Caribbean Outlook 3: Economic recovery and repositioning in the era of COVID-19. Policy Brief

The economies of the subregion were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those dependent on tourism. As a result, the Caribbean has seen a reversal of the hard-won gains achieved in growing their economies and reducing unemployment and inequality. The inflation stemming from pandemic supply chain disruption, which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has made the sustained uptick in economic performance beyond pre-pandemic levels unlikely, notwithstanding strong growth estimates for 2021 and 2022. The last two years have taught the region that continued ‘business as usual’ is…

Industrial upgrading and diversification to address competitiveness challenges in the Caribbean: The case of tourism

This study analyses the efforts that The Bahamas, Belize and Saint Kitts and Nevis are making to upgrade and diversify their tourism sectors to increase its contribution to inclusive growth. Generally, the study finds that the countries have been making efforts to upgrade and diversify the sector, but this has been affected by resource and institutional constraints. The study proposes key recommendations for strengthening upgrading and diversification.…

Digital Transformation as a Coping Strategy To Deal With The Fallout From The Pandemic In The Caribbean

Caribbean economies have been disrupted by the pandemic and the fallout from the war in Ukraine. Therefore, in the short to medium-term, there is need for policies to deal with post-pandemic recovery, including strengthened health and safety protocols, social protection measures and managed economic reopening to stimulate growth and employment.…

Tourism in Central America and the Dominican Republic in the face of digital technologies: Challenges and opportunities for MSMEs

Tourism micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) recognize the importance of digital tools to attract tourists, showcase the company and sell products and services. However, they make basic use of these tools to communicate and promote the company, missing opportunities to improve their competitiveness, productivity and sustainability. This study analyses the state of the digital transformation of tourism MSMEs in the member States of the Central American Integration System (SICA), both their internal capacities and external conditions that affect their ability to innovate. The study …

SIDS 4: Now or never for small island survival

Strategies for Post COVID-19 Recovery in the Caribbean

Strategies for increasing economic resilience in the Caribbean