TORONTO, Canada – Canada’s version of Caribbean Week is being held in Toronto from Thursday, October 12 through Sunday, October 15, 2006. Caribbean Week will be a celebration of the sights, sounds, colours, cultural and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean.
“New York has been successfully producing Caribbean week for many years”, states Susan Webb who represents the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in Canada, “and the CTO’s intention is to duplicate its success and continue to keep the Caribbean upper most in the trade and consumer’s travel plans this season.”
Tourism Officials, the media, artists, performers, sponsors and strategic partners will converge on Toronto for a week of Caribbean hospitality and vacation special offers. Arranged by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Week combines business meetings and sponsored events with food, entertainment and a Caribbean wedding!
The main objectives for Caribbean Week are to:
• Provide high profile vehicles to showcase Caribbean products
• Create events which will attract significant media and consumer attention by presenting the best of the Caribbean
• Provide a heightened awareness of the Caribbean region in Canada
“The response to the many events planned has been excellent. We have received commitments from tourist offices, airlines, hotel companies, tour operators and travel agency partners.” Susan continued, “there is limited space still available, so don’t miss being involved and promoting your product to travel agents and the consumer.”
The events over just a few days to showcase the Caribbean region include:
Thursday, October 12
Venue: The Carlu
10-2 pm Ribbon cutting opening ceremony, Media Marketplace & VIP luncheon for Sponsors, CTO government officials, Media, VIPs & Partners
3-5:30 pm Travel Agent training sessions showcasing the new CTO eTraining Program
6-10 pm Agent Carnival & mini marketplace showcasing Caribbean foods, music and entertainment.
Agents will be able to register in advance for the training sessions and Caribbean Carnival event.
Friday, October 13
Venue: The Carlu
DoItCaribbean wedding (promotion) followed by a Champagne Reception for the lucky winning couple. In conjunction with Today’s Bride magazine, the CTO is offering a lucky couple the chance to have their wedding paid for and select their Caribbean honeymoon destination!
‘Governments of the Caribbean’ black tie Gala. Cocktail reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner, steel/pan drum demonstration, award winning salsa dancing exhibition and dancing all night to the beat of a Caribbean band are on the agenda. All this fun and the proceeds go to the CTO Foundation, offering scholarships to youth of the Caribbean.
Saturday, October 14
Venue: The Ontario Science Centre
10-5 pm The Caribbean Marketplace is open to the public. Representatives from the Caribbean destinations, airlines, tour operators, hotels will be on hand to assist with choosing the perfect Caribbean vacation. Travel agents will also be available to actually book vacations at special Caribbean Week prices. The event will also highlight the “best” of the Caribbean from tasting island delicacies to entertainment and dance demonstrations. Travel Agents will also get to meet key Caribbean suppliers and tourist board representatives and get updated information to help them promote the Caribbean to their clients.
Sunday, October 15
Venue: Cathedral Church of St. James
4:30 – 6:00 pm A special service is being held at the prestigious Cathedral Church of St. James. The program includes the gospel music of the popular Chorale of Toronto. The celebration will be presided over by The Very Reverend Douglas Stoute. Everyone is welcome to this event.
Many of the event particulars are still being finalized.
