Latest news with #CHTA
Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Anguilla promotes tourism product at CHTA Marketplace
Anguilla tourism officials promoted the destination at CHTA Marketplace in Antigua, highlighting sustainability, market growth, and new travel trade opportunities. THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – A delegation from Anguilla's tourism sector, led by the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism, participated in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in St. John's, Antigua. In attendance were the newly appointed Director of Tourism, Jameel Rochester, Deputy Director of Tourism, Chantelle Richardson, and Board Director, Sean Richard of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). The Anguilla delegation also comprised of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association Vice President, Sandra Richardson, CEO Cherecia Lewis, Hoteliers Will Fleming of Anguilla Great House, Rolf Masshardt and Lockhart Hughes of Carimar Beach Club and Sally Glen of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. As part of the official proceedings, the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports, and Tourism, had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne, and the Minister of Tourism and Investment, the Hon. Charles Fernandez. The CHTA Marketplace, recognized as the region's premier tourism marketing event, was held in Antigua for the first time. Along with a two-day tradeshow, the event showcased the Caribbean tourism product offerings and featured regional group meetings, a Travel Forum, and a Direct Booking Summit for hotels. According to CHTA, nearly 800 delegates, 173 suppliers from 25 Caribbean destinations, and 83 buyer companies from 16 international markets – including Canada, the United States, Argentina, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the UAE – were in attendance. The 9,000 meetings generated new opportunities. As the Anguilla Tourist Board engaged in productive discussions with members of the travel trade, primarily tour operators and trade and consumer media professionals Anguilla formed part of the destination briefing, as Hon. Cardigan Connor delivered an overview of Anguilla's pathway for tourism excellence at the press conference for the international media in attendance. Minister Connor emphasized the island's commitment to cultivating a tourism sector that balances economic develop and authenticity, while ensuring that Anguilla remains a premier and sustainable travel destination. The delivery also provided the media with an overview of Anguilla's market performance, destination statistics and growth, airlift development, tourism investments, digital innovation, and sports tourism. 'We remain passionate and dedicated to enhancing Anguilla's tourism experiences,' said Minister Connor. 'Thanks to the continued support of our stakeholders, travel partners, and the media, Anguilla maintains its position as a premier destination in the Caribbean,' he added.
Travel Daily News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Teri Helenese urges unified Caribbean strategy to boost tourism
USVI's Teri Helenese urges Caribbean unity, strategic partnerships, and bold marketing to grow regional tourism market share beyond current limits. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Teri Helenese, the U.S. Virgin Islands' Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative, is calling on Caribbean nations to unite with urgency and purpose to grow the region's global tourism market share, which has long remained under three percent despite a strong post-pandemic recovery. Speaking against the backdrop of mounting global economic uncertainty, Helenese warned that continued growth cannot be taken for granted. 'The U.S. Virgin Islands has outpaced pre-pandemic levels, and the wider Caribbean is seeing strong momentum, but we can't afford to be complacent,' she said. 'Now is the time to double down on strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.' Helenese commended the USVI Department of Tourism for its engagement with organizations like the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), and the newly revitalized Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), noting that such alliances are critical to building a stronger, more coordinated Caribbean presence on the world stage. Her remarks follow the release of the CTO's 'Caribbean Tourism Performance Review 2024', which reported an estimated 34.2 million international tourist arrivals to the region – a 6.1 percent increase over 2023 and nearly seven percent above 2019 levels. The U.S. Virgin Islands was among top performers, recording a 41.8 percent growth in stayover visitors compared with pre-pandemic benchmark numbers. 'Global tourism is rebounding, but it's uneven. Major markets like the U.S., China and Germany are slowing. If we want to stay ahead, the Caribbean must think and act collectively,' she said, referencing recent World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data showing record travel spend globally but a divergence in recovery patterns. She called for greater intra-Caribbean connectivity, improved infrastructure, and a unified branding approach that speaks to the region's rich cultural diversity while promoting its shared strengths. Echoing CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, Helenese said the Caribbean's continued growth is a testament to the region's resilience and collaboration – but its future will be shaped by the decisions leaders make today. 'The global tourism pie is growing, and we deserve a bigger slice,' she said. 'But we'll only get there by moving forward together and activating a bold, regional marketing strategy. In today's digital era, we have the tools to make it happen,' she added. 'A rising tide lifts all sails – a stronger U.S. Virgin Islands, a stronger St. Lucia, Barbados, and Jamaica, means a stronger Caribbean. When one of us wins, we all win – that's the mindset we need as we navigate this period of global recalibration.'
