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Last Updated: Jun 28th, 2007 - 14:35:08 |
Source: http://www.btia.org/news_industry_detail.php?release_id=316
The 2007 hurricane season, already predicted to be an above average, very active season is well underway. The outlook calls for a very high likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season, with 13-17 named storms, 7-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes.
The prediction for an above-normal 2007 hurricane season reflects the expected combination of two main climate factors: 1) the continuation of conditions that have been conducive to above-normal Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995, and 2) the strong likelihood of either ENSO-neutral or La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
“All Caribbean residents including those of the tourism sector should redouble their efforts to ensure that their properties are adequately prepared for disasters and to ensure that businesses can return to normal operations as quickly as possible. A vibrant Caribbean business and tourism sector depends on continued economic activity,” said Sir Royston Hopkin, KCMG Chairman, of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST).
In light of this above-average hurricane season, BTIA, in coordination with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), will host its 4th Annual Hurricane Preparedness and Response Workshop for the tourism and business sector workers on June 28th, 2007.
“Disaster preparedness is everybody’s business and it makes eminent good sense to reduce or eliminate, wherever possible, the potentially devastating effects of any natural disaster-particularly hurricanes,” says Deirdre Shurland, CAST’s Director.
The workshop will be held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City, and is expected to bring together some fifty participants from hotels, restaurants, tour companies, insurance companies, banks, and the Belize Tourist Board, as well as other service businesses.
The 1-day workshop in Belize, BTIA/CAST will focus on informing participants about hurricane hazards and provide knowledge, which can be used to take ACTION. "Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy." The workshop focuses on helping businesses through the steps of action planning and plan implementation and simulation designed for managers, supervisors and key operations staff.
“The health of our tourism product is especially vulnerable to natural disasters. The planned preparedness to protect our guests, human resources and fixed assets with the least impact for a smooth return to normalcy is what our workshop has proven to deliver. Not only will participants learn how to design a customized hurricane plan, but also how best to ensure their assets for an optimum return should disaster strike,” comments BTIA President, Rosella Zabaneh.
For more information about the BTIA’s Hurricane Preparedness Workshop, please contact the BTIA at telephone 227-5717 / 1144, E-Mail: info@btia.org or visit our website www.btia.org.
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