CORAL GABLES, FL | Destination marketing executives, hoteliers and tour wholesalers are coming together in large numbers to the Caribbean in January to deal with the economic downturn and its adverse impact on arrivals to the region. With just seven weeks until Caribbean Marketplace 2009, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is reporting that registrations for buyer and supplier delegates has increased 6% over the same time last year with nearly 1,000 delegates to-date despite the depressed economy.

Caribbean Marketplace 2009, hosted by CHTA along with the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association and the St. Lucia Tourist Board, is heading to the Eastern Caribbean for the first time Jan. 18-20, 2009 in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. Showing additional support, American Express® and Virgin Holidays are presenting sponsors for the event.

Appointment-seeking delegates need to register by Dec. 12, 2008 in order to be included in the computerized scheduling process with over 300 qualified buyers from more than 20 countries worldwide. Registration forms can be downloaded by visiting http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/Marketplace.php.

"It is vital that anyone conducting business within the Caribbean region - tour operators, wholesalers, hoteliers - participate in Caribbean Marketplace 2009, the essential marketing event for the region," said Alec Sanguinetti, CEO and director general of CHTA. "It is clear by the increase in advance registrations that our members and partners are coming together to deal with the impact of the world's economic downturn on our tourism industry and develop solutions together for moving forward," Sanguinetti added.

Recognizing that cash is tight during the difficult economic times, CHTA is arranging to take unsold rooms from hoteliers as payment for booths and registration fees. For complete details, hoteliers should e-mail [email protected]

At Caribbean Marketplace 2008, there were over 1,000 supplier delegates representing 381 supplier companies from 32 countries in addition to the 369 buyer delegates from 148 companies representing 22 countries.

Caribbean Marketplace provides a forum for business meetings that match buyers and suppliers through a computerized program of appointments, making it much easier to conduct business. In 2008, CHTA pre-scheduled 16,172 appointments before the start of last year's Caribbean Marketplace. Buyers are wholesalers and tour operators and must qualify to attend the event.

Buyer registration remains at the same price as last year at $299 per person; the supplier delegate fee is $429 per person. Registration includes pre-scheduled appointments (if registration is received before Dec. 12, 2008), listing in the electronic Delegate Directory, two buffet lunches, opening cocktail reception, buffet dinner and entertainment at the Caribbean Night event, entrance to all business and social functions, and shuttle bus service between host hotels and Caribbean Marketplace venues. Hotel accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee for buyers or suppliers.

Supplier participation at Caribbean Marketplace 2009 requires the purchase of a booth. Booth rentals are priced as follows: $610 per hotel for a small shared booth (two small hotels share 6 ft. x 8 ft. space), $1,010 for a small booth (6 ft. x 8 ft.), $1,910 for a large booth (8 ft. x 8 ft.) and $2,210 for a mega booth (10 ft. x 8 ft.).

CHTA has arranged for special hotel rates for Caribbean Marketplace delegates at a number of hotels throughout St. Lucia. The deadline for special hotel rates is Dec. 12, 2008. For a complete list of host hotels and reservation procedures, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/Marketplace.php.

All business meetings will take place in a fully air-conditioned temporary structure that is being erected in Gros Islet beside The Landings. The business floor will be 67,000 sq. ft., which is 50% larger than the floor at the Atlantis Paradise Island (last year's venue for the event), accommodating over 400 booths representing more than 500 hotel and tourism companies.

In addition to CHTA and St. Lucia, sponsors of Caribbean Marketplace 2009 include: American Express, Caribbean Travel & Life, Choice Hotels International, Interval International, Utell, Starwood Caribbean Collection, Tropical Shipping and Virgin Holidays.

For complete details or to register for Caribbean Marketplace 2009, call CHTA at 305-443-3040, e-mail: [email protected]. or visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/Marketplace.php.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) aims to facilitate the full potential of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry by serving members' needs and building partnerships in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. CHTA was founded in 1962; it is the voice of the Caribbean hospitality industry for the development of the region in the highly competitive and sophisticated environment of international tourism. Today, tourism is widely recognized as a pivotal industry in the economy of the region - and CHTA functions as the common denominator for this industry in a region of diverse nationalities, languages and styles, identifying mutual problems and marshalling the resources of the active and allied members to devise solutions. CHTA represents all facets of the hospitality industry with more than 800 member hotels and 750 allied members.

For more information, visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

Theresa M. Oakes
KTCpr
(516) 594-4100
CHTA

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