Smarter Tourism : Sun, Sea, Sand and Science

Check out this YouTube video ???????of my talk at a 2022 New England Aquarium Lecture Series event; I take you on a journey to explore the future of tourism in the Caribbean.

Since 2013, I have been actively involved in ocean conservation and science communication on the Island of? Montserrat. In 10 years, I’ve amassed over 3000 hours dedicated to community service, creating safe spaces for people to learn to swim, snorkel, and engage in marine science. I have witnessed the potential of combining tourism and science in the Caribbean region.

With its 13.9% contribution to the global economy GDP in 2019 and 9.1% in 2021, the Caribbean region heavily relies on Travel & Tourism. In fact, in 2019, eight of the ten most tourism-dependent countries in the world were in the Caribbean. Tourism will continue to drive the region's economy during this ocean decade.

( Source: Travel & Tourism in the Caribbean Prospects for Growth)

What sets the Caribbean apart is the incredible opportunity for creativity and innovation in the tourism and environment sectors. However, we must adopt a "think local and act global" mindset to stay competitive. Collaboration through public-private-community partnerships (PPCP) is essential. By working together, we can usher in a new era of tourism that is sustainable and immersive, utilizing ocean science and paid community scientists.

Traditionally, tourists have been drawn to the Caribbean for its sun and beach vibes. However, there are opportunities to enhance the offerings and attract travelers to experience other segments such as adventure, culture, wellness, wildlife, and environmental science. Diversifying the product offerings could also help overcome seasonality in the region.

What’s more, Investors are increasingly interested in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, providing governments and destinations with an opportunity to attract more investment through environmental protection and social impact initiatives.

I am passionate about community-based training programs that equip individuals with new skills to thrive in tourism and beyond. This includes enhancing digital and science literacy, crucial for preparing the future workforce and attracting new investment streams. By harnessing innovative technologies like augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), we can create even more exhilarating and immersive tourism experiences focused on sustainability and environmental protection.

Believe it or not, the part of our islands that is often overlooked is the sea, leading to an environment where low interest in marine conservation and even fear of the sea and swimming can result in poor marine management. Therefore,? the urgency to take action for our ocean is evident, especially as the Caribbean's coral population has declined significantly due to marine pollution and climate change. We must transcend boundaries and see ourselves as one united people to create the science necessary for the ocean we want. Together, we can accelerate progress on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals #14 and #13 and address social and economic inequalities for the betterment of our ocean this decade. But first, let’s show our communities how to speak the language of funders and allies such as the United Nations.

Recently, I have been actively co-designing community science programs that utilize exciting new technologies like environmental DNA (eDNA), underwater cameras, and environmental sensing systems as scalable solutions for this decade.

If you'd like to collaborate, invest in Smarter Tourism, or visit Montserrat to experience the power of tourism and community-based science for positive change, schedule a meeting - https://calendly.com/vetawade

Follow me for more solution ideation and practical tips on community science design, equitable collaboration, and understanding the biodiversity around us. ???

** Special thanks to Marah Hardt , Charles Steinback , and Nickie Myers for their invaluable support in working with me / Fish ‘N Fins Inc. to build the Smart Tourism Model in 2020.

I can share my experiences and stories at your next event or directly with your board. Just click this link and let me know the type of collaboration you seek.

#SmarterTourism #SustainableTourism #CaribbeanTourism #OceanConservation #CommunityScience #BlueEconomy #ESG #TourismInnovation #ClimateAction #SDGs #SunSeaSandScience