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The 42nd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), concluded on a high note with record-breaking attendance numbers. Held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from May 20-23, 2024, this year’s event has been celebrated as one of the most successful in CTM’s history, showcasing strong interest and investment in Caribbean tourism.
This year’s Marketplace attracted participation from 137 traditional buyer companies representing 25 countries, totaling 271 delegates. This included 38 hosted buyers from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S.
Additionally, the event saw participation from 14 MICE companies, six wedding specialist organizations, 10 travel advisor agencies, and 50 members of the regional and international media. It also featured 207 supplier companies representing 27 Caribbean destinations, with a total of 682 delegates. CTM set a new record with 12,724 scheduled appointments and a total of 1,200 delegates in attendance.
“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 new elements, including the Caribbean MICE Exchange, which featured a dedicated track for meeting planners, and Responsible Tourism Day, which positively impacted the host community and provided a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
The event highlighted innovative exhibits featuring the latest advancements in hospitality technology and unique Caribbean experiences. Attendees enjoyed numerous networking opportunities, which facilitated meaningful connections and partnerships, fostering a collaborative environment for future growth.
Jamaica went all out, highlighting the island’s rich culture with captivating performances by former “The Voice” winner Tessanne Chin and reggae musician Maxi Priest. Their electrifying acts showcased 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, dazzling the audience and adding a modern touch to the celebration of Jamaica’s traditions.
This year’s event success is a testament to the Caribbean’s enduring appeal and its ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market. As the region continues to flourish, the CHTA remains dedicated to supporting and advancing the interests of its members and the broader tourism community.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace was sponsored and supported by:
Destination Partners: Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands
Platinum Sponsors: Figment Design, Interval International, Marketplace Excellence, Mastercard, Sandals Resorts International, Travelzoo
Gold Sponsors: Adara, Amadeus, Caribbean Journal, My Booking Rewards, TAConnect, Tambourine, The Anything Group (TAG)
Silver Sponsor: Sojern
Accommodation Sponsors: Deja Resort, Half Moon Jamaica, Hilton Rose Hall, Holiday Inn Resort Jamaica, Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall, Iberostar Rose Hall, Jewel Grande Montego Bay, SeaGarden Beach Resort, Royal Decameron Montego Beach, Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach, S Hotel, Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Contributors: Condé Nast, Tripadvisor, Zartico
Responsible Tourism Day Sponsors: BirdShack Fried Chicken, Yummy
Caribbean MICE Exchange: Half Moon, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, Jamaica Tours Limited, S Hotel
“We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this year’s Marketplace a resounding success,” said Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of CHTA. “Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in showcasing the best of our region and fostering meaningful connections within the industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them for their dedication to promoting Caribbean tourism.”
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