TOURIST ARRIVALS to Caribbean Tourist Organisation (CTO) 32-member Caribbean destinations reached 21.6 million in 2004, up six per cent over 2003. Cruise passenger visits grew an estimated 12 per cent to just over 20 million, according to the CTO's information management and research division.

"In the wake of similarly rapid growth in 2003, this performance provides clear testimony to a robust return to growth for our tourism industry after the worldwide downturn in tourist travel which followed the 9/11 attacks in the United States," observed Karen Ford-Warner, the CTO acting secretary-general.

GOOD WINTER FORECAST

Ford-Warner said that the Caribbean could also look forward to a reasonably good 2004/2005 winter season, based on feedback from CTO's tour operator and airline partners in the marketplace.

But she cautioned against complacency, noting that tourist travel worldwide rebounded sharply in 2004.

"Although there are continuing concerns with international terrorism, consumers are showing a greater willingness to travel," she said. "Our challenge is to remain competitive in this dynamic environment."