GHTA Leaves an Indelible Impression at CHTA’s 41st Travel Marketplace
The Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) recently made a remarkable impact at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 41st Travel Marketplace held in Barbados. The event was preceded by a Travel Forum, headlined by a rousing keynote address from Barbados Prime Minister, Honorable Mia Motley, who encouraged the Caribbean region to take control of their tourism destinies in the post-COVID landscape. This message strongly resonated with GHTA’s ongoing commitment to proactive, collaborative leadership within Grenada’s tourism sector.
Key highlights of the event included informative panel sessions providing valuable industry insights for strategic planning, and colorful opening and closing ceremonies that showcased Barbados’ various aspects of hospitality. Kudos to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), and all other sponsors; the Bajan and Caribbean Pride was felt from beginning to end!
The forum also provided a plethora of learning opportunities where GHTA was able to understand the state of the industry; gaining market intelligence, trends and insights as to best strategize the way forward. Following Mia Mottley’s sterling speech, “Tourism, the key driver of generational wealth for Caribbean Nationals,” at the Caribbean Travel Forum, GHTA’s President and CEO got to shake hands with her. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of partnerships between the private and public sectors, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. She also noted that it is imperative that we all work more closely together to be “shapers and not just takers” - pertaining to the development of the tourism sector in the region. This mirrors GHTA’s mission to foster collaboration for the development of Grenada’s tourism sector.
During the Travel Marketplace, GHTA representatives seized the opportunity for invaluable networking and partnerships, promoting Grenada on the main stage in front of regional and international tour operators, agents, and media. These interactions underscored the importance of collaboration as the key to Grenada’s ongoing success in tourism. It also showcased the strength of public- private partnership as it also marked the first time GHTA shared a booth with GTA at Marketplace.
“Caribbean Travel Marketplace is a critical platform that facilitates face-to-face interactions with international wholesalers, tour operators, and agents,” stated the President, Ms. Kendra Hopkin. The CEO, Ms. Arlene Friday added, “this year, GHTA not only conducted meaningful business but also reaffirmed Grenada’s position as a major player in the Caribbean tourism sector with a united voice.”
Ultimately, last week was about creating and maintaining strategic partnerships and utilizing it to drive Grenada’s success. Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the largest annual tourism marketing event held within the Caribbean region and allows participants to reconnect and form new relationships with regional and international tourism professionals. Participation at the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace has indeed been a major triumph for GHTA and Grenada, solidifying its position in the Caribbean travel and tourism space.
In the spirit of continuous collaboration, GHTA has scheduled its upcoming members meeting on May 24th at 10:00 am at Coyaba Beach Resort Conference Room. Special guest speakers will include Minister Hon. Lennox Andrews and GTA CEO, Petra Roach. GHTA is extending an invitation to all GHTA members to join.
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