Caribbean Village sees continued importance of European market (updated)

'The European market continues to be important for the Caribbean region. It gives us the opportunity to diversify our tourism portfolio,' said Julie-Anne Burrowes, business development consultant for the Caribbean Village.

This regional joint marketing initiative has participated in Seatrade Europe and Seatrade Med for more than a decade.

'The destinations continue to come every year because of the tangible benefits, not just for the events but also from a collaboration standpoint and the opportunity to share best practices,' Burrowes said.

'New destinations really embrace the vision for Caribbean Village— being able to promote the region from a collaborative approach rather than a competitive approach,' she added.

Caribbean Village participants at Seatrade Europe include Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Caribbean Village will host the event's welcome reception, 'A Taste of the Tropics,' on Sept. 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Cruise Live Travel Agent Conference will take place adjacent to the Caribbean Village on Sept. 11.

Burrowes said 'We welcome the addition of the travel agent component and we are looking to strengthen linkages with these important cruise partners.'

One of the Caribbean Village participants, Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board, is shortlisted for the Seatrade Cruise Awards' 'Destination of the Year.'