From Bahama Islands Info

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association Marketplace 2016 opened Thursday to the pulsating and rhythmic sounds of Junkanoo, renditions by the world-famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and a nudging from the Rt. Hon Perry Christie, Prime Minister to incorporate romance into selling regional destinations.

Additionally, the Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe welcomed participants to the Caribbean’s largest and most important marketing event, which gives tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet wholesalers from around the world, selling Caribbean vacations.

About 1,000 stakeholders representing 29 regional territories assembled in the Grand Ballroom at the Atlantis on Paradise Island, where they also heard a soul-stirring rendition of “Let There Be Peace On Earth” by Bahamian Louis Cleare. Almost all stood up and applauded.

Mr. Wilchcombe said based on the human resources displayed in talent during the opening ceremony, coupled with The Bahamas leading the way in culinary skills, that the region should do more to enhance its people, before serving tourists who flock to these shores.

He said however, that the Caribbean region has done “exceptionally well,” demonstrating courage in the face of resistance and a recession experienced several years ago.

The Minister of Tourism also heralded the success of private-public partnership, specifically on the island of Bimini.

And, he applauded efforts of the Prime Minister in encouraging The Bahamas to feed itself through BAMSI, which is being supported by local hotels buying locally-grown produce.

Furthermore, he thanked the Prime Minister for encouraging Bahamians to use their talents and skills to draw more tourists to The Bahamas through Sports Tourism, Religious Tourism, and Medical Tourism. ”We are proud of what he has encouraged us to do.” (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)

For more on this story go to: http://bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23166:caribbean-has-done-exceptionally-well-wilchcombe-tells-chta-marketplace-2016&catid=34:Bahamas%20National%20News&Itemid=147