Eastern Caribbean States to Share Tourism Policy

Saint John's, Aug 3. -As of October 1st, member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will implement a common tourism policy, it was announced here."The regulatory document is almost ready, only pending approval in a meeting scheduled for September 14," said Head of Programs of the OECS Secretariat Lorraine Nicholas.

She added that the meeting will also try to secure that the policy is in line with the vision and aspirations of countries of the area regarding the development of tourism, the main source of income in the Caribbean.

The discussion of this strategy was the focus of a high-level meeting held in Antigua and Barbuda in mid August.

It followed consultations held in March, when public and private tourism experts in the area identified and prioritize key issues for the said shared policy, including security, transportation, the development of products, customs and immigration procedures and environmental and cultural sustainability.

When it is implemented in October, the common tourism policy will be the second solid pro-integration strategy achieved by OECS in two months.

In August 1st the free circulation of people among all OECS members but Montserrat was put into force. Since that day, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines allow OECS citizens to enter their territories without a visa.

Besides, they can remain in those nations for an indefinite period to work, do business, give services or reside permanently without any legal obstacle. (Prensa Latina)