BARBADOS – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announces an exciting lineup of events for Caribbean Week 2011 in New York. From June 5 – 11, the Big Apple will take on the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean when destinations from across the region bring a slice of Caribbean life to the city. New York is welcoming the region with open arms as the iconic Empire State Building will shine brightly displaying the traditional Caribbean colors of blue, green and yellow for all to see on June 10th.
“We are thrilled to bring the Caribbean back to New York,” says Sylma Brown-Bramble, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas. “This year’s celebration is sure to be our biggest and most exciting Caribbean Week ever. The local community will get to experience why the Caribbean is the number one warm-weather destination and offers so much more than just sun and sand.”
The Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair will take place on Wednesday, June 8 at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station where admission is free for all attendees. Slated to be one of its biggest and most colorful showcases to date, attendees will be thrilled by Caribbean performers and entertainers, as well as a romantic Caribbean wedding organized in collaboration with the Global Bridal Group. In addition, the fair will offer consumers exclusive Caribbean Week deals with great savings throughout the day.
Caribbean Week will give the local community an opportunity to experience the region’s diverse culture and heritage: from its relishing cuisine – as renowned local chefs prepare flavorful dishes at various locations such as Bloomingdale’s 59th Street – to its fashionable trends at the first-ever Caribbean Fashion Show.
The list of Caribbean Week 2011 events include:
Wednesday, June 8
Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the free event is open to the general public and includes food and entertainment from various islands.
Caribbean Fashion Show – The Caribbean hits the catwalk with a vibrant runway show featuring the region’s top designers. The show will take place at Arena located on 135 West 41st Street in New York from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 9
Invest Caribbean Power Breakfast – A networking event at which venture capitalists and angel investors will share their plans, budgets and procedures for investing in the Caribbean. The “must attend” event takes place at the Marriott Marquis in New York from 7:30 am to 9:50am. It is free to Ministers, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism, with a $75 charge for all others.
Friday, June 10
· The Rhythms of the Caribbean Ball –A “barefoot” black tie affair where flip flops will be the footwear to compliment formal attire. Guests can sip their way through the region’s unique varieties of rum while enjoying the best of Caribbean food and entertainment. At The Plaza Hotel New York from 7:00 pm to midnight. Tickets start at $350 and a portion of the proceeds go to finance scholarships to Caribbean nationals pursuing careers in tourism.
Saturday, June 11
CaribbeanTales NY Film Showcase
The Caribbean hits the silver screen with this year’s film festival at the New School in Manhattan. Starting at 2pm, event is open to the general public and is free admission. Filmmaker panel discussion will immediately follow the screening.
