Almost 400 travel professionals gathered in Turks & Caicos for an immersive and educational experience. Registration is now open for 2024 in Curaçao
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, August 30, 2023 — The American Society of Travel Advisors hosted almost 400 travel professionals at Beaches Resort, Turks & Caicos for their second-annual Caribbean Showcase. The event provides
an immersive and educational experience for travel advisors who wish to sell Caribbean travel better. This includes masters-level training on Caribbean products and destinations, connecting face-to-face with local suppliers, operators and DMCs as
well as first-hand experience on Turks & Caicos.
“Our research shows that the Caribbean remains one of the top destinations our members book each and every year,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA’s President & CEO. “Combine that with our members’ desire for educational enrichment
and it’s no wonder why this event is a success.”
This is the second year Sandals and Beaches Resorts have hosted the event in partnership with ASTA, and attendees were greeted by Jeff Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Unique Vacations. Inc and Beaches Resorts, Gebhard Rainer, Group Chief Executive Officer,
Sandals Resorts International and Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations, Unique Vacations, Inc.
“We’re very thankful,” said Sadler, “to support ASTA—especially as Caribbean people, and as a Caribbean organization, for their invaluable commitment and efforts in promoting the region to travelers across the globe.”
Dr. Jeff Barnes delivered the keynote address. He is the author of The Wisdom of Walt and spoke to attendees about building a world-class team and company by shifting the way they look at business and life.
The attendees also heard from dignitaries from island nations around the Caribbean:
— The Honorable Charles W. Misick, Premier, Turks & Caicos Islands
— The Honorable Chester Cooper, Deputy PM & Minister of Tourism, Investment & Aviation, Bahamas
— The Honorable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage & Culture, Turks & Caicos Islands
— The Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica
— The Honorable Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Barbados
— The Honorable Dr. Ernest Hillaire, Minister of Tourism, Investment, Culture Creative Industry & Information, St. Lucia
— The Honorable Ruisandro Cijntje, Minister of Economics & Tourism, Curaçao
— The Honorable Henry Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Antigua & Barbuda
— The Honorable Lennox John Andrews, Minister of Economic Development, Planning Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives, Grenada
Event sponsors include Sandals and Beaches Resorts, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Next year’s event will be held at Sandals Royal Curaçao from August 24 to 27. Those interested can register now for a discounted, now for a discounted, early registration rate.