In 1998, the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP) program was initiated by the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide resources, support, and marketing  services to small hotels in the Caribbean.  Over the years, with support from numerous organizations, the program has targeted small hotels with 75 rooms or less in thirteen OAS member countries.  These enterprises typically do not have ready access to affordable training and technical programs to assist them to survive in the increasing competitive global tourism industry.

STEP's key objectives include:

•    Enhancements in the competitiveness of tourism enterprises to meet international standards;


•    Increased access to best environmental management practices;


•    Implementation of environmental standards;


•    Enhanced awareness of sustainable tourism development requirements for the region; and


•    Training and capacity building programs tailored to the requirements of small tourism enterprises to contribute to achieving these objectives.

The Tourism Section in the Department of Trade and Tourism at the OAS engages in activities and programs that promote and support sustainable and responsible tourism development in OAS member states. The Caribbean Experiences website was funded by the Special Multilateral Fund of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (OAS/FEMCIDI).

The opinions expressed on this website are not necessarily the opinions of the OAS or its organs, its staff or its member states.

For more information about the Tourism Section at the OAS please contact:

Richard Campbell                

Section Chief, Tourism

Department of Trade and Tourism  

Organization of American States    

1889 F Street, N.W.

Washington DC, 20006

Tel: (202) 458-6226

Fax: (202) 458-3561

Email: RCampbell@oas.org