbean region. 

• The media should develop more extensive coverage of the sustainable tourism industry in all its aspects, with a view to fostering civil society�s greater interest and involvement in its development. 

• The media, with the cooperation of the industry, should evaluate the effect of government regulations and fiscal policies on the international competitiveness of the industry and its long-term survival. 

• The industry and its organizations should give greater support to the role of the local and regional media in building a constituency among  citizens and institutions for the sustainable development of the tourist industry. 

• Caribbean media and the tourism industry should develop and articulate the criteria for sustainable tourism, to ensure that developments do not harm the physical or social environment of the region while playing a beneficial role in the wider economic and social development of our societies. 

• The need for governments to give practical recognition to the industry as an export industry, as important as traditional commodity export trade. 
• The quality of governance, as it effects the physical security and safety of citizens and visitors. 
• The need to streamline time consuming exit and entry formalities. 
• The need to examine complex and burdensome taxation policies compared with competitors and other sectors. 
• Recognition of the shift from destination to �experience� marketing. 
• Relative scarcity of local capital (private and public) to invest in the industry and consequent high interest rates. 
• The need to develop a strategy for regional aviation policy to enhance volume and efficiency, with particular emphasis upon the importance of local control of major regional and international air carriers. 
• The need to address health concerns, in particular HIV/AIDS by enhancing public awareness. 
• The demand by visitors and the industry�s own need for cheap and reliable international and telephone access and assistance in developing the skills and software development to ensure that the industry can take advantage of it. 
• The need for cruise tourism to assume responsibility for the sea which they profit from and contribute to the region�s sustainable tourism effort. 
• The need to encourage intra regional tourism and promote its benefits.