FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling for the region to embrace sports development and sports tourism following the outstanding performance of Caribbean athletes at the recent Paris Olympic Games. Historic achievements by athletes like St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Dominica’s Thea LaFond, who secured their countries’ first-ever Olympic medals; Marileidy Paulino the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win an Olympic gold; and Jamaica’s Roje Stona setting the Olympic men’s discus record, have shone a global spotlight on the Caribbean’s diverse athletic prowess.

“The success of our athletes is a testament to the incredible talent and potential that exists in the Caribbean,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA. “It’s time for us to dream even bigger and invest more in developing our sports men and women across all disciplines and seek to build a strong sports tourism market, not only to support our athletes but also to reap the economic and cultural benefits this thriving industry can bring to our region.”

The Caribbean’s recent Olympic success builds upon the incredible legacy of sporting giants who have long put the region on the global athletic map. Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce revolutionized track and field with their dominance and charisma. Grenadian Kirani James brought attention to the smaller islands with his 400m prowess, earning Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals across three Games.

According to CHTA’s data partner, ForwardKeys, sporting events play a significant role in boosting tourism across Caribbean destinations, with varying levels of impact. High-profile, internationally recognized events like the recently held ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup tend to generate substantial increases in traveler volumes, as they attract a broad audience of fans from around the world. For example, ticket sales to Barbados during the week of the fixture announcement (January 4-10, 2024) for travel dates during the competition increased by 90% compared to the same period last year.

“Sports tourism is more than just hosting events; it’s about creating a holistic experience that showcases our culture, natural beauty, and sporting excellence. By investing in sports tourism, we can attract visitors from around the world, including those looking for year-round training destinations and experiences. This will boost our economies and inspire the next generation of Caribbean athletes,” Madden-Greig added.

CHTA advocates for the Caribbean to embrace sports tourism, recognizing its significant cultural and economic potential. This growing sector, now taught at leading universities, generates about 10% of global tourism expenditure according to UN Tourism. The sports tourism market, valued at US$564.7 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to a $1.33 trillion industry by 2032 (Global Market Insights, March 2024). The association stresses the importance of integrating sports tourism into regional development strategies to diversify and enhance the Caribbean tourism product, capitalizing on this rapidly expanding market.

CHTA is committed to working with its partners to seize the momentum generated by the recent Olympic success and establish the Caribbean as a premier sports tourism destination. Many hoteliers throughout the region already participate in, sponsor, and support sporting events, and CHTA encourages all its members to get involved with this growing segment. “Together, we can transform the Caribbean into a global sports tourism powerhouse while also empowering our young people to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Madden-Greig stated.

This year’s Olympics saw Caribbean athletes continuing this tradition of excellence with the total medal count for the region at 25. In addition to athletics, Caribbean countries found success in boxing and wrestling, while many Caribbean and Caribbean-origin athletes won medals for other countries where they hold citizenship.

By DANIELLE ROLLON
Bahamas Information Services

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahamas Aquatics team, comprised of nine swimmers, returned home on Western Air Bahamas, Tuesday, to a warm and celebratory welcome from family, friends, and distinguished officials after their successful performance in the 28th Annual Goodwill Swimming Championships at the Rodney Heights Aquatics Center in Gros Islet, St. Lucia.

Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements.  “Every time the Grand Bahama swim team competes, they return victorious, bringing home medals. I am incredibly proud of our young athletes.

“On behalf of Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, myself, and the people of Grand Bahama, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. We also appreciate the ongoing efforts of Mrs. Karen Pinder-Johnson and the YMCA swim program, as well as all the local swim clubs.  The dedication of these young swimmers is truly commendable.”

Norris Bain, Deputy Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, also expressed his heartfelt appreciation. “On behalf of the Honourable Minister Mario Bowleg and Acting Permanent Secretary Roselyn Dorsett-Horton, we are thrilled with the performance of our local swim clubs and their outstanding young athletes. I encourage them to continue their hard work both in the pool and in their studies. Their talent and dedication could very well lead them to further educational opportunities and, potentially, to representing our country at the Olympics in the future.”

Bain also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance sports facilities on Grand Bahama. “We are actively working to upgrade our facilities, with exciting developments planned for the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. We are committed to providing better resources for our athletes, and progress is underway to improve these facilities in the near future.”

Both Smith and Bain emphasised their unwavering support for the athletes, coaches, and families involved in the swimming programs. The community and government officials look forward to continued success and growth for the Grand Bahama Aquatics team.

PHOTO CAPTION

GRAND BAHAMA AQUATICS TEAM – The Grand Bahama Aquatics team received a warm welcome and congratulations upon their return from St. Lucia, from family, friends, and local officials, including Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Kingsley Smith (centre left) and Deputy Director of Sports at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Norris Bain (centre right), for their outstanding performance

(BIS Photos/Jamika Culmer)

Roje Stona was born 26 February 1999 and is a Jamaican athlete who competes in the discus throw. He broke the Olympic record to win the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France becoming the first Jamaican to be Olympic Champion at a throwing event,

It was spectacular, minutes after an Olympic record was shattered, Stona who had been  invited to join the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints football clubs, tosses one for the ages and tops anything, every thrown in the discus event with 70.0 m.

The dawn of a new day as Jamaica got its first discus medal.

Overall, Jamaica had six medals at the Games; one gold, two silver and three bronze.