Every year tourism trade fairs take place in locations from Berlin to Hong Kong. These are international events where those involved in what is now a US$1,850-billion global industry meet to strike deals, promote their image and consider industry trends.
These occasions act as a bellwether for the sector and, by extension, the fortunes of those nations and regions that depend on tourism to maintain economic stability and growth.
World Travel Market (WTM), which took place in London last week was no exception. This huge event attended, the organisers suggest, by 47,000 industry professionals, provided an indication of the opportunities and challenges that the industry generally and the Caribbean more specifically now faces. [ Read more ]