Harold Lovell, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and tourism minister for Antigua and Barbuda, told Travel Weekly that tourism officials are expecting 20-35 percent fewer visitors during the traditional Caribbean high season compared to 2008. Lovell said that winter 2009 will be "very challenging" for Caribbean tourism.
However, CTO interim secretary general Hugh Riley says that travelers coming to the islands this winter can enjoy a number of new hotels and attractions that were planned while business was still booming.
"The other good news for travelers is that there has never been a better time to take advantage of outstanding values in Caribbean vacations," said Riley. "Our airlines, travel professionals and suppliers have been rolling out a variety of enticing offers over the past few weeks. We know of no other place that offers the combination of proximity, quality accommodations, warm and welcoming people, unmatched beauty, cultural diversity and an environment that emphasizes stress-free escapes. The Caribbean delivers a truly distinctive product at affordable prices."