Jamaica Just Hosted the Largest Caribbean Travel Marketplace Ever – Caribbean Journal

Jamaica’s hosting of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s flagship event, the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace

The event brought to the island 1,200 delegates from 45 countries.

“We’re very pleased with the response from our suppliers and buyers alike, also the countries in the region that have made this great event successful, meaningful and the largest staging ever.”

Bartlett also noted that the 12,750 scheduled appointments with parties exploring partnerships and contracts “signal the full post COVID-19 recovery of tourism in our region.”

He said the event, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, “brought new ideas, an opportunity to look at best practices and to give support to each other in building the industry.”

CHTA President, Nicola Madden-Greig said “all the feedback so far has been exceptional. Jamaica has been the best host and we did a great job.”

Madden-Greig disclosed that many new elements were added in the 42nd renewal of Marketplace, including the first ever Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions groups exchange, with a special itinerary for meeting planners. 

“We also had our first multi-destination fam trip, which is celebrating the fact that we’re trying to push regional tourism and letting people understand that when you come to the Caribbean you can enjoy more than one destination,” she said.

Madden-Greig noted the development of airlift linking  St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Cayman.

She 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 build out 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 commended the organizations and individuals whose efforts made the event a major success, including the CHTA, Jamaica Tourist Board and other partners.