SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CMC) — The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) says it is encouraged by the “strong” demand for registration at this month’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace less than six months after hurricanes Irma and Maria ploughed through the Lesser Antilles dealing a severe blow to the region’s tourism sector.

The CHTA said that following a meeting here last week, the demand among travel industry stakeholders to do business in the region was encouraging, given the continued interest and registration response for the annual event.

CHTA Director General

said plans for Marketplace 2018, to be held from January 30 to February 1, were now in the advanced stages, and that the association was on track to eclipse the 1,000-delegate mark before the start of the event.

“This speaks not only to the resilience of the Caribbean’s bread and butter tourism industry but also to the fortitude of the Caribbean’s people,” said Comito.

He said Puerto Rico, which was among Caribbean islands impacted by the two category 5 hurricanes last September  is on the rebound and “more than ready to host this year’s edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

The CHTA said that an estimated 500 supplier delegates from more than 200 companies across 30 countries will join another 100-plus media representatives at this year’s event.
More than 200 delegates from close to 100 buyer companies, 19 of which are new to the conference, have so far registered for the event..