FLORIDA, CMC—The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) on Monday said it will launch the inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day during this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which is scheduled to take place in Jamaica on May 23.
“I am truly excited about this year’s inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day,” said CHTA president Nicola Madden-Greig, adding that it is a further step in the association’s focus to transform its annual trade show.
She said that in 2022, CHTA debuted the Caribbean Travel Forum, focusing on the business of tourism. 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.”
The CHTA said Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day will bring delegates from various sectors, such as tourism professionals, government representatives, the media, and other travel industry stakeholders.
They will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, positively impact the local communities, and foster sustainable tourism practices.
It said that the day’s activities include agricultural linkages with tourism, and participants will visit Croydon Estate, a key supplier of fruits and vegetables for the tourism industry.
The CHTA said delegates will also participate in a beach cleanup activity and educational tour at the Montego Bay Marine Park.
“This initiative focuses on conserving and restoring coastal resources for the sustainable benefit of traditional users, the community, and the nation.”
The delegates will also visit the SOS Children’s Village in Barrett Town to assist in painting, carpentry repairs, and creating a village farming project.
The CHTA said the event will benefit the host community and serve as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices, aligning with global trends towards more responsible travel.
“Our communities and people are our secret sauce to success in the Caribbean. It is paramount to contribute meaningfully to their growth and development. We strongly encourage all delegates to sign up for this initiative and truly make a difference,” said Madden-Greig.
and then  on Monday said it will launch the inaugural Marketplace Responsible){kind=link}