Channel 7 joined virtually and here's what the director of economics said about visitation numbers for these tourist - dependent economies:

Ian Durant, Director of Economics
"As primarily a tourism-dependent region, the ongoing recovery of that industry was also a key driver of the regional economic performance, with service-exporting Borrowing Member Countries growing at an average of 2.4%. These economies benefitted from robust demand from major source markets, particularly the United States."

"Data for the January-to-September period showed total arrivals reached 99% of pre-COVID levels, bolstered by continued recovery of airlift and the return of festivals and sporting events across the Region."

"Looking ahead, the Caribbean Development Bank forecasts an average growth rate of 8.6% for its 19 Borrowing Member Countries in 2024, largely attributable to increased oil production in Guyana and the continued expansion of the tourism industry. Excluding Guyana, this growth projection falls to 2.3%, a moderation from the estimated growth of 2.5% in 2023."

Jules Vasquez
"Will that be more or less where it stays as we proceed since the tourism sector is the main engine of growth, and we are almost back at universally back at pre-COVID levels?"

Ian Durant, Director of Economics
"I think your concern to the extent that I understand it is appropriate. We recognize that 2.5% is not sufficient to really drive the sort of improvement in standards of living that we want to see as a development institution."

Durant said that regional economies will have to harness artificial intelligence to raise competitiveness and increase productivity.