News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Fri. Sept. 20, 2013: Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, John P. de Jongh, Jr. will highlight the importance of delivering authentic Caribbean experiences during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Industry Conference, (#SOTIC2013), in Martinique next month.
Authentic travel experiences are growing in demand and, according to the governor, can be turned into a competitive advantage for Caribbean destinations with their diverse cultural, culinary, ecological and heritage tourism features.
Governor de Jongh Jr. will speak during the luncheon session on Friday, October 18th in Le Deck restaurant at the Madiana Convention Centre. Attendees will hear his insights on how an ever stronger platform for Caribbean tourism can be created, with an emphasis on the importance of diversity of experiences.
“Savvy travelers are increasingly seeking cultural experiences on their trips and we in the Caribbean, with our glorious diversity of history, ecology and extraordinary people, are well placed to provide these experiences for our visitors,” said the governor.
The USVI will also be represented by Commissioner of Tourism and CTO Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Beverly Nicholson-Doty; and Deputy Commissioner, Chantal Figueroa, who is also Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors.
The October 15-18 conference will be preceded by a series of business meetings, including the meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, on the Isle of Flowers, Martinique.
The CTO State of the Industry Conference is CTO’s annual convocation where Caribbean tourism practitioners, policy makers and strategic partners, at the highest levels, gather to discuss issues, identify solutions and generally develop courses of action that will benefit the tourism industry in the Caribbean.
Speakers of international acclaim will provide best case practices and winning strategies on a wide range of topics that are critical to the growth of regional tourism, all with a view to positioning the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round warm weather destination.
Youth from several CTO member countries will make their contributions to the discussions at a Youth Congress, one of the vehicles through which CTO encourages the best and brightest to consider tourism as a career.
For more information on SOTIC, including how you can be part of this historic event, visit www.onecaribbean.org.
