March 19, 2024
More than 150 buyer companies and 1,000 delegates are set to gather in Montego Bay, Jamaica from May 20 to 23 for the 42nd installment of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
At a press briefing hosted at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in New Kingston, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig unveiled plans to attract a broader range of participants to the event.
Madden-Greig emphasized efforts to draw in new buyer delegates from regions including Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
Seizing opportunities in the meetings market
In a significant development, Madden-Greig announced the introduction of a dedicated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) itinerary.
This addition aims to tap into the burgeoning potential of the MICE market, which generated over US$900 billion globally in 2023 and is projected to double by 2032.
The inaugural CHTA Caribbean MICE exchange will host 20 meeting planners, marking a pivotal step in expanding the event’s scope.
Media engagement: Showcasing Caribbean diversity
Highlighting the importance of media presence, Madden-Greig disclosed that 50 regional and international media representatives will converge on the island to interact with Caribbean delegates.
Their mission is to spotlight the richness and diversity of the region to a global audience.
Diverse agenda: A tripartite approach
The 42nd CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace will encompass three key components: the Business of Tourism (The Caribbean Travel Forum on May 20), the Marketing of Tourism (CHTA Travel Marketplace, May 21-22), and the Community of Tourism (Responsible Tourism Day on May 23).
This multifaceted approach underscores the event’s commitment to addressing various facets of the tourism industry.
Anticipation builds: Minister of tourism weighs in
Echoing the sentiment of anticipation, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett described the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace as a pivotal moment for the region.
He emphasized the event’s significance as an opportunity to showcase the Caribbean’s assets and foster innovation in the post-COVID era.
Opportunities for growth
Bartlett expressed enthusiasm for the event’s emphasis on tourism and business, marketing, and responsible tourism.
He stressed the region’s readiness to elevate tourism to new heights and underscored the importance of responsible tourism as a cornerstone of innovation.
Supplier-buyer interactions
Central to the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the opportunity for tourism suppliers to engage directly with wholesalers from around the globe.
This face-to-face interaction facilitates negotiations aimed at mutually beneficial outcomes, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the region’s tourism sector.