FIRST ANNUAL CARIBBEAN TOURISM SUMMIT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIASPORA TO CONNECT

FIRST ANNUAL CARIBBEAN TOURISM SUMMIT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIASPORA TO CONNECT

May 13, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC, May 13, 2008 – The Caribbean Diaspora community will have the opportunity to directly interact with visiting Caribbean Ministers of Tourism during Town Hall meetings organized on Sunday, June 22 in conjunction with the first Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit (ACTS). Ministers of Tourism will converse with Washington/Virginia/Maryland-based nationals in open forum discussions. The event is designed to appeal to Caribbean nationals, Caribbean-Americans, Caribbean-interest groups and young adults considering a career in tourism.

The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC), the marketing and business development unit owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has created ACTS as a major forum in which to focus on the economic future of the Caribbean region. A primary objective of ACTS is to bring the services industry in the Caribbean, of which tourism is a part, to the forefront of development discussions. The groundbreaking conference will take place at the International Trade Center at the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington, DC from June 21-24, 2008 and will celebrate Caribbean heritage while coinciding with June’s Caribbean-American Heritage Month. 

“We have designed this conference as a way to engage influencers to help grow tourism and increase investment in the Caribbean region,” said Hugh Riley, co-chief operating officer for CTDC. “At the same time, we want to celebrate the tremendous contributions of the peoples of the Caribbean and to continue raising the awareness of our brand.”

All events and activities are open to all participants who register. In addition to Town Hall Meetings, there will be:  

·         A Capital Caribbean Wedding: On Saturday, June 21, CTDC and Condé Nast Bridal Media will host a “Capital Caribbean Wedding.” The event results from Condé Nast Bridal Media’s online search for a couple with a compelling story on the theme of “When You knew Your Love was Monumental! Tell us Your Love Story or Your Picture Perfect Proposal.” The winning couple will publically exchange vows and receive a honeymoon to a romantic Caribbean destination. There’s free admission to attend the wedding, but registration is required.

·         Motivational Brunch: Founder and Senior Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Dr. Myles Munroe will provide energy and inspiration at a motivational brunch on the morning of Sunday, June 22. Known for his vision of "Transforming Followers into Leaders," Dr. Munroe has a tremendous influence on a wide range of interest groups as evidenced by the demand for his books, which are distributed in more than 80 countries. Dr. Munroe’s message will inspire attendees to work towards growth and prosperity in the Caribbean region. There is an admission fee of $35. Register online.

·         Gala Awards-Dinner & Ball: The elegant black-tie gala on Monday, June 23 will feature music from one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated music groups, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Senior government officials and prominent Caribbean personalities, including Professor Rex Nettleford and the Mighty Sparrow, will be in attendance. Contemporary luminaries from entertainment, public service and sports will be presented with awards named after famous Caribbean heroes. Ticket information at www.ACTSdc.com

·         Workshop on Small Business Investment in the Tourism Sector: Financial experts will convene on Tuesday, June 24 for an interactive workshop on how to source the funding, technical assistance and incentives offered by governments, hotel chains and investment groups to ensure greater business success. There is an admission fee of $25.

·         Rum & Rhythm Celebration: In celebration of the Caribbean region’s award-winning rums, CTDC will host Rum & Rhythm from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. The event will include a sampling of premium Caribbean rums, traditional Caribbean hospitality, and interactive displays from master distillers, authors and aficionados who will demonstrate how rum is made. An auction of exclusive Caribbean rums and exotic vacations benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation, the CTO Foundation and the CHA Education Foundation. Tickets are available at $60/person.

·               There is a package cost of $100 for the Motivational Brunch, Small Business Workshop and Rum & Rhythm Celebration.

In order to engage the attention of political leaders, financial decision-makers and investors, CTDC made the decision to concentrate its attention on Washington, DC this year, at a time that would normally have been reserved for Caribbean Week in New York. As a result, representatives of the media, Caribbean Diaspora groups and friends of the Caribbean in the New York Metropolitan area are making the trip to Washington to be part of ACTS.

“While the success of Caribbean Week in New York has been great for our region, we cannot lose track of the significance of being in the nation’s Capitol in an election year and the importance of bringing attention to the financial future of the Caribbean in the current economic climate,” said Riley. “For that reason too, we are happy to have secured Dr. Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Federal Reserve Board (1987-2006) to be the keynote speaker at ACTS on June 23rd.”

For more information on the first Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit and to register for all events,

visit: www.ACTSdc.com or call 800-603-3545. For Diaspora registration, please call 212-635-9530 or email: CTOny@caribtourism.com.

About The Caribbean Tourism Development Company
The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) is a marketing and business development unit, owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Its mission is: To own, promote, protect, advance and enhance the Caribbean brand.

The CTDC combines the resources of the Caribbean region’s destinations, accommodations and service providers to create a viable, cohesive, business unit that is able to identify commercial opportunities and allow the members of CHA and CTO to benefit collectively from those opportunities in ways that individually they could not.  In all its endeavors the company will engage only in activities that honor the Caribbean brand and benefit the members of CHA and CTO.  The CTDC may be contacted through the offices of the CTO and CHA.

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