In 1998, the Small Tourism Enterprises Program (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, and in partnership with 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 and socially responsible policies;
• 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 first phase of this project—Caribbean Innkeeper—created this web site to provide small hoteliers with information on a range of topics including management, operations, and sustainable practices.  The second phase of this project—Caribbean Experiences—uses cutting edge technologies, descriptive writing, and rich media to market and promote small hotels participating in the STEP program. 

With the addition of USAID as a major partner and the support from a variety of sources, the program is moving to implement a range of services for Caribbean small tourism enterprises as well as a greater emphasis on environmental management.

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 site are not necessarily the opinions of the OAS or its organs, its staff or its member states.