Caribbean Marketplace 2007 in Aruba to Zero in on Sound Business Development

Two years ago, Caribbean Marketplace took a first step in its 26-year history to reduce waste by going paperless, replacing bulky printed directories, with electronic directories that are continuously updated. Now, Caribbean Marketplace 2007 is taking definitive measures to renovate event logistics in favor of more responsible, conscious business practices among organizers and attendees.

The conference kicked off on January 14 and will run through January 16 in Aruba. The annual regional tourism marketing event is presented by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA), the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), and American Express.

The event is gathering some 900 private and public sector tourism representatives from 36 Caribbean destinations –from Anguilla to the United States Virgin Islands– to spend two days of pre-scheduled business appointments, discussing existing contracts, developing packages, and contracting for future business with buyers from around the world.

“This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our members that a collective effort is essential to assure the preservation of Caribbean’s natural resources. It’s about what we say, what we do - and what we say we do,” said Peter Odle, president of CHA. “If we are able to improve the way we do business in a more responsible, conscious manner by just 5 percent, we can have a huge positive effect on our communities and the environment.”

Delegates have been asked to contribute by relying less on glossy brochures and tapping technology to showcase their business through computer presentations; for that purpose, the business floor at Caribbean Marketplace will be a Wi-Fi hotspot, to allow delegates to go online wirelessly.

Additional options include the use of live plants instead of flower arrangements to decorate exhibit booths, which can be later replanted, and selecting fairly-traded products from their respective countries to give away, rather than generic promotional items.

Caribbean Marketplace 2007 will support the marketing edge of green hotels in the region, with prominent signage and promotion of Green Globe certified properties in the Caribbean.

CHA expects to take on the challenge of expanding this “greener plan” throughout its annual calendar of conferences. However, the regional hospitality organization does not intend to go it alone, but with the guidance of its members and partners.