Assorted Agenda Slated for Caribbean Week 2014

The next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders is about to get some inspiration from the youthful chief of one of the region’s major resort companies during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual Caribbean Week.

Adam Stewart, 33, CEO of Sandals Resorts International and head of the philanthropic Sandals Foundation, will deliver the keynote speech at the Student Colloquium on June 3, at which Caribbean tourism students will present researched sustainable tourism projects.

Stewart is expected to share his experiences in leading the growth and expansion of the Sandals global brand and also will participate in the Diaspora Forum on June 2.GayNagleMyers

“These CTO events champion the cause of Caribbean people," Stewart said. "The Sandals Foundation has maintained a holistic approach toward ensuring sustainable national development in the region and to improving the lives of our neighbors with programming aimed at education, community and the environment."

Caribbean Week, which runs June 1 through 7 in New York, is expected to draw representatives, tourism ministers and government officials from more than 30 islands and territories in addition to U.S. agents and operators.

The Invest Caribbean Now summit, for example, will highlight investment opportunities in the region and discuss global trends in the Caribbean, including the impact of medical tourism.

Enhancing tourism development in the region will be the focus of presentations by the prime ministers of St. Maarten and the Bahamas.

A marketing conference, trade show and a seminar on adventure travel also are on the agenda.

Several events are targeted at consumers, including celebrity-chef demonstrations taking place in venues throughout the city and a Romance Pavilion that features a bridal show and tips from a panel of honeymoon specialists.

It’s not all work, however. This is a Caribbean event, after all.

The Rum ‘n Rhythm Benefit & Auction on June 6, open to the public (tickets are $100), offers Caribbean food, drinks and music.

To celebrate the week-long event, the Empire State Building will be lit each evening in the colors of the Caribbean: magenta, red, orange, green, blue and purple.

Source: Travel Weekly