MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- THE Federation’s hoteliers and other stakeholders benefited tremendously from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Authority’s 42nd Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The event provided a platform for engagement with regional and international partners.
Held at the Montego Bay Convention Center, the 2024 Marketplace featured over 1,200 delegates and 50 media representatives. The St. Kitts and Nevis contingent actively engaged with participants, promoting business opportunities and showcasing the island.
“It has been a really busy time,” said Ellison 'Tommy' Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, in an interview with SKNVibes News in Montego Bay.
During the two days of meetings, the Federation’s contingent held over 40 sessions with stakeholders. They met with new tour operators and reinforced partnerships with existing ones.
“We also had the opportunity to speak with some of the airlines about flying into St. Kitts, especially regional carriers. We had meetings with CAL, InterCaribbean, and Sunrise. It was really good having everyone here because I also had to deal some issues with other Caribbean countries,” revealed Thompson.
Throughout the week, exhibitors from more than 20 destinations showcased their offerings and engaged with critical stakeholders to bolster arrivals and support the hotel sector within the region.
Thompson emphasized that the engagements were not a one-time effort expecting immediate results. Instead, some meetings would bring short-term benefits while others require continued discussions with the parties present at the Marketplace.
“This is part of the marketing mix that the tourism authority goes with," Thompson said. "We have established contacts and will decide on marketing plans moving forward. We updated them on our progress and plans,” Thompson explained.
The meetings strengthened the Tourism Authority’s efforts to increase airlift to the destination, with projected business expected to rise as a result.
