There has been a surge in new buyer interest for this month’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, according to the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

The region’s leading travel trade association announced that in addition to the longstanding representation of tour operators, wholesalers and online travel agencies who attend the regional event, 15 new buyers from close to a dozen countries have registered to participate in the Caribbean’s largest marketing event.

The event will take place at Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas, from January 31st to February 2nd.

Buyers are matched with Caribbean suppliers (including hotels, tour companies and tourism departments) during a busy two-day program featuring thousands of pre-scheduled appointments.

CHTA, which had earlier reported the participation of six new buyer companies, has received confirmations from nine more companies representing countries from Britain to Bulgaria.

CHTA chief executive Frank Comito said the interest in the Caribbean from new buyers is very encouraging.

He explained: “Caribbean Travel Marketplace is a platform for our members to conduct and increase their business by meeting with buyers from all over the world.

“We look forward to some very robust discussions in the Bahamas as we position the region as the best place in the world to visit for business or leisure.”

Buyers from Argentina, The Bahamas, Canada, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Italy, Mexico and the United States will also be in attendance.