CTO plans another Caribbean Week in New York City

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is planning a series of festive and exhilarating events to spice up Caribbean Week 2003 in New York City, scheduled for June 1-7, next year, with a scope from an inter-faith ceremony to a “Taste of the Caribbean” market fair, advanced CTO’s office in New York.

Traditionally, Caribbean Week has been a week-long series of meetings attended by all categories of CTO’s membership including Ministers and Directors of Tourism, Chapter Presidents and Allied Members representing airlines, hoteliers, tour wholesalers, travel agents and other interested parties, who discuss ways to increase tourism in the region.

However, CTO has decided to initiate a programme of consumer-focused events at Caribbean Week 2003, in an effort to generate interest amongst the general public.

“The Caribbean represents a unique collection of cultures which celebrate life in their own special way. CTO wants to share these distinctive characteristics with everyone attending Caribbean Week to ensure that they all get a feel of what the art, the food, literature and rhythm of the Caribbean is really like,” stated Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas.

To kick-off the week, CTO will host a special inter-faith ceremony where Caribbean dignitaries, local advocates and Caribbean residents will come together and celebrate in the spirit of the Caribbean.

CTO has also planned an elaborate “Taste of the Caribbean” Food/Arts Street Festival in the heart of New York City, which is expected to feature some of the region’s top chefs showcasing signature dishes from their respective countries.

The Fifth Annual Media Marketplace will bring together representatives of CTO Governments, hoteliers and journalists in a trade show business setting followed by a festive cocktail party.

One of the most highly anticipated events of Caribbean Week is the Governments of the Caribbean State Ball. This glitzy black-tie occasion, which serves as a culmination of Caribbean Week, features the best of Caribbean entertainment and food.

The Ball will take place at the Waldorf Astoria on Friday, June 6, 2003. CTO plans to use this opportunity to honour individuals who have had a positive impact on Caribbean tourism. Winners of the inaugural CTO Travel Writers Contest will also receive their awards at the Ball.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and Toronto, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency and comprises membership of 32 governments and a myriad of private sector companies.