Major Caribbean tourism event coming to Grenada

Grenada has announced that it will be hosting hosting one of the region’s top tourism forums, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in October.

The conference will take place at the Radisson Grand Beach Resort, Grand Anse, bringing together senior industry decision makers and interested partners to address the biggest concerns and opportunities for Caribbean tourism.

SOTIC 2017 was launched in Grenada with a press conference featuring officials from the government of Grenada, CTO and Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA).

The theme for this year’s event is “Supercharging the Caribbean Brand: Meeting the Needs of the New Explorer.”

CTO director for the US, Sylma Brown Bramble, promised that the theme presents a unique opportunity to focus on the changing dynamics in the industry.

“We have to ensure that the Caribbean is positioned and ready to capture the interest of the new explorer who wants adventure and authentic experiences,” she said.

Packed programme

Clarice Modeste Curwen, Grenada’s minister for tourism, said that the government and people of Grenada were delighted to host the premier tourism forum in the region.

Apart from discussing the major issues affecting the tourism industry, SOTIC is an excellent opportunity for member countries to showcase their tourism product to international and regional audiences, she added.

“Pure Grenada will be hosting destination tours in order that all delegates can get to know and love the Spice of the Caribbean.

“Indeed, we have so much to share- from our gorgeous waterfalls and pristine beaches to our ‘bean to bar’ chocolate and cuisine tours.”

Chief executive officer of the GTA, Patricia Maher, says local participation is key.

“It does not matter how big or small your business is, if you play a role in tourism or you contribute to the industry in any way, you need to register for SOTIC and take advantage of the international networking opportunities and the many informative seminars right here in St. George’s.”

The local delegate registration fee is US$75 dollars per day or US$200 dollars for the entire conference.

The CTO State of the Industry Conference brings together some 300 tourism industry leaders from the 30 member-countries of the CTO, as well as representatives of the regional and international private sector, academics, media, students, travel trade partners and other industry stakeholders from within and outside the region.