The 2019 Caribbean Travel Marketplace was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It’s Jamaica’s 5th time hosting the event with Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

 

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

The event is held because, while the region’s islands often compete against each other for tourism dollars, they also understand the value of working together as destinations. A total of 576 supplier delegates from 147 companies participated.

 

Sustainability

Sustainability remained an important issue at the marketplace. There was extensive discussion held on this matter at JAPEX 2017 when the region was still reeling from a devastating hurricane season.

Congratulations are in order for Sandals Resorts for becoming the latest company to ban Styrofoam from its resorts. It already banned plastic straws, stirrers, laundry bags and gift shop bags in 2018.

Considering the Caribbean is a region especially susceptible to the perils of climate change, more sustainable measures will be required. This possibly includes turning buffets into à la carte restaurants.

 

 

LGBTQ+ Rights

One of the hot topics on the marketplace floor was the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Jamaica. The Ministers assured audiences that Jamaica welcomes all visitors equally, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.

While it is apparent to most that the destination still has much to do with respect to this issue, it was a positive first step to see a serious dialogue develop at such a high-profile event.

 

Record-Breaking Year

Jamaica proved once again why it truly is a top-notch destination and a jewel in the Caribbean.

Not enough can be said about:

• The friendly and welcoming demeanour of the locals
• Its beautiful landscapes
• The weather that rarely disappoints
• The delectable jerk chicken

It’s not surprising that 2018 was another record-breaking year for Jamaica. Total arrivals exceeded 4.3 million visitors.

 

Role of Canadian Tourism

Canadian travellers play an important role in Jamaica’s tourism fortunes. It’s the number two source market in terms of arrivals. There were just under 400,000 Canadian arrivals in 2018.

As result of continued diversification of the products being offered, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett, believes that that number will increase in 2019.

Caribbean tourism officials at CTM confidently expect another year of positive growth bolstered by increased airlift, improved sales, new properties coming on the market and ongoing investments in hotel upgrades and refurbishments.

 

For more information, please visit Jamaica’s Destination Page.