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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026