P.R. lands major Caribbean tourism convention in ’12, ’13
Following a successful event last year, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization announced Friday that the annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference will return to Puerto Rico in 2012 and 2013. The event represents an economic boon for Puerto Rico and draws attention to the island as an ideal convention destination.
“We have chosen Puerto Rico as the host destination for these crucial investment focused events for the next two years because of increased airlift options available to potential delegates traveling from the Caribbean as well as internationally,” said Josef Forstmayr, president of CHTA.
CHTIC 2012 will take place April 24-26, 2012, while CHTIC 2013 is scheduled for May 7-9, 2013 at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in Miramar.
“We expect the number of representatives from the Caribbean’s leading public and private sector tourism industries will increase as a result thereby creating what is anticipated to be the biggest showing of potential lenders, investors, developers and design firms ever assembled in one place,” he added.
The CHTA and the CTO founded the annual conference in 1997 with the specific objectives of improving the tourism investment and operating climate in the Caribbean, raising awareness of development opportunities and stimulating a continuing flow of equity and loan capital into the region.
“Investment in the Caribbean tourism industry is paramount to the local economies across the region. During my tenure as CHTA President, I have expressed that a successful tourism development program requires Caribbean tourism leaders come together to attract the necessary investments, which are needed to allow the region to maintain its attractiveness and visibility in a highly competitive industry. The CHTIC event provides a forum for these discussions,” said Forstmayr.
The last time the CHTIC conference was held on the island was in 2010, when some 350 attendees participated, representing an 18 percent increase from the prior year’s registration.
“The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference is a valuable event for all Caribbean government and private sector officials” said Minister Ricky Skerritt, CTO Chairman. “This important conference focuses on the need for Caribbean governments to work closely with the private sector to promote investment and maximize the earnings potential of Tourism for our region and our people.”
Immediately following the conference, CHTA will host its committee meetings, board of directors meeting and the annual general meeting.
