ST JAMES, Jamaica – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is among several other Caribbean officials who will participate in the 18th Annual International Shared Ownership Investment Conference at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort and Spa in Florida, from October 24-26.

Other Caribbean speakers rostered for the three-day conference include Prime Minister William Marlin of St Maarten and Secretary General and CEO of Caribbean Tourism Organisation Hugh Riley.

“We are honoured to have these important decision makers participate in our upcoming conference,” said David C Gilbert, president of Interval International, the host of the event.

“As policymakers and influencers in the Caribbean tourism sector, they will offer valuable insights that conference attendees can apply in their own businesses and destinations.”

Taking part in the “Timeshare’s Economic Impact on Destination Markets” session, which will be moderated by Riley, these experts will discuss how shared ownership has positively impacted their local economies, while creating a reliable source of customers.

Also participating in the panel is Rich Maladecki, president and CEO of Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, whose experience with timeshare projects outside the Caribbean will offer a US perspective.

Bartlett told OBSERVER ONLINE that his participation at the conference will be Jamaica’s first opportunity to present itself as a timeshare destination.

“Jamaica now has timeshare legislation in place, which came into effect on May 1 of this year. So my attendance is timely as it offers the first opportunity for Jamaica to present itself as a destination that is open and ready for timeshare business,” he argued.

Mark Cummings