Responding to great demand for in-person, face-to-face interaction after the pandemic, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) hosted the 40th anniversary edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace for regional suppliers and global buyers. The event took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from October 3 to 5, 2022. Suppliers from Anguilla to the Virgin Islands were in attendance. Just one day prior to the event, CHTA launched the inaugural Caribbean Travel Forum at the Caribe Hilton Hotel to highlight the achievements of its members.

According CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, the Caribbean has shifted from recovery to a growth mode, with affluent travelers driving this upward trend. To continue on this path, she advised CHTA members to advocate for responsible and sustainable policies. Ms. Madden-Greig considers regional and multi-destination growth within the region as another opportunity for expansion. Two stunners are the islands of Curaçao and Bonaire, which in Q3 of 2022 registered a 120 and 110 percent growth for premium class arrivals.

What stood out at the event were the many ways in which Caribbean islands and nations have shown resilience. One island that definitely proved its mettle was Puerto Rico, which hosted the event without a glitch just two weeks after Hurricane Fiona. Islands have been very creative in highlighting their assets. The Cayman Islands advertising campaign “Dream in Cayman” has local models gracefully posing for underwater photographs deep along the ocean floor. Bonaire's sustainable "Earthonauts" initiative aims to convince space enthusiasts like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson to put their astro-ambitions on hold and encourage people to focus on responsible exploration of the Earth.

All of the participating islands and nations agreed that a Caribbean vacation means more than just sun, sand, and sea. Travelers are increasingly interested in connecting with local communities. Tourist offices from the Bahamas to Trinidad and Tobago are working with local enterprises to create authentic experiences so visitors can invest back in communities.