Caribbean destinations can begin getting ready for the next international dive event in the United Kingdom. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) UK Chapter has begun planning for the London International Dive Show scheduled to be held in March 2004.
“The dive market continues to be a strong seller out of the United Kingdom with new sales opportunities developing each year,” Anne McGonigle, manager of the CTO UK Chapter reported. “CTO has developed a consolidated presence in this market and intends to build upon the successes to date,” stated Ms. McGonigle, adding that the Chapter’s 2003 niche marketing plan called for a coordinated presence at the London and Birmingham Dive Shows.For the third consecutive year the Caribbean had a significant presence at the Birmingham show which took place on November 15 and 16. Twenty-two Caribbean destinations, including the private sector, exhibited at a Caribbean Village designed and coordinated by CTO at the event,  organised by DIVER, the UK’s best selling and most respected diving magazine.“All stand holders in the Caribbean Village had the opportunity to participate in a Sunset Hour during the final hour of each day, with many samplings of local beverages taking place,” said Ms. McGonogle. “To add that extra Caribbean touch we also arranged for some musical entertainment within the Caribbean Village, with a Cuban band and steel band playing throughout the two days in a specially constructed beach setting, with sand, palm trees, table and chairs.“We also received a great deal of interest in our competition that was held in association with the Grenada Board of Tourism, the Calabash Hotel, Scubatech and Excel Airways,” she said.Some 320 of the industry’s leading suppliers of destinations, diving equipment and training participated in the two-day show which attracted 16,924 visitors.
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