And one more Trump policy that's affecting tourism region wide is buildup of US military assets in the Caribbean. It's causing anxiety for operators of marine tours in Trinidad and even the remote prospect of war can definitely dissuade visitors to an area traditionally known as a zone of peace. We discussed this with Perez:
Jules Vasquez
"For countries like Trinidad, where warships are looming in the waters off their island nation, it has to affect tourism interests because drones are shooting sea vessels from above, perhaps indiscriminately. Or accidents happen. You know, it's it's it's drones."
Efren Perez, President - BTIA
"I think it will have an impact, obviously. I can tell you that through the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America, which I'm very much engaged in, I'm the pro tem president for FEDICATUR. There has been discussions in terms of how we would be able to come up as a, as a region to look at, all these impacts that are occurring and seeing how best we would be able to go to really promote the region, Central America and also our destinations."
"There has been, a promotional video that was produced earlier this year where it highlights Central America as safe for sure."
"And I think that also helps us in terms of really trying to brand ourselves, not only through the Caribbean but also through Central America."
