Caribbean Travel Marketplace 41: What you need to know
By CTA
Caribbean tourism stakeholders are gearing up with excitement for the 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace, set to take place in sunny Barbados next week!
Produced by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and hosted by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), the event provides an invaluable opportunity for tourism suppliers to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world who specialize in selling Caribbean travel experiences.
Unlike a typical trade show, the primary focus of Caribbean Travel Marketplace is to foster fruitful negotiations between suppliers and buyers, ultimately benefiting the entire region.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to Barbados:
Dates: May 9-11, 2023
Location: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre
Who can attend? Suppliers, Buyers, Marketing/Technology professionals, and members of the Media
Restrictions: Only companies meeting the specified registration criteria can participate; no daily passes or general admission are available.
The two-day event comprises pre-scheduled appointments between suppliers and buyers. An appointment clock guides buyers to their next designated supplier appointment at specific locations.
More than 50 local, regional, and international journalists will be in attendance, shining a spotlight on Barbados and the Caribbean’s thriving tourism sector.
Barbados offers a diverse selection of accommodations across the island. Delegates are encouraged to book their stay at one of the host hotels, which are offering special rates exclusively for Marketplace attendees. Complimentary transportation to and from the conference center will be provided from all host hotels.
Just before the official opening of Marketplace on Tuesday, May 9, the Caribbean Travel Forum will provide a platform for leaders from the public and private sectors to discuss the future of Caribbean tourism and build upon the region’s existing successes. The forum, themed “Tourism: The key driver of generational wealth for Caribbean nationals”, will be held at Sandals Royal Barbados from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. An awards luncheon will feature destination resilience winners and other special honorees.
The opening celebration, taking place at Ilaro Court, the official residence of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, promises to immerse delegates in Barbados’ rich, vibrant culture. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, “Barbados: A World of Difference” will showcase the island’s unique offerings, including captivating local performances, visual arts, and delightful culinary experiences.
To honor Bajan heritage, the closing ceremony will be held at the historic Charles Fort, located at Hilton Barbados Resort, on Thursday, May 11. The festivities will commence at 7:00 p.m., and delegates are encouraged to don attire featuring the colors blue and gold.
The dress code for Caribbean Travel Marketplace calls for casual, comfortable business attire. No jackets, blazers or ties necessary!
Remember to pack your business cards and any branding materials such as flyers or banners. These will come in handy for networking and promoting your company or destination.
Join the online conversation by using the social media hashtag: #CHTAMarketplace41. Let the world know about your experiences and insights!
While in Barbados, take the opportunity to explore this world-class tourism destination. For more information about the island and its offerings, visit www.visitbarbados.org.
