By Joe Pike from Travel Agent Central

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has released the details for its annualCaribbean Week New York (#CWNY18) event that runs from June 2 to 8.

Ministers, directors of tourism, national tourist office representatives and other tourism and hospitality officials will participate in meetings, seminars and other business development events to further enhance the Caribbean brand and provide updates and support to the travel agents and press.

A trade show for Caribbean travel specialists and a marketing conference keynoted by Travel Impressions’ Scott Wiseman are just a few notable events to expect this year.

Not all of the events have officially been announced, but here’s what the CTO has planned for the week thus far.

Celebrity Chefs Program

Taking place at various locations in New York throughout the week, Caribbean celebrity chefs will prepare authentic Caribbean dishes at highly visible, upscale locations whose customers match the profile of Caribbean vacationers.

Tourism Industry Workshop

Taking place from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 4 at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, government and travel industry representatives will receive valuable insights on“Employing Successful Sales Strategies” to increase confidence and performance.

Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 4 at the Wyndham New Yorker, theCaribbean Diaspora Forum engages New York’s Caribbean-American community via an informative discussion between members of the Caribbean Diaspora, regional tourism officials and other industry and civic leaders.

Trade Show and Educational Forum for Travel Agents

Taking place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 at Wyndham New Yorker, Caribbean Week New York’s “Trade Show and Educational Forum for Travel Agents”is designed to provide travel retail professionals with tools and information to keep the Caribbean’s diverse product at the forefront of the warm weather vacation industry with a focus on wellness and rejuvenation.

Caribbean Students Colloquium 

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at the Wyndham New Yorker, theCaribbean Students Colloquium will see “Students Taking Centre Stage” in a program designed to serve as a catalyst for creativity while engaging future tourism leaders of the Caribbean.

CTO Press Conference

Members of the press will gather from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7 at the Wyndham New Yorker to learn about the latest developments originating from theCTO Board of Directors meeting along with Caribbean tourism performance data and forecasts predicting future growth in the region.

Caribbean Media Marketplace

Set to take place for 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 7 at the Wyndham New Yorker, a broad section of television, radio, print and digital media will gather to network with top representatives from CTO-member governments and the private tourism sector, including high-level tourism officials and industry executives who will be on-hand to showcase their respective brands and influence the media narrative on the regional tourism industry.

Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards Dinner

Set to run from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 7 at the Wyndham New Yorker, an expanded awards program will feature a dinner presentation honoring journalists and influencers who have made an impact on Caribbean tourism.

With digital media radically altering the way information is shared on social platforms, this expanded event will recognize journalists who utilize innovative ways to communicate the allure of the Caribbean as well as destinations that develop successful campaigns to attract visitors to the region.

Rum & Rhythm Benefit

Taking place from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday, June 8 at Capitale, the CTO Foundationwill celebrate the diverse sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean at the seventh annual “Rum & Rhythm Benefit – the Ultimate Food and Rum Experience in New York City,” the signature flagship event of Caribbean Week New York open to the public with tickets on sale at the early bird rate of $80 until March 31.

Participants will enjoy authentic Caribbean entertainment as they sample the region’s cuisine in support of a scholarship program for Caribbean nationals pursuing studies in tourism, hospitality and language training.

Visit www.onecaribbean.org and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.