Above: Martinique (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

This year’s Caribbean Tourism Organization State of the Industry Conference will focus on visitor experience and authenticity, the regional organization announced Friday.

The conference, which will be hosted in Martinique for the first time, will be held under the theme of “Perfecting the Experience: Delivering Authenticity,” Martinique Tourism Commissioner Karine Roy-Camille announced.

“Visitors come to this region for a uniquely Caribbean experience;  one which is desirable enough to lead to referrals and repeat visits and we have to deliver on this promise of the authentic Caribbean,  ‘the real thing,’ which is a unique blend of vacation elements not obtainable elsewhere,” said CTO Chairman Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

It will also cover matters such as customs and immigration, airport and seaport facilities and elements that are critical to tourism development in the Caribbean, according Nicholson-Doty.

The SOTIC conference will be the first major CTO event hosted by Martinique.

“We consider hosting the State of the Industry Conference a great honour and we are extremely proud of it,” Roy-Camille said. “We look forward to welcoming the press and delegates to the Isle of Flowers in October for a taste of our special brand of French-Creole warmth and hospitality.”