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| The Bahamas Set to
Host ‘Important’ CHA Conference |
By: Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
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| Vernice Walkine,
Director General of the Ministry of Tourism and
Aviation announced, on December 19, 2007, that The
Bahamas would host the Caribbean Hotel Association
Marketplace 2008 from January 13 – 15, 2008 at the
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. (BIS Photo by:
Derek Smith) |
NASSAU, Bahamas ---
Wednesday, December 19, 2007.
The Caribbean Hotel Association Marketplace 2008 will be
held from January 13 – 15, 2008, at the Atlantis Resort,
Paradise Island. The last time this event was held in The
Bahamas was in 2000.
“In excess of 1,500 buyers and suppliers of tourism products
in the region are expected to attend this premier Tourism
Marketplace,” Ms. Walkine said. “The event attracts
international buyers and suppliers of Caribbean tourism
products from 35 countries and a large number of
international trade press representatives.”
The Caribbean Hotel Association Marketplace brings together
in one location the major industry buyers and suppliers
inclusive of hoteliers, airlines, car rental companies and
ground handlers with qualified tour operators and
wholesalers, the Director General explained.
Also in attendance at the press conference were Director
General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel
Association Alec Sanguinetti and Executive Vice President of
the Bahamas Hotel Association Frank Comito.
Expedia,
Travelocity, GoGo Vacations, Travel Impressions/American
Express Vacations, American Airlines Vacations, US Airways
Vacations and Delta Vacations will all be in attendance at
the Marketplace. |
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| Left to Right -
Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel
Association Frank Comito; Director General of
Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
Vernice Walkine and Director General and Chief
Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel Association
Alec Sanguinetti. (BIS Photo by: Derek Smith) |
Ms. Walkine said all of these companies generate
multi-million dollars in revenues to the region and the
Caribbean wishes them to continue to increase their
business.
“Over the course of the Marketplace, buyers and suppliers
will meet face-to-face to discuss existing contracts,
develop new packages and enter contracts for future
business.”
Ms. Walkine explained that the success of the negotiations
during Marketplace 2008 will translate into resort bookings
to the various Caribbean destinations inclusive of The
Bahamas over the next 12 months.
“We are pleased that the event is happening in The Bahamas,
as it provides an opportunity for us to have the buyers and
sellers of our multiple-island destinations experience first
hand the variety and diversity of the islands of The
Bahamas.
“The hosting of Marketplace 2008,” Ms. Walkine said,
“represents for the Islands of The Bahamas a singular
opportunity to showcase many of our resort properties along
with our touristic attractions, resort amenities and
cultural and heritage sites to a group of people who are
responsible for a significant amount of our annual tourism
bookings.”
Mr. Sanguinetti noted that this year has been a challenging
one for the Caribbean.
“Today’s traveller is far more sophisticated because of the
wealth of information readily available to them just through
the Internet,” Mr. Sanguinetti said. “Therefore, their
ability to make choices from far greater alternatives than
they had years ago is part of the difficulties and part of
the competition we face.”
He also explained that while world tourism is growing,
Caribbean tourism is remaining stagnant.
“We had very little growth in 2006, about one per cent based
on figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, and we
are not anticipating much of a change to that this year.
“So this event gives us the opportunity to really
demonstrate to the right now over 134 buyer companies from
35 countries around the world that we are competitive and we
have an excellent product.”
Mr. Sanguinetti also noted that buyer companies from the 35
countries also include emerging markets like Russia,
Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland.
He explained that the event is not a trade show, but instead
is two days of business appointments, which is scheduled by
a computer. He added that a record number of appointments
are expected this year.
Mr. Comito said a number of entities including several
ministries and three promotional boards have partnered
together to make the Marketplace a successful one.
He also noted that most of the member hotels of the BHA will
be represented, and individuals will have the opportunity to
explore upgrades at hotel sites on the islands of The
Bahamas.
Mr. Comito noted a number of press and buyers and suppliers
will be coming earlier and leaving later to be able to taste
and experience The Bahamas in another way.
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