The atmosphere has been peaceful and calm at Cancun Convention center on Sunday, January 13th. This could certainly be described as the calm before the Storm.

Traditional Mexican music can be heard as exhibitors set up their stands, decorating their allocated sections with flowers, balloons, and posters in preparation for what is recognized as the biggest and the most important tourism marketing event of the year for the Caribbean region. Here at the CHA Marketplace, Tourism industry professionals will have the chance to display their latest offerings to contacts from all around the world.
Throughout the day, there has been a slow, but steady flow of industry buyers and sellers, wandering around the Convention Centre.
At 4.30pm, candidates from the tourism industry are rapidly filtering in to this grand marketing forum ready to meet contacts and do business. With an official opening ceremony at 7.00pm and a welcoming reception at 7.30pm, the tension mounts.

This year, the CHA Marketplace is celebrating its 22nd anniversary and is expected to bring together around 400 Caribbean tourism suppliers from the 36 national associations.

This event provides members of CHA with a unique opportunity to meet with qualified international buyers from approximately 35 countries

John Bell, director general and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), organiser of the regional marketing event, recently stated: “The Caribbean tourism industry, as the global travel and tourism industry at large, has been at a crossroads and in recovery since September 11th. After the initial shock and confusion, it is time for the Caribbean to get back to the business of doing business. Now more than ever, CHA Marketplace is the most important tourism marketing forum for Caribbean suppliers and buyers from worldwide markets to meet and create business opportunities for the coming season.”

Bell added that as the Caribbean is emerging as an alternative destination, especially for Europeans that traditionally travel to destinations in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf States, and North Africa, as well as the Latin American traveler who normally goes to the United States. “This has resulted in a broader database of buyers, tour operators, wholesalers, corporate and incentive meeting planners, and charter operators for CHA Marketplace 2002. It will provide Caribbean suppliers with more business opportunities,” he concluded. In addition, for the first time in 2002, incentive buyers, meeting planners, group buyers and dive shop owners will also be able to attend the marketing event as qualified buyers.

Find out the latest online trends and technological offerings at the CHA MARKETPLACE, with live coverage and exclusive interviews online at www.breakingtravelnews.com.

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