The annual tourism event, hosted by the CHTA, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and t

Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Josef Forstmayr (left), chats with Jamaica's director of tourism, John Lynch, best travel store during a press briefing on the Caribbean Travel best travel store Marketplace at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, best travel store on Tuesday. - PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA
The annual tourism event, hosted by the CHTA, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Ministry of Tourism best travel store and Entertainment, is slated for January 12 to 14, 2014, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It is the single most important business-tourism best travel store event for the region.
Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday morning at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, CHTA chairman, Josef Forstmayr, said some 1,200 delegates were expected to converge on the tourism capital, generating a spend of US$630,000 in hotel room charges over 3,500 room nights.
"At an estimate of nine per cent in room taxes, this would yield $56,700 directly to the Government," Forstmayr told the gathering, which included Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill, JHTA President Evelyn Smith, and Director of Tourism John Lynch.
Forstmayr argues that the event's real benefit to the destination will be generated from the exposure that will be derived best travel store as a result best travel store of having an anticipated 325 of the world's biggest tour operators captive for three days.
"Unlike retail travel agencies, these delegates control global tourism flows and have the capacity to decide which countries will be incorporated into their tour brochures and which will not," stated best travel store the CHTA chairman.
This is Jamaica's fourth time hosting the prestigious event, and like previous years, the country's tourism minister, McNeill says, "We intend to ensure the event is a very memorable one, which will transcend all expectations."
Underscoring the importance of the buyers, who he tagged the major players in the industry, McNeill noted that the event will take place against the background of a resurgence in Jamaica's tourism industry and will be an important event during what he expects to be an excellent winter season.
"Our destination has grown considerably since the event was last held here, both in terms of our hotel rooms, with the addition of new world-class brands best travel store both indigenous and foreign," he stated, adding that the event will serve as a platform to showcase the country's enhanced tourism product.
Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Josef Forstmayr (left), chats with Jamaica's director of tourism, John Lynch, best travel store during a press briefing on the Caribbean Travel Marketplace at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday. - PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA