Water Based Tourism - Getting Organised

Tourism officials believe that the marine area in the north of the island should be zoned to bring an end to the numerous concerns of the various users.   Cruise Tourism Officer with the Ministry of Tourism Jennifer Wyatt says this was one of the recommendations coming from the first in a series of consultations with persons involved in water based tourism.    

"We are trying to form a subcommittee made up of major stakeholders to identify the problems and come up with some sort of solutions to bring to the next consultation that can be discussed again,” Wyatt reported.

According to Wyatt the first consultation brought together hoteliers, fishermen, water sports operators, divers and yachtsmen to deliberate on issues pertaining to beach use and the suitability of certain areas for specific activities.  The areas under consideration stretch from Saline Pointe in the north to La Toc Bay in Castries.  

Wyatt identified problems cited by the stakeholders such as jet skiing interfering with swimming areas, beach access and the uses of beaches, and disputes between fishermen and boat operators who destroy their pots and nets.

There were also some concerns about “illegal activities” taking place at nights in the Rodney Bay area and complaints of overcrowding of beaches adjacent to major hotels during the cruise ship season, the officer noted.

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