Caribbean Week

Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, I. Chester Cooper, to Speak at CTO’S Caribbean Week in NY

NASSAU, The Bahamas (6 June 2024) – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is excited to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in the upcoming Caribbean Week, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in New York City from 16-21 June 2024. This annual event brings together tourism leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the region’s tourism industry.

Under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity,” Caribbean Week 2024 will feature a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings, focusing on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism. The discussions will provide an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue on topics such as sustainable tourism, marketing strategies and the role of technology in the industry.

As a platinum headline sponsor of the event, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will showcase the unique attractions and experiences that the islands have to offer. The Bahamas delegation will participate in the popular Caribbean Media Marketplace, Caribbean Media Awards, and more. In addition, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will be a guest speaker at the Caribbean Airlift Forum on 19th June.

“I look forward to sharing insights of our success in airlift with CTO. We are also thrilled to be a Platinum Sponsor of Caribbean Week 2024 and the opportunity it presents to grow tourism in our country and across the region,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “This annual event is a fantastic platform to share strategies, reinvigorate connections and polish the image of the greater Caribbean as an inviting destination for travel of all types.”

“We believe in the power of unity and collaboration within the Caribbean region. By coming together at this crucial gathering of tourism leaders, our aim is to collectively engage in insightful discussions that shape the future of our tourism landscape,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “As a Platinum headline sponsor, The Bahamas is leading efforts to drive regional growth, celebrating the strength and diversity of our islands. Our culture, heritage, and sustainable offerings showcase the unique and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean, reinforcing our position as a premier global destination.” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “

CTO to Focus on Aviation at Caribbean Week in New York

NEW YORK (May 16, 2024) – Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to spotlight the future of Caribbean aviation during Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled for June 16-21, 2024, at the InterContinental Times Square in midtown Manhattan.

Under CTO’s annual theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, the week promises a diverse lineup of activities emphasizing innovation and connectivity.

A key feature of the premier event for travel industry professionals, journalists and members of the Caribbean Diaspora will be the Caribbean Airlift Forum.

Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors and Spokesperson for Caribbean Week, will moderate the forum. She emphasized the importance of this session as a critical platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in Caribbean air transportation.

The session will cover topics including route development, aviation competitiveness, partnerships, infrastructure investment, regulatory frameworks, and market demand strategies. It aims to foster dialogue among airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation ministries, enhancing connectivity and optimizing access to Caribbean destinations.

“In the wake of the pandemic, Caribbean aviation has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, rebounding strongly in key areas. However, as we celebrate these gains during our Caribbean Week in New York, it’s crucial that we don’t become complacent,” stated Harris.

“We must continue to innovate and address the persistent challenges within intra-regional tourism, which, while recovering, remains a challenge for many of our destinations,” she continued. “Our focus at the Caribbean Airlift Forum is not only on celebrating our successes but also on critically analyzing our challenges to strengthen and diversify our connections to, from and across the region, ensuring a more robust and connected Caribbean.”

The week also features a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium, the Caribbean Media Awards, and sessions focused on artificial intelligence, crisis communications, and multicultural marketing.

With the support of headline sponsor, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; gold sponsors Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; and Diamonds International and the Caribbean Media Exchange, Caribbean Week in New York 2024 is poised to be a pivotal meeting for tourism professionals and stakeholders in the region and the Diaspora.

Caribbean Week 2024 Set to Sparkle in New York City

NEW YORK, NY (May 10, 2024) — The much-awaited Caribbean Week, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is scheduled to light up New York City from June 16-21, 2024. This event, a highlight on the calendar for travel industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, will be held at the InterContinental New York Times Square in the bustling heart of midtown Manhattan.

Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors and the Week’s spokesperson, said the intergovernmental organization was pleased to return to “The Big Apple” in 2024 to connect with the region’s culture and heritage and have serious conversations about “the business of tourism and the business of the Caribbean.”

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of special rates offered by the conference host hotel through May 16. Further information on activities is available at https://vc1qm6fc4tp.c.updraftclone.com/caribbean-week-new-york-2024.

“There’s always business in the New York tri-state area, and we have a burgeoning diaspora that we must connect with,” said Harris, the Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. “June is a great time for us to come together as a region and celebrate what we do well during Caribbean-American Heritage Month.”

Under the banner of CTO’s 35th anniversary theme, “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, Caribbean Week 2024 will showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings. These sessions will involve the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Ministerial Council. The discussions will focus on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.

