Jamaica will host the 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's flagship event.
The event saw 1,200 delegates from 45 countries visit the island.
“We are extremely pleased with the response from our suppliers and buyers, as well as from the countries in the region who have made this fantastic event a success, a meaningful and our biggest staging to date.”
Bartlett also noted that 12,750 meetings have been scheduled with interested parties to explore partnerships and contracts, “signaling a full recovery for our region's tourism industry post-COVID-19.”
He said the event, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, was “an opportunity to bring new ideas, explore best practices and support each other in building the industry.”
“All the feedback so far has been fantastic. Jamaica has been a fantastic host nation and we've done a fantastic job,” CHTA chairperson Nicola Madden Greig said.
Madden Greig revealed that the 42nd relaunch of Marketplace has added many new features, including the introduction of group networking for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions for the first time, as well as special offers for meeting planners.
“We also had our first ever multi-destination family trip, which celebrates that we're trying to promote tourism in the region and help people understand that when they come to the Caribbean, they can enjoy multiple destinations,” she said.
Madden Greig pointed to developments in air transport linking St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
She noted the demand for investment opportunities in the Caribbean, adding, “But we need to be ready for that investment. We need to be able to develop the right products, continue to provide the right experiences, engage local communities and ensure tourism is beneficial for everyone.”
Both Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Madden Greig praised the organisations and individuals who contributed to the huge success of the event, including CHTA, the Jamaica Tourist Board and other partners.
