Trio of Important Caribbean Conferences Set to Kick Off in April

Whether it’s an expo, an exchange, a marketplace, a tradeshow, or whatever other word you can use to describe a conference, April is jammed packed with some influential Caribbean showcases from the Dominican Republic to Guyana. 

Agents, operators and other representatives of the industry looking to rub elbows with some of the Caribbean's biggest players, should mark these notable events on their calendars.

STC 13 in Guyana

From April 15-18, tourism stakeholders in the Caribbean along with delegates from extra regional organizations whose work impact on the region’s tourism sector will gather in Guyana for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development.

The conference will be held under the theme, "Keeping the Right Balance," and is expected to attract more than 250 delegates who are key stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Guyana’s Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali said that the hosting of this “prestigious” event will provide a perfect platform from which the country can advance the advantages of the pooling together of the rich diversity of the Caribbean regions into a common product, which can be sustainable and attractive to the varied tourism.

Guyana is hosting the conference at an ideal time, when the country is advancing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and is on the forefront of the global struggle against climate change.

Visit www.caribbeanstc.com/register.

13th Annual Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange

The Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) announced that the 13th Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) will take place at Barcelo Palace Deluxe Convention Center from April 17-19.

At DATE 2012, agents will have the opportunity to meet with top wholesalers, tour operators, hoteliers, excursion operators and car rental companies. You'll enjoy prearranged appointments on the trade floor during the day and then shift into party-mode for nightly Caribbean-style fiestas, where you can mingle with the movers and shakers of the Dominican Republic tourism industry.

The event will take place at the newly renovated all-inclusive Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana. The property is getting praise for its new rooms and tropical ambience.

As a further enticement to attend, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are offering specially discounted air for DATE 2012 attendees.

The registration fee for DATE is $200 per buyer delegate. The registration fee provides credentials, one Directory of Participants per company, pre-scheduled appointments during DATE and attendance at officially scheduled DATE functions.

Visit www.drdate.net/app/frontpage.aspx

The 16th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC)

The 16th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) is geared to emphasize the need for public and private sector partnerships in order to maximize investment opportunities in the Caribbean tourism industry. CHTIC is scheduled for April 24-26 at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The comprehensive conference program provides delegates with all of the necessary tools including attracting the capital from financial institutions and utilizing partnerships with the public sector. The program is designed to provide investors with ample opportunities in the region and put tourism related businesses in the best possible position as the economy continues to rebound.

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has arranged a special group rate of $165 available through March 29  at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino. Taxes and service charges are additional.

CHTA has also partnered with American Airlines to provide conference delegates with a five-percent discount off any applicable published fares listed on American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection for travel to San Juan, April 21-30. Reservations can be made via www.aa.com or via the local reservations number using promotion code 8442BG.

Visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/events-chtic/event-CHTIC-about.php.