Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Debuts Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day in Jamaica

Monday, April 15, 2024

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is set to introduce the first-ever Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day at this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, scheduled for Thursday, May 23, in Jamaica. This pioneering event is dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism with a particular emphasis on benefiting local Jamaican communities.

“I am truly excited about this year’s inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA, who added it is a further step in the association’s focus to transform its annual trade show. The president explained that in 2022 CHTA debuted the Caribbean Travel Forum, focusing on the business of tourism, and this new event allows the industry to work together on sustainable initiatives: “Delegates can build relationships that lead to more integrated and cooperative approaches to tourism development, which includes environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial, and culturally respectful practices in the travel industry.”

During the Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day, a broad spectrum of attendees, including tourism experts, government officials, journalists, and other industry stakeholders, will gather. This assembly provides a unique chance for participants to engage in activities that not only impact local communities positively but also promote sustainable tourism initiatives.

The day’s lineup includes:

• Agricultural Ties with Tourism: Attendees will tour Croydon Estate, a major provider of produce to the tourism sector. The visit will involve activities such as planting fruit trees, harvesting produce, and exploring sustainable farming techniques.
• Climate Change and Tourism: Participants will engage in a beach cleanup and educational excursion at Montego Bay Marine Park, aimed at preserving and rehabilitating coastal resources for the use and benefit of the local community and the entire nation.
• Community and Tourism: The itinerary also includes a visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Barrett Town, where participants will help with painting, carpentry, and starting a farming project at the village. Attendees are invited to donate items such as clothes, electronic tablets, and school supplies for the village children.

This event not only enriches the host community but also acts as a valuable forum for learning, sharing, and committing to responsible tourism practices, aligning with worldwide movements towards more conscientious travel.

Madden-Greig added: “Our communities and people are our secret sauce to success in the Caribbean. Being able to contribute to their growth and development in a meaningful way is paramount. We strongly encourage all delegates to sign up for this initiative and truly make a difference.”

Caribbean Travel Marketplace, taking place from May 20-23 in Montego Bay, serves as the leading event for networking and promoting the Caribbean’s vast tourism and hospitality offerings. This year, the event is poised to provide an even more engaging platform for industry professionals to connect and showcase the Caribbean’s diverse travel products and services.

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