This year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace was a big draw for the region, according to the latest numbers from the Bahamas.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s signature event, which was held at Atlantis Paradise Island, drew more than 1,100 people, from tour operators and hoteliers to journalists and tourist boards.

“Throughout the region all of our tour operators, hoteliers and even airlines descend on an island and we attract the world,” said Joy Jibrilu, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “They have the opportunity in one place to meet the region. So we have set up floor space where every single country is hoping to create new business and sell additional business.”

The Bahamas was hosting the event for the fifth time, with delegates from as far as Russia, Mexico, France, Italy, Brazil, Colombia and other countries.

“They have come because it is a great excuse to leave places where it is freezing cold and what an incredible opportunity for The Bahamas to showcase who we are, what we have to offer,” Jibrilu said.