Caribbean braces for drop in tourism spending

The Caribbean anticipates another surge in visitors this winter, but officials warn that the amount the average tourist spends probably will decline. Officials from the Caribbean Tourism Organization say they are worried that the increase in visitors might not offset the loss of revenue, and that income is vital to the region. International Monetary Fund economist Evridiki Tsounta says the economic crisis has forced people to postpone vacations and that tourists will not be able to spend as much. She said Wednesday that the IMF has encouraged the Caribbean to diversify and seek other tourism markets, especially in Latin America, where economies have been rebounding.