FLORIDA, United States (CMC) — The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) on Monday said it will launch the inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day during this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, scheduled to take place in Jamaica on May 23.

“I am truly excited about this year’s inaugural Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day,” said CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, adding it is a further step in the association’s focus to transform its annual trade show.

She said that in 2022, CHTA debuted the Caribbean Travel Forum, focusing on the business of tourism, and this new event allowed the industry to work together on sustainable initiatives: “Delegates can build relationships that lead to more integrated and cooperative approaches to tourism development, which includes environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial, and culturally respectful practices in the travel industry.”

The CHTA said that Marketplace Responsible Tourism Day will bring together delegates from various sectors such as tourism professionals, government representatives, the media, and other travel industry stakeholders.

They will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and make a positive impact on the local communities, while fostering sustainable tourism practices.

The CHTA said that the day’s activities would include an agricultural linkages with tourism where participants will visit Croydon Estate, a key supplier of fruits and vegetables for the tourism industry.

Delegates, it said, will also take part in a beach clean-up activity and educational tour at the Montego Bay Marine Park.

“This initiative focuses on conserving and restoring coastal resources for the sustainable benefit of traditional users, the community, and the nation,” said the association.

The delegates will also visit the SOS Children’s Village in Barrett Town, where they will assist in painting, carpentry repairs, and the creation of a village farming project.

According to the CHTA, the event will contribute positively to the host community and serve as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and commitment to sustainable tourism practices, aligning with global trends towards more responsible travel.

“Our communities and people are our secret sauce to success in the Caribbean. Being able to contribute to their growth and development in a meaningful way is paramount. We strongly encourage all delegates to sign up for this initiative and truly make a difference,” said Madden-Greig.