May 19, 2025

CHTA Marketplace kicks off in Antigua

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace gets underway this week in Antigua and Barbuda.

The conference brings together tourism suppliers and international wholesalers for two days of face-to-face business meetings focused on selling Caribbean vacation travel.

This year’s highlights include Responsible Tourism Day (scheduled yesterday), the Caribbean Travel Forum and Opening Celebration taking place today, a Linkages Showcase, and a Direct Booking Summit.

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace has long been more than just a trade event — it is a powerful catalyst for business growth, collaboration and innovation in our region’s tourism industry,” stated Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA.

For more information, visit chtamarketplace.com.

Adrian Clarke to strike the first note at Caribbean Week in New York

Adrian Clarke

Caribbean Week in New York 2025 will open on a high note with the melodic sounds of Barbadian-American Adrian Clarke at the Official Opening Ceremony on Monday, June 2 at The Westin New York at Times Square.

A former Barbados and Caribbean Davis Cup tennis player, Clarke made an extraordinary leap from the court to the stage, teaching himself to play the steelpan and carving out a vibrant music career in the New York tristate area. 

Now the Director of Tennis at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Tennis Center, Clarke has been delighting audiences for more than 20 years with his distinctive blend of rhythm, talent and Caribbean flair.

The Opening Ceremony marks the start of a week-long celebration of Caribbean culture, creativity and connection in the heart of New York City.

For more information, visit caribbeanweek.com.

Minister Luce Hodge-Smith honors women trailblazers in Caribbean tourism

screenshot. to view video click HERE

In the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) “From the Sea Suite to the Big Apple” video series, Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands, celebrates the women who are the heart and soul of Caribbean tourism.

In the clip, Minister Hodge-Smith, who will be in New York City for Caribbean Week in New York, June 1-6, honors the women moving tourism forward.

To watch more inspiring video messages, visit CTO’s social media channels.

Aruba launches new destination campaign

screenshot To view video click HERE

The Aruba Tourism Authority is redefining destination marketing with the launch of its bold new campaign, “When You Love Aruba, It Loves You Back”.

More than a call to visit, the initiative encourages travelers to form a deeper connection with the island — embracing Aruba not just as a destination, but as a cherished home. 

The campaign highlights the importance of respecting the island’s delicate ecosystem, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant community life.

Quotable Caribbean

“Destinations want to build experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful and sustainable. It’s about enriching the guest journey while protecting and celebrating the culture and communities that make the Caribbean so special.” — Melanie Colpitts, Managing Partner, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

Proverbially West Indian

“All fruits ripe.” (Jamaica) 

In Caribbean vernacular, this is a cheerful way of saying that everything is fine and moving along smoothly. It’s an upbeat expression meaning “all is well,” similar to saying “life is good.” The saying reflects the laid-back spirit and optimistic outlook that are hallmarks of Caribbean culture.

Medical Moment

World Food Safety Day is observed on June 7 each year.

An estimated 600 million people worldwide fall ill annually due to approximately 200 different types of foodborne illnesses. Ensuring food safety is critical not only for reducing these illnesses but also as a key pillar of global food security.

This year’s theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action”, underscores the vital role of science in enhancing food safety and preventing illness. It calls for stronger collaboration among governments, producers and stakeholders across the food chain to safeguard public health.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public