Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) unveils exciting schedule of events for Caribbean Week in New York
NEW YORK – The Caribbean will continue to weave its vibrancy, skill, talent and expertise into New York City’s fabric when the region’s tourism development agency hosts Caribbean Week in New York from 3-9 June, 2012.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled an exciting schedule of events in celebration of the annual Caribbean Week in New York, with pageantry, festivities, nuptials and more, filled with the warmth, spirit and elegance that makes the Caribbean the world’s most desirable warm weather destination.
“Caribbean Week is one of the most important activities on the tourism calendar in New York and we have developed an exciting, multi-faceted programme that engages the public and tourism industry representatives on several levels,” said Sylma Brown, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas.
“In addition to a schedule of vital business meetings, we have created an attractive programme that will thrill New Yorkers and visitors to the Big Apple, and engender a sense of pride in the Caribbean Diaspora, with the vibrant cuisine, art, music, culture and fashion, as well as special holiday offers that the Caribbean is known for,” Ms. Brown added.
Events scheduled for Caribbean Week include:
Sunday 3 June, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Gospel Celebration – A Tribute to Caribbean Unity
A special Gospel Celebration, with motivational messages and a concert programme featuring a range of Caribbean performers. This event is open to the public.
Monday, 4 June, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Trade Show & Educational Seminar for Travel Agents
Yale Club
This event will expose CTO member destinations to some of the top selling travel agents in New York. It’s an opportunity for the member countries to interact with these travel agents and share latest developments.
Tuesday, 5 June, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Student Colloquium
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
Caribbean tourism stars of tomorrow get an opportunity to shine in one of the most compelling events at Caribbean Week. Students from universities in the US and the Caribbean challenge each other on sustainable tourism issues in a free-style presentation format.
Tuesday, 5 June, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Diaspora Forum
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
Visiting Caribbean tourism officials and policy-makers discuss matters of mutual interest with the Diaspora. The CTO will also provide an update on its Rediscover Home programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Caribbean Diaspora and the region. The Forum will be immediately followed by Caribbean Tales film presentations and discussions.
The audience will comprise a cross-section of Caribbean nationals and friends of the Caribbean, including young adults keen on entering the tourism profession.
Wed. 6 June, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
Private equity investors in the region will tell their “Why the Caribbean” story to other investors and other attendees, including Minister, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism, in a forum organized in collaboration with Hard Beat Communications.
Wed. 6 June, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair & Wedding
Grand Central Terminal
A day-long festival of delicious food, fun, flair and romance, the Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, Vacation Mart, and Wedding will inspire the spirit and tantalize the palate on Wednesday, 6 June at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall in Manhattan. Throughout the day consumers will experience virtually every aspect of the Caribbean by visiting individual country booths for food samples, vacation experiences, and a variety of cultural presentations. Other highlights include a live Caribbean Wedding, in conjunction with the Bridal Media Group. Additionally, consumers will have the opportunity to purchase holidays on-site, specially priced for Caribbean Week.
Thursday 7 June, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Media Marketplace
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
Media Marketplace is expected to attract well over 100 key journalists from a wide range of travel media. This annual event, which will take place at the Marriott Marquis’ Marquis Ballrooms A, B, and C, provides each CTO member government with the opportunity to interact with writers and photographers from trade and consumer media.
Additionally, a host of tourism industry partners, including hoteliers, tour operators and airlines participate each year and use this as a valuable networking opportunity. Typically, information from this event reaches the public through interviews conducted by representatives of both the print and electronic media, who are eager to know what’s new and different in the Caribbean.
Friday, 8 June, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Allied Members Caribbean Marketing Conference & Awards Luncheon
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
Sponsored by the CTO Allied Members and the Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME), the 18th Annual Caribbean Marketing Conference and Awards Luncheon will bring together the most influential policy makers, marketing professionals, and tourism industry officials to interact and discuss cutting edge tourism trends and marketing opportunities for the region. A panel of experts, including senior tourism industry representatives from the private sector, will share their varied experience on the subject. A creative presentation, audience interactivity, and case studies will enhance this all-inclusive session, which begins with breakfast and ends with an awards luncheon.
Friday, 8 June, 2:30pm – 3:30 pm
CTO Press Conference
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
The CTO Press Conference will include comments on the status of Caribbean tourism, highlights emerging from Caribbean Week, and upcoming events including the State of the Industry Conference scheduled for St. Kitts in October.
Friday, 8 June4, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Rum & Rhythm
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, New York (Times Square)
The spirits of the Caribbean come alive at this fine event of Caribbean culture and elegance. Rum & Rhythm brings together everything that is unique and appealing about the Caribbean. This spirit-filled, lively event will feature samplings of Caribbean cuisine and award-winning Caribbean rums. Guests will also enjoy distinctive rum-based cocktails, all against the splendid backdrop of Caribbean cultural performances. Guests will also have the opportunity to win door prizes and outbid their competitors for a chance at a wide range of Auction items, including hotel stays in the Caribbean.
Tickets for Rum & Rhythm and special sponsorship packages may be obtained by contacting CTO’s New York office at 212-635-9530. Proceeds from this event will benefit the CTO Foundation, which provides scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing tourism-related studies.
Saturday, 9 June
Caribbean Fashion, Trade and Art Show
Location (tbd)
The creativity of Caribbean Fashion Designers will come down the runway in exquisite style. This event, produced by Face of Fashion, will provide a platform for Caribbean designers, models, artists and other creative and talented individuals to showcase their creations to a fashion-savvy and art-loving audience.
Tickets for this event may be obtained through the CTO”s New York Office at 212-635-9530.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the CTO Foundation, which provides scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing tourism related studies.
