Saint Lucian educator Tracy George.

RODNEY BAY VILLAGE, Saint Lucia (November 24, 2009) - Getting the best and the brightest of the youth involved early in tourism has always been a priority for the drive to sustainable tourism, disclosed organizers of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), who have announced another vibrant youth component of next week's sessions in Saint Lucia.
 
A high school teacher in Saint Lucia leads a group of hospitality and tourism students to next month's CMEx meeting, December 3 to 7, in search of solutions to sustain the island's tourism industry.

Tracy George, who oversees Grade 11 and 12 classes as well as the Spanish Department at the International School of Saint Lucia, admits she is "very concerned about tourism's sustainability and looks forward to the innovative and networking aspects of CMEx to enlighten both her and the students of the school.

"How can we continue to sell sea and sand? How will we compete with the rising competitive markets of places like Dubai?" she asked, hoping that the talks will "unearth inspirational insight for making tourism in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean a more lucrative market, especially for the local population."

"Knowing that tourism is our main source of income, and knowing how fragile an industry it is, frankly, I'm scared," admitted George. However, George, along with her students, look forward to learning about new improvements to the sector and gaining insights on the future of tourism. "I'm happy that my students have this opportunity to take part in a discourse about such an important part of their lives," she added.

Sixteen-year-old Nikki Taylor of the International School said: "I'm hoping to gain new knowledge about how to improve tourism," while classmate Derek Glace noted, "I'd like to further discussions by asking insightful questions specifically about eco-tourism, based on what I've recently learned in my Hospitality and Tourism class".

Grade 12 student and writer, Sarah Munn, a regular CMEx attendee, was instrumental in coordinating the International School's participation at the meeting.

Dr. Basil Springer, a CMEx director, said he was thrilled the regional meeting continues to win the confidence of the youth constituency, explaining that several young people from across the Caribbean and North America were also registered for the meeting. "We have been overwhelmed with the responses to CMEx and we now have to close registration for the meeting," he disclosed, explaining that seating capacity is very limited to maintain the intimate CMEx approach. He cautioned on-site registration will not be available for last minute attendees.

The theme for this year's conference, which will pay tribute to former CNN News Anchor and CMEx facilitator the late Andria Hall, is "Multicultural Marketing: A Climate for Change." Underlying the provocative presentations and lively discussion is how tourism can improve the health, wealth, education, environment and culture of destinations in a "climate-friendly fashion," as delegates examine how to "climate proof" Caribbean tourism as well as build resilience into a recessionary environment.

For further information, visit www.caribbeanmediaexchange.com.