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Record-Breaking Attendance at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2024 Highlights the Region’s Growing Tourism Sector

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MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (June 4, 2024) – The 42nd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has concluded on a high note, reaching record-breaking attendance numbers. This year’s event, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from May 20-23, 2024, has been hailed as one of the most successful in the history of CTM, reflecting the strong interest and investment in Caribbean tourism.

This year’s Marketplace saw participation from 137 traditional buyer companies representing 25 countries, with a total of 271 delegates. This included 38 hosted buyers from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S.

Additionally, there were 14 MICE companies, six wedding specialist organizations, 10 travel advisor agencies, and 50 members of the regional and international media. The event also featured 207 supplier companies representing 27 Caribbean destinations, with a total of 682 delegates. CTM facilitated a record-breaking 12,724 scheduled appointments and a total delegate count of 1,200.

“We are thrilled with the unprecedented turnout and the positive feedback from participants,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA. “The record-breaking attendance underscores the resilience and allure of the Caribbean as a premier travel destination. It also highlights the collaborative spirit of our industry stakeholders. Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association who are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the region’s tourism sector.”

This year’s Marketplace introduced several inaugural elements, including the Caribbean MICE Exchange, which featured a dedicated track for meeting planners, and Responsible Tourism Day, which contributed positively to the host community and served as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

The event also spotlighted innovative exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in hospitality technology and unique Caribbean experiences. Numerous networking opportunities facilitated meaningful connections and partnerships among attendees, fostering a collaborative environment for future growth.

Jamaica pulled out all the stops, showcasing the island’s rich culture with captivating performances by former “The Voice” winner Tessanne Chin and reggae musician Maxi Priest. Their electrifying acts highlighted Jamaica’s vibrant music scene and artistic talent, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories of the island’s cultural heritage. The opening event was further enhanced by a spectacular drone show, which dazzled the audience and added a modern touch to the celebration of Jamaica’s traditions.

The success of this year’s event is a testament to the Caribbean’s enduring appeal and its capacity to adapt and thrive in a competitive global market. As the region continues to flourish, CHTA remains committed to supporting and advancing the interests of its members and the broader tourism community.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace was sponsored and supported by the following:

  • Destination Partners: Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Platinum Sponsors: Figment Design, Interval International, Marketplace Excellence, Mastercard, Sandals Resorts International, and Travelzoo
  • Gold Sponsors: Adara, Amadeus, Caribbean Journal, My Booking Rewards, TAConnect, Tambourine, and The Anything Group (TAG)
  • Silver Sponsor: Sojern
  • Accommodation Sponsors: Deja Resort, Half Moon Jamaica, Hilton Rose Hall, Holiday Inn Resort Jamaica, Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall, Iberostar Rose Hall, Jewel Grande Montego Bay, SeaGarden Beach Resort, Royal Decameron Montego Beach, Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach, S Hotel, and Secrets St. James Montego Bay
  • Contributors: Condé Nast, Tripadvisor, and Zartico
  • Responsible Tourism Day Sponsors: BirdShack Fried Chicken and Yummy
  • Caribbean MICE Exchange: Half Moon, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, Jamaica Tours Limited, and S Hotel

“We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this year’s Marketplace a resounding success,” said Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of CHTA. “Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in showcasing the best of our region and fostering meaningful connections within the industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them for their dedication to promoting Caribbean tourism.”

 

Captions:

Header: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, enjoyed exploring the various stands at Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Jamaica last month.

1st insert: Marketplace delegates discussing Caribbean tourism business opportunities.

2nd insert: Reggae superstar Maxi Priest delivered an exhilarating performance at Sandals Montego Bay to close Marketplace 42.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Mottley Sworn in After Historic Clean Sweep in Barbados Election

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Barbados, February 12, 2026 – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley was this afternoon officially sworn in for a third consecutive term, hours after delivering one of the most emphatic election victories in Caribbean political history — another complete capture of all 30 seats in Barbados’ House of Assembly.

The ceremony, conducted by President His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, marked the formal start of a new administration following the February 11, 2026 general election, which returned the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to power with a renewed and overwhelming mandate.

In a statement after taking the oath, Mottley said she accepted the responsibility “with humility and resolve,” thanking the people of Barbados for placing their trust in her leadership once again and urging national unity as her government begins its new term. Attorney Wilfred Abrahams was also sworn in as Attorney General.

The result is historic not only for its scale but for its consistency. This is the third straight general election in which the BLP has won every constituency, reinforcing Mottley’s dominance in national politics and extending an unmatched era of one-party control in the modern democratic period.

Voting day unfolded under the watch of a CARICOM Election Observation Mission, led by Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes and supported by senior electoral officials from Belize and Jamaica. The team engaged key institutions ahead of the poll and monitored the process across the island.

Regional leaders were swift in their congratulations.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described the outcome as “emphatic and historic,” saying the clean sweep reflected how deeply Mottley’s leadership has connected with Barbadians and expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also hailed the victory, noting that her re-election provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation within CARICOM and advance shared regional priorities.

The scale of the win again leaves Barbados without a parliamentary opposition, a reality that has become a defining feature of the political landscape since 2018. Supporters argue the repeated mandate reflects public confidence in Mottley’s stewardship of economic reform, climate diplomacy, the transition to a republic, and Barbados’ expanding global influence.

Now, newly sworn in and backed by another unanimous parliamentary majority, Mottley begins a third term with both extraordinary political capital and equally high expectations at home and across the region.

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Liberty Caribbean Committed to ‘Elevating Region’ at CANTO  

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Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago

Liberty Caribbean is Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and 42nd AGM

 

Port of Spain, TRININDAD & TOBAGO (February 1, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow. Liberty Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to turning regional connectivity into measurable economic and social outcomes as Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and its 42nd Annual General Meeting.

CANTO is the leading regional body that brings together telecommunications operators, ICT providers, regulators, governments, and industry partners to support the development of the Caribbean’s digital and communications landscape.

Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago delivered the sponsor’s address on behalf of Liberty Caribbean.

“The work of laying fibre and lighting towers is done; connectivity is now our foundation,” she said.

“The real task before us is to translate that foundation into innovation, productivity and prosperity for our people. Intelligent connectivity, such as networks designed for 5G, AI and IoT, will be the platform for smarter public services, more resilient systems and scaled opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.”

Martin-Sulgan emphasised that infrastructure alone will not deliver sustainable progress.

“Digital progress must become digital prosperity. That means creating career pathways for young people, helping local businesses scale and ensuring citizens across our communities can fully participate in the digital economy. A connected Caribbean should also be a confident, creative and globally competitive Caribbean,” she said.

Liberty Caribbean is represented by a senior delegation at CANTO Connect to support the conference objectives of aligning policy, investment and execution across the region under this year’s theme ‘Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness’.

Liberty Caribbean’s delegation includes Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer; Desron Bynoe, VP and General Manager, Flow Barbados; Susanna O’Sullivan, VP and General Manager, North Caribbean; Marilyn Sealy, Senior Director, Head of Communications; Dominic Boon, VP, People; Daniel Neiva, Chief Commercial Officer, B2B; Bradley Ramcharan, Director, B2B, Trinidad & Tobago; Yolande Headley, Country Manager, Dutch East Caribbean; and Jade Reymond, Country Manager, Flow Anguilla.

Martin-Sulgan thanked CANTO’s local secretariat for convening the forum and urged delegates to convert conversation into action.

“If we align policy, capital and capability, the Caribbean can move from connectivity to competitiveness. Liberty Caribbean will continue to invest in resilient networks, nurture homegrown talent and partner to deliver measurable social and economic value across our markets,” she said.

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