The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Is Launching a Travel Advisor Program
Vanessa Ledesma, acting CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), said the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Travel Advisor Program is expected to be launched this summer.
“The program, currently being finalized, will include educational sessions supported by destinations and CHTA member hotels and resorts, showcasing the unique and diverse offerings of the region,” said Ledesma.
Incentives will be provided to encourage business collaboration with the Caribbean, and ongoing lines of communication between advisors and the region will be strengthened.
“CHTA executed a successful pilot program in the Bahamas prior to the pandemic,” said Ledesma, “which received positive feedback from the 12 luxury travel advisors who participated.”
Despite pandemic-related delays, CHTA engaged with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), aiding in the region’s recovery by providing updated information on opening statuses and travel requirements.
“The upcoming Caribbean travel advisor program will bolster the database of advisors interested in the Caribbean and provide opportunities for participation at Caribbean Travel Marketplace and other CHTA events,” she said.
And why is that so vital to Caribbean tourism?
“Travel advisors play a critical role in driving tourism growth in the Caribbean,” said Ledesma. “With their extensive expertise and dedication to personalized service, they establish important connections between travelers and our destinations, helping to advance the region’s sustainable development goals and positively impacting the quality of life for Caribbean residents.”
And it will ultimately lead to a significant amount of advisors being invited to next year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace event, she said,
Although Ledesma didn’t say the exact number of advisors who will be invited to next year’s event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica, she said it will be the first time this many advisors will be invited to the event.
