Caribbean Week venues announced

NEW YORK, New York, April 20, 2009 – The Caribbean Tourism Development Company, (www.caribbeantravel.com) has announced the confirmed venues for Caribbean Week in New York, June 8 – 12, 2009. The Celebrity Chefs program will begin on June 8 with Caribbean chefs participating in cooking demonstrations throughout the city, June 8 – 12. The Business Meetings and Consumer events of Caribbean Week will follow on June 11 and 12, immediately after the Second Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit (ACTS) being held in Washington, D.C., June 8-10, 2009. The business-focused summit is attended by Ministers and Directors of Tourism and senior private sector executives. It includes meetings on Capitol Hill as well as internal strategic planning meetings between CTO and CHTA officials.

The majority of Caribbean Week’s special sessions and activities will be held at the New Yorker Hotel at 481 Eighth Avenue at 34th Street. Other evening events and receptions will take place at The Plaza Hotel and Manhattan Center. A complete listing of venue information for Caribbean Week in New York is below:



Monday – Friday, June 8-12

* Celebrity Chef Program at various venues in New York City: Chefs will prepare distinctive Caribbean dishes at prestigious events held all over the city to showcase a taste of the Region to consumers, travel industry professionals and media.



Thursday, June 11

* Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon at New Yorker Hotel, Crystal Ballroom – 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.: This luncheon is attended by Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and Board of Directors and honors US- and Caribbean-based consumer and trade media.
* Workshop for Travel Agents at New Yorker Hotel, Herald Square Ballroom – 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.: The workshop will offer niche market presentations on “Weddings and Honeymoons” to a select group of travel agents invited by CTO, its Chapters and member countries.
* Caribbean Media Marketplace at New Yorker Hotel, Grand Ballroom – 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.: The media are invited to have one-on-one interactions with tourism officials, hotels, tour operators and airline representatives to gain valuable information about the Caribbean region.
* Caribbean Treats: Food, Rum & Rhythm at Manhattan Center – 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.: A celebration of the Caribbean region’s award-winning rums, this ticketed event will include a sampling of premium rums and rum cocktails, celebrity chef demonstrations and tastings, musical performances and much more.



Friday, June 12

* Caribbean Marketing Conference at New Yorker Hotel, Gramercy Room – 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Hosted by the CTO Allied members in conjunction with ATME, this event is a regular highlight of Caribbean Week. This conference will be attended by Ministers, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism as well as senior tourism industry representatives from the private sector.
* Allied Awards Luncheon at New Yorker Hotel, Bank Room – 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.: This luncheon follows the Caribbean Marketing Conference and will be attended by Ministers, Commissioners and Directors of Tourism as well as senior tourism industry representatives from the private sector.
* 36th Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball and Awards Presentations at Plaza Hotel, Grand Ballroom – 7:00 p.m. – Midnight: As the official closing event to Caribbean Week in New York, this elegant black-tie affair marks its 36th anniversary. Visiting celebrity chefs will prepare the elaborate dinner and highlights include the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Special Recognition Award and Excellence Award bestowed upon individuals in honor of their contributions to the Region.