CTO sets up Caribbean relief fund
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation has established a relief fund to help member countries rebuild after Hurricane Irma.
Money raised will be dispersed directly to affected areas of CTO member states.
"The damage caused by the force of Hurricane Irma is an important example of why we must do whatever is possible to provide financial relief to those who need it most," CTO secretary general Hugh Riley said.
"It’s through this fund that the CTO channels monetary assistance to our impacted member states. The CTO appreciates all donations to assist in the recovery efforts in these countries."
With an initial target of $100,000, a GoFundMe page has been set up to collect donations.
Irma has caused devastation in destinations including St. Martin, Cuba, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Barbuda, significantly affecting tourism infrastructure.
"Any disruption in the tourism industry is a disruption of our livelihood," Riley told Reuters.
Meanwhile Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has called on the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to support Caribbean rebuilding effects with funding.
"Many of the islands devastated by the hurricane are heavily dependent on tourism. It is important that we assist in any way possible to help them to rebuild the sector," Bartlett said.
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