The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization are urging the region’s tourism sector to step up its preparations for the 2022 hurricane season. 

This year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1 and technically runs through Nov. 30. 

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting what it calls “above average” activity this year. 

That amounts to a prediction of between 14 to 21 named storms, with six to 10 having he likelihood of becoming hurricanes. 

“We will continue to provide extensive education on insurance, best practices for businesses, communication strategies, cancellation practices, and regional response mechanisms to ensure stakeholders can weather any challenges associated with this year’s season,” said Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. 

Acting CTO Secretary-General Neil Walters said exhaustive planning and information gathering were “critical.”

“CTO has always provided critical tools aimed at mitigating disasters, such as the Multi-Hazard Risk Management Guide which is available to planners through the online tourism training centre, the Caribbean Tourism Institute,” Walters said. “The importance of preparedness cannot be reiterated enough. It has proven to be one of the key factors enabling the sector to make swift and solid recoveries following setbacks.”

Officials are also predicting a very strong tourism summer in the Caribbean.