On the threshold of a crucial event for the Caribbean tourism industry, the Caribbean Travel Forum and the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the CHTA, has shared details on what to expect from the forum. Scheduled to begin on Monday, May 20th in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the 3rd Caribbean Travel Forum of the CHTA promises to be a space for reflection and projection towards a new tourism landscape in the region.

Madden-Greig emphasized that the forum will focus on the business of tourism in the Caribbean, addressing critical topics to achieve the goals projected by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). According to the WTTC, the Caribbean’s GDP is expected to double, and 1.34 million additional jobs are anticipated by 2032. To achieve these ambitious objectives, several key factors will be discussed:

Multi-Destination Marketing: Strategies to promote the region as a collection of diverse yet complementary destinations.

Air Connectivity: Enhancing travel within the Caribbean, with an emphasis on air connectivity, to facilitate the flow of tourists between islands.

Sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices that protect the environment and promote responsible tourism.

Technological Innovation: Adopting new technologies that optimize the tourist experience and improve operational efficiency.

Integrated Resort Development: Encouraging the development of resorts that integrate tourist offerings with the local community.

Labor Market: Strengthening and training the tourism sector’s workforce.

Linkages and Exogenous Factors: Addressing external influences and how they can impact tourism development in the region.

The forum, taking place in the vibrant setting of Montego Bay, will feature participation from travel industry leaders, both regional and international, including general managers, public and private sector opinion leaders, and other key officials. These experts will share valuable and relevant information about the Caribbean travel industry, as well as global and regional travel and consumer trends.

In the following days, May 21st and 22nd, press conferences will be held where various Caribbean destinations will update attendees on recent developments and innovations in their regions. This information exchange is vital to keep the industry informed and connected to the latest trends and opportunities.

The event will conclude on May 23rd with the CHTA Responsible Tourism Day, a day dedicated to social and environmental responsibility activities. Highlighted activities include:

Participation in a beach clean-up and an educational tour of the Montego Bay Marine Park, and a visit to the SOS Children's Village in Barrett Town, where delegates will help with painting, carpentry repairs, and the creation of a community agriculture project.

Expectations are high, as the Caribbean Travel Forum presents an essential opportunity to define strategies and actions that will drive sustainable tourism growth in the region. Collaboration among the various stakeholders will be crucial to achieving the proposed goals and addressing the challenges that arise along the way.

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace, complementing the forum, will serve as a platform for networking, promoting tourism products, and forming strategic alliances, thus solidifying the Caribbean's position as a top-tier global destination. Montego Bay, with its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, will provide the perfect backdrop for this important gathering of the Caribbean tourism industry.