(George Town, Cayman Islands – 10 May 2023) The Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Ports, is attending the leading Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) conference, which includes the Caribbean Travel Forum and MarketPlace events in Barbados this week (May 9 – 11).

Representing his dual role as the Cayman Islands Minister for Tourism, and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Minister Bryan joined a panel discussion alongside the tourism Ministers from Barbados and Jamaica, Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill and Hon. Edmund Bartlett respectively, CEO of CHUKKA Caribbean Marc Melville, and Chair of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Renee Coppin. The panel addressed several topical issues impacting the industry, including climate change, multi-destination connectivity, and the impact and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) within the tourism arena.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Mottley, delivered a rousing keynote address in which she challenged tourism stakeholders to be ‘shakers not takers’ by creating their own paths and reducing the reliance on foreign investment by finding solutions within the region. The Prime Minister received a standing ovation from the audience made up of regional government Ministers, hotel and attraction owners, managing directors, general managers, industry executives, and service providers, among others.

Minister Bryan expressed his support for the event saying, “I am very happy to attend the Caribbean Travel Forum and MarketPlace events and present the Cayman Islands’ perspective on a number of important regional issues. This forum is a welcomed opportunity to meet with other industry leaders to share ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the future growth and development of tourism in the Caribbean.”

The CHTA continues on Wednesday and Thursday with a tradeshow-styled MarketPlace, allowing tourism stakeholders the opportunity to meet with global wholesalers, partners, and service providers.

For more information about the event, please visit the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association website at www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com