Caribbean Travel marketplace 2024 and Destination Jamaica
The 42nd Staging of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)’S Caribbean Travel Marketplace, was held at the Montego Bay Convention Center in May, 2024.
CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace Introduced New Features In Jamaica
The 42nd staging of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, took place at the Montego Bay Convention Center in May this year, featured new additions and three dedicated tracks, the experience was dynamic and engaging for the attendees.
During a recent “Caribbean Fireworks” press conference in Kingston, CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig stated, “This year we will be taking the event to a new level with three distinct tracks — The Business of Tourism: in the form of the Caribbean Travel Forum; the Marketing of Tourism: CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace; and the Community of Tourism: with our first ever Responsible Tourism Day.”
Caribbean Travel Marketplace kicked off with the Caribbean Travel Forum, focusing on “Visioning a New Tourism Landscape for the Caribbean”. The forum will feature an awards luncheon to honor the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year and present Destination Resilience honors and the President’s Award for Excellence in Caribbean Tourism.
Responsible Tourism Day, coincided with Jamaica’s Labour Day on May 23, focused on addressing climate change, sustainable development, and agricultural linkages to emphasize responsible stewardship of tourism communities.
Madden-Greig highlighted the introduction of a dedicated Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) itinerary for the first time, with 20 meeting pllanners attending the inaugural Caribbean MICE Exchange. She emphasized the significant potential of the MICE market, which generated over US$900 billion globally in 2023 and is expected to double by 2032. “It is time for the Caribbean to focus on getting a bigger slice of that very significant pie,” she asserted.
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Robin Russell opined that Marketplace presents excellent opportunities and access for hoteliers and tourism suppliers. “You are able to interact with the very top of the food chain in every aspect of the business, from tour operators to travel agents … everybody who wants to do business comes to Marketplace,” he said. He added that for small enterprises, “It is probably the only opportunity you’re going to get unless you’re spending big money to interact with these persons.”
“(Caribbean Travel Marketplace) is not an event in the context of a single activity, but it’s an opportunity, a great opportunity for us as a Caribbean people, not just to showcase the strength and power of our assets, but also to provide leadership with innovation,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who thanked CHTA for selecting Jamaica to host this important gathering of tourism stakeholders.
Record-Breaking Attendance at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2024
The 42nd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), concluded on a high note, reaching record-breaking attendance numbers. This year’s event, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in May, 2024, has been hailed as one of the most successful in the history of CTM, reflecting the strong interest and investment in Caribbean tourism.
This year’s Marketplace saw participation from 137 traditional buyer companies representing 25 countries, with a total of 271 delegates. Additionally, there were 14 MICE companies, six wedding specialist organizations, 10 travel advisor agencies, and 50 members of the regional and international media. The event also featured 207 supplier companies representing 27 Caribbean destinations, with a total of 682 delegates. CTM facilitated a record-breaking 12,724 scheduled appointments and a total delegate count of 1,200.
“We are thrilled with the unprecedented turnout and the positive feedback from participants,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA. “The record-breaking attendance underscores the resilience and allure of the Caribbean as a premier travel destination. It also highlights the collaborative spirit of our industry stakeholders. Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association who are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the region’s tourism sector.”
This year’s Marketplace introduced several inaugural elements, including the Caribbean MICE Exchange, which featured a dedicated track for meeting planners, and Responsible Tourism Day, which contributed positively to the host community and served as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
The event also spotlighted innovative exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in hospitality technology and unique Caribbean experiences. Numerous networking opportunities facilitated meaningful connections and partnerships among attendees, fostering a collaborative environment for future growth.
Jamaica pulled out all the stops, showcasing the island’s rich culture with captivating performances by former “The Voice” winner Tessanne Chin and reggae musician Maxi Priest. Their electrifying acts highlighted Jamaica’s vibrant music scene and artistic talent, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories of the island’s cultural heritage. The opening event was further enhanced by a spectacular drone show, which dazzled the audience and added a modern touch to the celebration of Jamaica’s traditions.
The success of this year’s event is a testament to the Caribbean’s enduring appeal and its capacity to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market. As the region continues to flourish, CHTA remains committed to supporting and advancing the interests of its members and the broader tourism community.
About Montego Bay, Jamaica:
The tropical adventure of your dreams awaits you in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city and major cruise ship port. Whether you’re looking to relax on perfect white sandy beaches with clear blue skies above, be swept away in the rocking nightlife steps from your hotel, enjoy a round of golf on our spectacular courses or enjoy thrilling experiences that etch lifetime memories, you’ll find it in enchanting “Mobay.” Often referred to as the complete resort, Montego Bay is known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class golf courses. The famous Hip Strip (Jimmy Cliff Boulevard) offers an array of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Montego Bay a marvelous melting pot of cultures, buzzing with locals, visitors, and expats who’ve made Jamaica their home. Enjoy the exuberant pubs and clubs, the wide array of eateries, the pristine beaches, the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of our people, and the diverse accommodations here ranging from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to suit every taste.
About South Coast, Jamaica:
For a taste of true Jamaican charm and authenticity, venture off the beaten path to uncover the untamed beauty of Jamaica’s South Coast, where the air is crisp and clean, and the towns are quaint and untouched – a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable adventure. Discover the rugged and untouched beauty of the landscape, where authentic Jamaican charm meets nature’s unbridled beauty in laid-back Treasure Beach, a coastal fishing village with a welcoming local atmosphere where eclectic villas open out to black sand beaches and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Here, you’ll find many boutique villas and guesthouses welcoming you to the sweeping tropical coastline. With its unspoiled beauty, laid-back charm, and rustic retreats, Treasure Beach offers a glimpse into the local way of life and the strong sense of community you will be sure to encounter when you are out and about. Book lovers will not want to miss the largest literary festival in the Caribbean, the Calabash International Literary Festival, held in Treasure Beach biennially.
With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and charming fishing villages, the South Coast offers a unique and authentic Jamaican experience and the chance to exhale. From eco-tourism to cultural immersion, the South Coast has something for every traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape. Start planning your journey to Jamaica’s South Coast and discover a world of natural wonders tucked away in the sleepy countryside towns of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth just waiting to be explored for a real feel of rural Jamaica’s community way of life. This is the place for eco-tourism, relaxation, nature, adventure, and culture all rolled up into what it means to experience Jamaica.
For any other information required, please visit www.visitjamaica.com
