The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2021 conference will be held virtually. 

The 2021 edition of what has long been one of the region’s leading tourism gatherings will be held online from May 11-14. 

Marketplace organizers are working on an agenda that will allow participants more time to engage with tour operators, travel advisors, partners, trade and consumer media, according to CHTA Acting CEO Vanessa Ledesma. 

“This virtual edition of Marketplace provides access to the world with no restrictions, and opens the event to a broader audience as the logistics,” Ledesma said. “There will be pre-Marketplace components that will help global buyers to gain a better understanding of the destinations and suppliers, and to receive briefings on entry requirements and safety protocols.”

This year’s event will be four days, rather than the typical two. 

“It’s longer than usual because the online format allows us to incorporate supplemental elements without impacting the core buying and selling appointments,” Ledesma said. 

In crafting this year’s program, she said the CHTA had reviewed feedback from attendees of previous Marketplace conferences and looked at other virtual events to incorporate best practices. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to develop and execute an event that is representative of our diverse culture and legendary hospitality. Caribbean Travel Marketplace has been a groundbreaker in its 39 years, having held some of the most iconic and memorable events in the region,” Ledesma said. “We are ready to showcase the region and our diverse product offerings to the world virtually.”

Last year’s event was held at the Baha Mar in The Bahamas. 

For more, visit Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2021.

— CJ