The Caribbean Tourism Organization has
announced the dates and theme for its 30th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference which will take place in Puerto Rico Oct. 19-24, with business
meetings Oct. 19-21 and the conference sessions taking place Oct. 21-24.The theme of this year’s conference is:
THE NEXT GENERATION:
LEARNING FROM THE PAST, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
For the third year in a row, conference participants will earn continuing education
credits through George Washington University for attending the CTC Master Classes.
Master Classes involve in-depth study of topics affecting the tourism industry using
case studies and best-practices. They are designed for travel agents as well as
general delegates.
Other program highlights include hotel and site inspections for travel agents,
destination spotlight presentations for agents, specialized workshops, and the very
popular Condé Nast Traveler “My Caribbean Essay Contest” and the Travel + Leisure
“Youth Congress.”
In addition, there are guided product tours for general delegates, media activities
presented by the host venue and by other CTO member countries, and awards events -
including the Fifth Annual Travel Writer and Photographer Awards and the Third
Annual Creativity in Travel Awards for travel agents.
A series of business meetings involving Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, the
Board of Directors and various CTO committees will immediately precede the
conference beginning on Oct. 19 with the Conference Opening Keynote Address taking
place on Sunday Oct. 21.
The conference is the Caribbean region’s premier caucus of tourism decision-makers
and an important event on the calendar of tourism practitioners and individuals
doing business with the Caribbean.
This year, CTO expects to host over 600 tourism industry officials representing
Caribbean governments, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, travel agents, tour
operators, strategic partners and media representatives from around the world.

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, offers the best of a tropical island rooted in
over 500 years of history and authentic Latin culture with the benefits of being a
domestic destination where English is widely spoken and the currency is the U.S.
dollar. Puerto Rico invites leisure and business travelers to experience the
Island’s diverse activities including golf, scuba, nature, adventure, relaxation,
nightlife and its internationally recognized culinary scene. Puerto Rico also boasts
the largest and most technologically advanced Convention Center in the Caribbean.
For travel between Puerto Rico and the United States, No Passport Is Required.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), founded in 1970, is a public corporation
responsible for stimulating, promoting and regulating the development of the tourism
industry. It markets Puerto Rico as a tourism destination through advertising,
public relations and promotional activities; promotes tourism among local residents;
provides visitor orientation and technical assistance to investors; evaluates
tourism facilities and establishes standards of quality; and regulates and oversees
gaming operations. PRTC has offices and representatives in the U.S. mainland,
Canada, Europe and Latin America.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company offers an online reservation system for a variety of
accommodations including Paradores. For additional information about Puerto Rico,
call (800) 866-7827 or visit
http://pull.xmr3.com/p/115-5239/16073326/http-www.gotopuertorico.com-.html.
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