(BRIDGETOWN, Barbados) 11 May 2014 – Adventure travel is the antithesis of lying on the perfect Caribbean beach and is a quickly developing tourism niche market currently estimated at US $263 billion.
During Caribbean Week New York, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) plans to position the region’s adventure travel product for its share of this burgeoning market through an interactive workshop for an estimated 100 travel agents. The three-hour Trade Show & Educational Seminar for Travel Agents will be held at the illustrious Hilton Times Square Hotel on 234 West 42nd Street in New York on Tuesday, 3 June 2014 from 6:00 p.m.
The programme, which will start with a Tabletop Trade Show showcasing leading Caribbean adventure tourism products, will culminate with a presentation by the president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and industry expert, Shannon Stowell.
ATTA is the largest professional organization for adventure travel companies, destinations and organizations worldwide with over 930 corporate and governmental members from over 80 countries.
“The Caribbean nations represent a diverse offering of adventure travel experiences already. I look forward to sharing how to best leverage the diverse cultural, natural and active holiday opportunities with travel agents and destinations attending Caribbean Week.” said an enthusiastic Stowell, who has over 20 years of experience in the tourism and adventure travel trade business.
Adventure Tourism began 25-30 years ago and has evolved from noteworthy expeditions and extreme activities to softer, more accessible experiences. In the Caribbean, adventure travellers can opt for activities as calming as rafting on a river and observing the wildlife to adrenaline pumping activities such as zip-lining over forest canopies, several hundred feet above ground.
The 2013 Adventure Tourism Market Study estimates US $82 billion is spent on related gear, apparel and accessories, bringing the sectors total value in 2012 to more than $345 billion.
For information on how to participate in the Trade Show & Educational Seminar for Travel Agents or in any of the Caribbean Week New York activities, visit www.CaribbeanWeek.com.
Caribbean Week is supported by Academy Engraving, Antigua and Barbuda, the Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME), the Atrebor Group, Barbados, Blue Sky Luxury-Greensleeves, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cititech Solutions, CTO Allied Members, David Williams Funeral Service, El Dorado, Empire State Building, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Hilton San Juan Collection, Jamaica , the Sandals Foundation, Saint Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Martin and Travel+Leisure.
