Some major players in the tourism sector have made their way to Antigua and Barbuda for a major international conference set to begin on Monday.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) ― the democratic, global union federation of 670 transport unions in 147 countries, representing over 18 million transport workers across the globe ― will hold its Tourism Services Conference in Antigua & Barbuda.
The event is being hosted by the Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU).
The ABWU said in a statement that the gathering is taking place at a critical juncture for the industry “that continues to feel the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic”
ITF Tourism Section Chair and Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah, says the conference is a significant engagement that will highlight the global challenges and concerns in the tourism industry.
At the conference, trade unions from around the world are expected to discuss and debate strategies to address the challenges facing the industry.
“Leaders will highlight solutions for issues — from the precarity of employment to the exploitation of vulnerable workers — in Antigua & Barbuda, the Caribbean region and globally, and develop strategies to win better working conditions and strengthen labour rights, ensuring that workers have a powerful voice in the future of this vital industry,” according to the statement.
Meanwhile, the conference is expected to feature presentations and engagements from stakeholders in the local tourism industry including the Minister of Tourism,. Charles Max Fernandez, and Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Association (ABHTA), Patrice Christian Simon.
Steadroy Benjamin, the country’s labour minister will also address the gathering.
Agenda items according to the ABWU, include industry panel discussions on Tripartism and the Future of Tourism, the Cruise Sector, and Tourism Supply Chains.
The conference concludes on 18 April 2023.
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