Latin America, Caribbean Preview at WTM 2016

Caribbean Training Day takes place on Wednesday from 10am on the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CA235) stand, giving agents the chance to meet Caribbean industry partners and gather the latest news and training information. There will also be presentations from the likes of the Bahamas Tourist Office and Sun Group Hotels.

Then it’s time to scour around for prizes as part of the annual treasure hunt, with the chance to win complimentary all-inclusive stays at Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, as well as fam trips and more. The day will end with a rum punch or two and some lively calypso carnival beats at the ever-popular Caribbean Street Party.

Tracy Edwards MBE, famous for skippering the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, will be on the Antigua and Barbuda (CA240) stand on Monday afternoon to talk about sailing in Antigua and the 50th anniversary of Antigua Sailing Week in 2017.

Throughout WTM, agents are invited to spin the Antigua and Barbuda Beach Big Wheel for a chance to win Antiguan spot prizes. The tourist board team will also be discussing the destination’s latest news, including hotel developments such as Robert De Niro’s highly anticipated Paradise Found project on Barbuda and the recent designation of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cuba will also attend WTM with a delegation made up of directors from Mintur and hotel chains Gaviota, Gran Caribe, Islazul, Cubanacan and Habaguanex at its traditional venue in London.

Partner hotel chains Iberostar, Melia Hotels International, Blue Diamond, Barcelo, Accor, Roc Hotels, Viajes Cuba, and tourist agencies Viajes Cubanacan, Havanatur, Cubatur, Ecotur and Gaviotatours, as well as business group Caracol and Amistur, will also participate in the event.

The delegation will be accompanied by the advisor of Tourism in the United Kingdom and a representation from the Embassy of Cuba in that country, said a statement issued by Mintur.

The Cuban stand will also be attended by the media specialized in tourism of the region and Cuban cigar roller Jose Castelar Cairo (Cueto), who has various Guinness records for rolling the longest cigars in the world.

The agenda of the delegation includes an update on the tourist potential of Havana, Varadero, the Cuban keys, as well as Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, as major areas of interest for the UK market.

In 2017, adventure island Dominica (CA235) will launch a new concept for honeymooners looking for a more exciting start to their married life, which agents can find out about at the stand.

The Dominican Republic (CA300) will be holding an on?stand competition for two agents to win a place on one of its 2017 fam trips. Agents need only drop by, leave their business card and answer a simple question about the destination for a chance to win.

Trinidad and Tobago (CA250) will be celebrating a new focus this year, encapsulated in the tagline “Retained from the past – preserved for the future”. Its stand will be a clamor of color, featuring dancers in traditional costume, music from panyard steel drum performers and parang (folk music) singers, plus plenty of rum. There will also be a food demonstration from the owners of Trinidad’s Lopinot Village Community, inviting guests to sample traditional dishes and chocolate (Monday and Tuesday, 5-6pm).

On Wednesday, as part of the Caribbean street party, agents will be able to try on the colorful carnival costumes and grab a selfie or two with the performers. Those who visit Elite Island Resorts on the CTO (CA235) stand will learn about the brand’s launch of free wellbeing options across its resorts, including Floatfit Caribbean Aquabase, a high?intensity training class on the water; Color Me Calm Club, a coloring mindfulness club; and Smart Sun Clinic with Ultrasun, which encourages safe sun habits on holiday.

Agents who get to the stand in time will also get the chance to nab themselves a sunscreen sample by answering the question: “What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and why do we need to protect from both?” There’s also the opportunity to win a seven-night stay at one of the resorts by answering a few questions.

The Latin America stands are abuzz with activity this year, with plenty of opportunities for agents to network, learn about new product, and sample some delicious food and drink and Latin culture in the process.

Peru (LA300) is famed for ceviche and cocktails, and to honour these culinary innovations, the stand will be fashioned to look like a restaurant, serving a variety of local dishes, as well as giving visitors the chance to learn about Peru’s various destinations.

Pisco Sour Hour will take place daily from 12-1pm, and again on Monday and Wednesday from 5.30-6.30pm, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a taste of Peru with cocktails and canapés. PromPeru will also be showcasing some of Peru’s most iconic attractions, including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, using virtual reality technology at the stand daily between 12.30-1.30pm and again from 4-6pm.

Events at the Chile (LA500) stand revolve around embracing the country’s delicious cuisine, with Chilean wine tasting on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1pm, followed by a cooking workshop from 3-4pm on both days. After sampling the fruits of their labour, it’s time for guests to knuckle down for a Calafate Sour cocktail workshop from 4-5pm both days.