The week begins with a church service and a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium. The Caribbean Media Awards, honoring journalists and influencers who have notably promoted Caribbean tourism, will return alongside the much-anticipated Media Marketplace.

In line with fostering innovation, a special session dedicated to artificial intelligence will underscore the organization’s forward-thinking approach. Additionally, the spotlight will be on the impactful work of the CTO Foundation and the recently launched Jean Holder Scholarship.

A wide range of topics will be covered, including service excellence, enhancing connections between New York City and the region, airlift strategies, multicultural marketing, travel trade relations, public relations, crisis communications, and smart destination management. Further emphasizing inclusivity and leadership, the week will feature a leadership breakfast and awards ceremony focused on women’s empowerment, alongside a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party.

Supported by headline sponsor the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, gold sponsor the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and the Caribbean Media Exchange, Caribbean Week in New York promises an unforgettable experience.

CTO’S Caribbean Media Awards 2024 to Celebrate Excellence in Journalism

NEW YORK (April 18, 2024) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced the return of its Caribbean Media Awards, the prestigious honor given to journalists and influencers whose work has significantly contributed to the promotion of Caribbean tourism.

The awards ceremony, set to spotlight outstanding media contributions from the United States and the Caribbean, is scheduled to take place amidst the vibrant celebrations of Caribbean Week in New York, from June 16 to 21, 2024.

Submissions from public relations agencies, member countries, and the journalistic community are welcome.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Caribbean Media Awards,” stated CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, who serves as Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands. “These awards are not just about recognizing excellence, they are a testament to the enduring spirit of the Caribbean and its vibrant culture. Our goal is to spotlight the stories that capture the heart of the Caribbean, stories that inspire, inform and engage audiences worldwide. It’s a celebration of the impactful narratives that contribute significantly to our tourism landscape.”

Entries are sought in the following award categories:

Best Feature Article or Story: Recognizes excellence in long-form storytelling (print or online) that provides in-depth analysis, compelling narratives, and unique perspectives on Caribbean culture, history, etc.

Best News Reporting: Honors exceptional reporting of breaking news, events, or issues of significance to the Caribbean region that demonstrates accuracy and journalistic integrity.

Best Podcast/Radio: Celebrates excellence in podcasting/radio reporting, whether itʼs storytelling, interviews or discussions offering engaging and informative Caribbean content.

Best Photojournalism: Celebrates impactful visual storytelling through photography, capturing the essence of life in the Caribbean region, from daily life to cultural events, natural landscapes, or social issues.

Best Video Production: Honors outstanding video production, including broadcast news segments, short films, or online video content that showcases the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture, people and landscapes.

Best Social Media Campaign: Recognizes innovative and effective social media campaigns (by journalists or influencers) that engage audiences, raise awareness, or promote positive change on issues relevant to the Caribbean region.

Best Personal Immersive Story: Highlights a feature story that demonstrated time in the destination, integration and deep exploration of off-the-beaten-path in a destination.

Diaspora Journalist of the Year: Honors members of the Diaspora community who impact tourism in the Caribbean region through their storytelling.

Emerging Journalist of the Year: Spotlights the achievements of up-and-coming journalists, reporters or content creators who have demonstrated exceptional talent, potential and commitment to excellence in Caribbean media.

Only entries submitted by CTO government members, their public relations agencies or qualified media shall be eligible.

Minimum circulation for newspaper or magazine entries is 20,000 (1,000 for Caribbean media).

All entries must have been published or broadcast in the 2023 calendar year.

Only one entry per person per category will be accepted.

Submissions should showcase creativity and thoughtful knowledge of the Caribbean and have a provocative story angle.

Criteria for the judging of entries shall be:

● Content – Relevance, accuracy, cohesiveness of material, adherence to journalistic standards

● Structure & Form – Relevance of topic, clarity, pace, structure (introduction, development and conclusion), presentation of information and ideas

● Title – Relevance of title, concision, clarity

● Quality of Language – Use of language, quality of syntax, quality of sentence structure

● Originality – Originality of ideas, ability to spark audienceʼs curiosity, boldness, creativity

Entries that do not meet the selection criteria will be disqualified.

Depending on their assessment of the standard of entries, the judges may withhold awards in any category as they see fit. They may also ascribe “Special Mention” (without award) to an entry where warranted.

Decisions of the judges shall be final.

Entrants are required to submit their contributions at https://bit.ly/caribbeanmediaawards by the deadline of May 8, 2024.

For questions or further information, contact caribbeanweek@marketplaceexcellence.com.