Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the global tourism industry, with international tourist arrivals declining by 74% in 2020 and export revenue losses estimated at USD 1.3 trillion. Across the Caribbean, these shocks exposed longstanding challenges, including workforce skills gaps, limited entrepreneurship opportunities, and persistently high unemployment among women and youth.

In the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), youth unemployment remains particularly concerning, exceeding 40% in some countries. Women also continue to face high unemployment and are often concentrated in lower-paying and more vulnerable tourism jobs. Compounding these challenges is an aging tourism workforce and a growing lack of interest among young people in traditional tourism careers, creating uncertainty about the sector’s future sustainability and competitiveness.

At the same time, tourism-dependent economies face challenges in diversifying their tourism products and enhancing visitor experiences. Many destinations continue to market the Caribbean as a single tourism product, while underutilizing the rich cultural, historical, environmental, and community assets that make each island unique. Visitor feedback suggests a growing demand for authentic local experiences, presenting an opportunity to develop innovative tourism offerings that generate income, strengthen community participation, and promote economic resilience.

To address these challenges, ECLAC is implementing a youth-focused tourism entrepreneurship training programme aimed at increasing youth participation in the tourism sector and the broader digital economy. The programme will provide practical training in business planning, customer service, financial management, sustainable tourism practices, business continuity, digital marketing, and the development of niche tourism products and services, including tour operations.

The training will directly benefit participants by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship and employment opportunities within the tourism sector. Participants will learn how to identify market gaps, create unique visitor experiences, leverage digital platforms to market their services, and develop sustainable tourism ventures capable of competing in a changing marketplace.

Expected outcomes for participants include:

1. Enhanced entrepreneurial, business management, and digital marketing skills.
2. Increased knowledge of sustainable and community-based tourism practices.
3. Improved employability and readiness for tourism-related careers.
4. Greater capacity to establish and grow tourism enterprises, particularly tour operations.
5. Stronger confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
6. Expanded professional networks and access to potential partnerships.
7. Increased awareness of niche market opportunities that showcase local culture, heritage, and community experiences.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to empower young people to become innovators and leaders within the tourism sector, while contributing to a more diverse, resilient, and inclusive tourism industry across the ECCU. By fostering entrepreneurship and digital competencies, the initiative will create pathways to sustainable livelihoods, support economic growth, and help strengthen the region’s long-term tourism competitiveness.