Gay Nagle Myers
NASSAU -- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) introduced a new initiative at its annual Marketplace, held at Baha Mar here last week, that included top-tier, Caribbean-selling travel agents from the U.S.
The advisers were invited to meet with hoteliers, attractions, local tour companies and other suppliers from the Caribbean region and provide feedback on the event.
"Over the years CHTA has discussed how we could incorporate the travel agent industry into our Marketplace event," said Karen Whitt, the CHTA's president-elect. "We had a lot of different ideas on how this could be done successfully, including having a small group of them attend the conference to see what goes on and reap the benefits of the new contacts made during their meetings with suppliers."
"We decided to test it out at this year's Marketplace and invited a select group of 13 agents from across the U.S., some of whom specialize in weddings and the luxury market," Whitt said. "The response from tour operators has been so positive, and the Caribbean suppliers, too, were excited."
The advisors trailed buyers as they made their rounds on the trade show floor during appointment sessions with suppliers, participated in site inspections at hotels and attended CHTA workshops, meetings and social events.
"We'll see how it works out and get their reactions during our post-conference wrap-ups, Whitt said. "Their feedback will help shape future policy and strategies on this initiative, and I feel this will morph into being very relevant for both agents and suppliers."
She expects that the pilot project, if deemed a success by all parties, will be expanded to include a larger group of agents in the future.