The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)’s multi-destination media trip, held in May, showcased the region’s diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and distinctive experiences, highlighting the connectivity and growth of inter-island travel.
Journalists Tyler Fox (Travel Off Path), Simone Harvin (Bleu Magazine), and Julian Belinque (Travel2Latam) explored the varied landscapes, cultures and experiences across St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The journey began in St. Lucia, where the group discovered the island’s iconic natural attractions and enjoyed unique experiences.
They took a dip in the therapeutic Sulphur Springs and crafted their own chocolate bars at Project Chocolat, followed by lunch at the breathtaking Jade Mountain. There, the group was escorted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s Rondel Charlery, Francine Holder and Ernie George; and Darcel Choy of Marketplace Excellence.
Next, a quick stopover in Barbados allowed the media to explore one of the island’s geological marvels, Harrison’s Cave, with an escort by Cara Jean-Baptiste of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). In Jamaica, the journalists visited Montego Bay for Caribbean Travel Marketplace before heading to Kingston to experience the island’s rich cultural heritage at the legendary Bob Marley Museum.
The last stop was the Cayman Islands, where the group experienced the destination’s incredible natural beauty at spots like the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park with its vibrant flora. They also had an up-close encounter with stingrays at the famous Stingray City, delved into the art scene at the Visual Arts Society, and learned about the island’s history with a guided tour of Pedro St. James.
From natural wonders to cultural treasures and warm Caribbean hospitality, the CHTA multi-destination media trip delivered an immersive showcase of the region’s remarkable diversity. The journalists experienced top-notch accommodations at partnering hotels, including Bay Gardens Beach Resort in St. Lucia, Excellence Oyster Bay in Jamaica, and Grand Cayman Marriott Resort in the Cayman Islands.
The journey was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, with flights provided by interCaribbean Airways and Cayman Airways.