The best strategic way to manage tourism security is through cooperation among local, regional, and international agencies in the tourism and security sectors.
Exploring strategies, tools, best practices, emerging challenges, and the path forward for tourism security is the focus of the National Workshop on Tourism Security, being held from December 3 to 5 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church.
Speaking at this morning’s opening of the workshop, and affirming that interagency cooperation is necessary for the development and success of tourism security, were Permanent Secretary, Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Timothy Maynard; High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, Brenda Wills; Programme Officer in the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States, Carol Jiminez; and Project Officer at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Duccio Mazarese.
They concurred that integrated security measures must address physical safety, health security, cyber protection, and crisis management.
Permanent Secretary Maynard indicated that without security, progress is undermined; therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the island remains safe.
“Tourism security is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone, it involves the private sector, civil society and yes, visitors themselves…. The Office of the Attorney General will continue to develop new partnerships with sister ministries and other stakeholders as a whole to deliver real and meaningful services for Barbadians and visitors to our shores.”
High Commissioner Wills highlighted that strong public-private partnerships are key to effectively addressing security.
“Effective security requires an integrated approach, law enforcement, tourism, authorities and communities working together. Yet, one element is critical – strong public-private partnerships. The private sector, from hotels to transport operators, must be fully engaged in security planning and response collaboration ensures resources are optimised, risks are mitigated, and visitors feel safe at every touch point.”
Adding her voice to emphasise the need for interagency collaboration, Ms. Jiminez stated: “Tourism success depends on safety and stability. Without security, there can be no sustainable tourism. The perception of safety, whether accurate or not, plays a decisive role in the choices visitors make. A single incident can have long-lasting consequences on the image of a destination. This is why building robust and collaborative frameworks for prevention, report preparedness and crisis response is so essential.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mazarese noted that the workshop would not only focus on tourism security in Barbados, but in the wider Caribbean, since the security of each island is closely linked to the stability and reputation of the region as a whole.
He proposed that by strengthening cooperation in Barbados, it would “reinforce collective resilience across the Caribbean Community”, contributing to a more secure, sustainable, competent, and competitive Caribbean tourism landscape.
Organisations participating in the workshop include Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defence Force, CARICOM IMPACS, Barbados Port Inc., Grantley Adams International Airport, and the United Nations Population Fund.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg