Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

The Caribbean's leading travel conference kicks off this week in Puerto Rico. For the first time since the beginning of 2020, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Caribbean Travel Marketplace is back hosting in person. This event gathers buyers and suppliers from around the world for Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Marketplace. And the excitement for the event is palpable. 

What to Expect at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

The Caribbean has enjoyed record-breaking tourism since 2019. According to Travel Weekly, "Last year, according to Tourism Economics, travel, and tourism generated some $8.9 billion in revenue to the island; that's a 39% increase over the previous high that was reached in 2019." 

The marketplace is prepared to welcome 1,200 delegates to the capital of Puerto Rico this week for the marketplace. There will be 159 supplier companies, 25 Caribbean countries, 125 buyer companies, 23 markets, and more. 

"We see Puerto Rico's tourism blowing past other destinations in the U.S. and in the Caribbean when it comes to performance, which is incredible," said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Discover Puerto Rico. "You don't take that for granted. It's a lot of hard work, not just from the DMO but from our private industry that is committed to creating a world-class destination, and it's showing in the numbers." 

How Does the Marketplace Work? 

This two-day event allows appointments between buyers and suppliers. An appointment clock will let you know when the next designated supplier appointment is at the designated booths and locations. Those attending should know the Caribbean Travel Marketplace is not a typical trade show. The main goal here is for suppliers and buyers to negotiate the benefit of the region. 

Added Benefits at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 

Puerto Rico's 2023 Caribbean Travel Market plans on expanding member benefits as they continue to grow the market. They also hope to increase revenue, bring in more tourism and raise the numbers year by year. The Caribbean Marketplace additionally hopes to bring more jobs to the country with a growth average of 3.33%, that's more than 916,000 jobs by 2032. 

The island is holding on to what was learned during the pandemic in 2019 and in 2020 to continue to represent the vendors of the market. Venturing out into the new normal, the islands all embrace marketplaces, Carnival, festivals, and events like Taste of the Caribbean and more with optimism and eagerness. 

CITED: caribjournal.com, travelweekly.com, witsummit.com