Dallas Market Hall was busy over the weekend.

This past weekend, the Caribbean took center stage at the Travel & Adventure Show at Dallas Market Hall, where travel agents and consumers showed up in full force to experience the warmth, culture and beauty of the Caribbean region. 

Through its strategic partnership with the Travel & Adventure Shows – the largest series of travel expos in the U.S. – the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is amplifying visibility in key markets and reinforcing the region’s status as a premier travel destination. 

Several CTO member destinations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, were on hand to showcase the diverse experiences that make the Caribbean truly unforgettable.

The next and final stop: Washington, D.C. this weekend.

Why Dallas matters to St. Lucia

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Richard Moss, Director of Global Sales at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, was a busy bee at this weekend’s Travel & Adventure Show in Dallas – and with good reason.  Dallas now ranks as the third highest producing region for St. Lucia, making it a critical market for engagement. Moss shares why it’s essential for Caribbean destinations to show up, tell their story, and maintain strong connections with travelers.  Listen to his insights on community tourism, evolving market trends, and why geography still plays a bigger role than many realize.

Global travel outlook

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that Singaporeis on track to smash its all-time international arrivals record this year, outpacing other major Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines. According to the latest research, international arrivals are projected to reach almost 16 million in 2025 – 9.6% above 2019 pre-pandemic levels.  India is fueling a major tourism surge to “The Lion City”, with arrivals expected to jump from just over 1.11 million in 2019 to 1.25 million in 2025 — the highest on record.   Despite a slow rebound in outbound travel from China globally, Singapore is on track to welcome a record 2.8 million Chinese visitors this year, setting the stage for further growth in 2026. WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, said “Singapore is setting the pace for global tourism growth, breaking records, and outpacing its regional rivals. With soaring visitor numbers expected from India, and a return of Chinese travellers, the city-state’s tourism engine is running at full throttle. “This is not just a comeback – it is a transformation. Singapore is leading in innovation and sustainability, and its Travel & Tourism sector is on course to be stronger than ever, driving jobs, growth, and economic prosperity for years to come.”

Seatrade 2025 around the corner

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association CEO Michele Paige with Colin James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez at last year’s Seatrade event in Miami Beach.

The Caribbean is gearing up for the 40th anniversary of Seatrade Cruise Global, taking place April 7–10 in Miami.  This landmark event brings together cruise professionals from over 120 countries to connect, collaborate and chart the future of cruise tourism.  With a dynamic conference agenda, a stellar lineup of industry leaders, and countless networking opportunities, Seatrade Cruise Global is one of the premier B2B gatherings for the cruise sector.  As the Caribbean continues to play a pivotal role in global cruising, this event offers an unmatched platform to showcase regional offerings, expand partnerships, and gain insights into emerging trends and strategies shaping the industry.

Quotable Caribbean

“As a proud advocate for fostering valuable and meaningful collaboration within the region, I believe wholeheartedly that we are our brother’s keeper. In times of need and challenge, it has always been the Caribbean community that responds first, stands firm, and lifts one another up. We are not only each other’s first responders – we are also each other’s greatest opportunity.” – Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Saint-Martin

Proverbially West Indian

“Chien pa ka fè chat.” This Caribbean French Creole saying, “A dog can’t make a cat”, reminds us that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Whether highlighting family traits, cultural influence or inherited values, it speaks to the idea that who we are often reflects where we come from. Across the Caribbean, proverbs like this one carry deep wisdom passed down through generations, offering insight with a touch of wit.

Medical Moment

Vaccination Week in the Americas, which takes place from April 26 to May 3, is a key event that encourages collective action across the region to highlight the importance of immunization. This year’s theme, “Your decision makes a difference. Immunization for all”, reminds us of the critical role each person plays in creating healthier communities and strengthening public health systems. Vaccination Week provides an excellent opportunity for health campaigns, community engagement, and education on the vital role vaccines play in safeguarding public health.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.