KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, is set to host the 19th staging of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) on Sustainable Tourism. The conference, which takes place from September 30 to October 4, 2010, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel will explore the theme “Tourism: Linkages for Growth.” Over the four days, delegates will examine the economic impact of tourism on development and assess the extent to which tourism stimulates other sectors of the economy.
Organizers of this popular regional media and tourism gathering have indicated that the upcoming edition of CMEx which target journalists, editors and young leaders from the Caribbean, North America and Europe as well as development specialists and representatives of the hospitality, civil society and government sectors is shaping up to be one of the most exciting.
A number of interesting panel discussions aimed at addressing linkages between the various sectors will be held. These include: faith based tourism, culture and cuisine – exploring the links with agriculture as well as tourism and education.
The conference gets underway on Friday, October 1 after a welcome reception on Thursday, September 30 at the Spanish Court Hotel. On Saturday, October 2, delegates will tour Kingston and participate in community outreach activities at Maxfield Park Children’s Home as well as Kintyre Basic School. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett will deliver the keynote address during lunch on Sunday, October 3 which will be followed by the closing dinner later that evening.
“We are excited to learn of the interest that the Kingston edition of CMEx has generated and look forward to the stimulating discussions which will ensue due to the lively and thought-provoking exchange of ideas,” said John Lynch, Director of Tourism and Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board who will open the conference on Friday, October 1. “We thank our tourism and media partners for their participation as we seek to chart the best way forward for tourism in the region.”
Conference planners have put together an interesting mix of panels and speakers to ensure all delegates attending CMEx XIX have a memorable and rewarding experience. “We are most encouraged by the support we have received throughout the Caribbean for CMEx and the region’s sustainable tourism agenda. We look forward to solution-oriented deliberations and to making a positive contribution in local communities during our visit to Jamaica,” said Bevan Springer, President of the Caribbean Media Exchange.
Since 2001, the (CMEx) has produced 18 conferences and symposia throughout the Caribbean and North America to underscore the value of the region’s largest industry, tourism, in improving the health, education, culture, environment and wealth of Caribbean communities, at home and abroad, in a sustainable fashion.
