Caribbean Marketplace Set the Tone for a Strong 2005

The huge success of the recently concluded Caribbean Marketplace predicts a very strong winter season for Caribbean tourism, according to Alec Sanguinetti, Director General and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), organizer of the event.

Held on January 9-11, 2005 at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, the largest marketing event for Caribbean tourism attracted 1,500 delegates from around the world—the highest number of participants ever. Over 11,000 business appointments were scheduled between Caribbean suppliers and international buyers, about 1,000 more than in 2004.

There was a lot of renewed interest and excitement from our travel partners. There are several new products on the market, new sites and attractions, people are investing money in training and human resource development, thus, the product is really fresh now, said Berthia M. Parle, MBE, President of CHA.

This 25th edition of Caribbean Marketplace was testament of everything Caribbean tourism has going for it, said Alec Sanguinetti.