Governments, private sector bodies, hotels and tourism agencies are to discuss 2012 and beyond.
The Caribbean Marketplace convention takes place at Atlantis, Nassau from 22-24 January and is an opportunity for the industry to get together.
Nadia Hardie, director of sales at the Sunshine Suites resort, said it was an excellent chance to catch up with international buyers, particularly from the United Kingdom, Canada and Latin America.
“We get to meet up with most of the USA wholesalers at the Cayman Islands Tourism Exchange in Cayman in May, but the others don’t tend to come to this,” she told the Compass. “We have official meetings scheduled which is where the main business is conducted. We review the previous year as well as what can be done for coming seasons. In addition to meeting with current wholesaler partners, you also have the ability to meet and establish potential new business with world wide travel partners. By meeting at this time of year its great to really try to get a feel for the state of the market across the various feeder markets.”
Relationship marketing
Paul Robinson, marketing director at The Reef, is a long-term attendee at the conference.
“I think the biggest thing is the continuation of relationship marketing. It is nice to sit with your suppliers and hear what they have to say about the destination, how it compares to others, how their company sees business going forward.
“When you have been doing this as long as I have, you know most or all of the major players. We have time to enjoy each others company in a relaxed environment.”
The networking aspect of the convention and conference allows time to make contacts and meet hoteliers from other locations, who may be experiencing similar problems or issues.
“I hope to really get a positive feel for the way in which 2012 is shaping up,” Ms. Hardie said. “During these uncertain times, it’s by talking to the people at the forefront that can give us a clear idea of the state of the world tourism market.
“This helps me set rates and promotions for the remainder of the year. It really helps us determine the confidence levels that the buyers are showing, which they can gauge from their overall travel numbers.”
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is also expected to be represented at the convention.
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It should also be noted that The Retreat at Lookout in Bodden Town is shortlisted for an award for Responsible Tourism (they won last year) at The TravelMole Caribbean Web Awards 2012 at The Atlantis this weekend too. This is a joint effort between TravelMole and CHTA.