Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1468083
B M & T ••• May/June 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 38 offer in one setting," she added. "The need to cement current partnerships and create new ones is critical," she continued, as she saluted the team at Discover Puerto Rico for taking the bold step to partner with CHTA this year and deliver "the most diverse, exciting and meaningful Caribbean Travel Marketplace that will set the stage for the re-imagining of Caribbean tourism." "We are honored to be chosen as the host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2022 and excited to welcome its members alongside suppliers, buyers and travel advisors from around the world," said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. "It is an incredible opportunity to showcase all that our island has to offer, as we look to an exciting future for our industry, including the most technologically advanced convention center in the Caribbean, the groundbreaking Distrito T-Mobile entertainment complex and the vibrancy of our culture paired alongside the magical natural wonders only found here." An added incentive for participation is the fact that CHTA, which represents Caribbean tourism's private sector interests, will be marking its 60th anniversary, which Madden- Greig expects will make it one of the association's most mem- orable in-person gatherings. "Marketplace will provide traditional and new buyers – from across all segments and representing varied specialties – with a distinct opportunity to explore the wide range of offer- ings of CHTA's 33 member destinations as they connect with numerous Caribbean travel suppliers," stated Vanessa Ledesma, acting CEO and Director General of CHTA. "There is also the added allure of Puerto Rico as host. The Territory, like much of the rest of the region, has truly reinvig- orated its product and many buyers from around the world will want to come and see for themselves the hotel and resort upgrades, the wide range of meeting facilities, the vibrant culi- nary and entertainment scene as well as exceptional attrac- tions," said Ledesma. Caribbean Travel Marketplace 40 will build on last year's virtual edition, which enabled the trade association to gener- ate strong global awareness about the region. CHTA believes the region is well-poised to experience a sustained robust recovery from the pandemic. While 2022 bookings have been encouraging to date, maintaining and growing business into 2023 and beyond will require hard work and strong partnerships, the likes of which will be forged during CTM, a major catalyst for growing Caribbean tourism. Registration details will be available soon. For more information, visit www.chtamarketplace.com. U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNOR URGES INCREASED INTRA-REGIONAL TRAVEL United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said restoring intra-regional travel was an integral first step for restoring Caribbean tourism, and that Puerto Rico could be a key player in boosting tourism for the region and beyond. Speaking in Washington, D.C. where he was attending the National Governors Association winter meeting, Governor Bryan concurred with Caribbean leaders on the importance of rebooting intra-Caribbean travel, while lamenting the inconvenience of needing to transit through Miami when traveling to a neighboring island. To avert such time-consuming diversions he suggested a "greater hopper system" out of Puerto Rico: "That's a great hub so you can get to some of the smaller islands that are emerging as tourism destinations," as well as flying people who want to get to their homes in other Caribbean nations. "So I think that Puerto Rico needs to develop that Caribbean hub and they need to develop their transit flights from Europe, as well as South America. That would have a Puerto Rico Convention Center