Jamaica hosted the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s flagship event, the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
The event brought together 1,200 delegates from 45 countries to the Island.
“We are very pleased with the response from our suppliers and buyers, as well as the countries in the region who have made this great event successful, meaningful and the largest celebration ever held.”
Bartlett also noted that the 12,750 scheduled meetings with parties exploring partnerships and contracts “signal the full recovery of tourism in our region post-COVID-19.”
He said the event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre “brought new ideas, an opportunity to discuss best practices and provide mutual support to develop the industry”.
CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig said: “The feedback so far has been exceptional. Jamaica has been the best host, and we have done a great job.”
Madden-Greig revealed that Marketplace’s 42nd renewal has many new elements, including the first-ever meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition group exchange, with a special itinerary for meeting planners.
“We also had our first multi-destination family trip, which celebrates the fact that we are trying to boost regional tourism and let people understand that when you come to the Caribbean, you can enjoy more than one destination,” he said.
Madden-Greig highlighted the development of the air bridge linking Saint Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, and Cayman.
He noted the demand for investment opportunities in the Caribbean, adding, “But we have to be ready for that investment; we have to be able to create the right product, continue to offer the right experiences, engage the local community, and ensure that tourism works for everyone.”
Both Bartlett and Madden-Greig praised the organizations and individuals, including the CHTA, the Jamaica Tourist Board, and other partners, whose efforts made the event a great success.
