BRIDGETOWN — Love is in the air with a new romance-themed promotion from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
The CTO has declared 2016 ‘The Year of Romance’, with member countries and hotels highlighting the Caribbean as the leading choice for a romance vacation for consumers and travel planners selling the region.
“With over 30 destinations to choose from, the Caribbean region provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway highlighted by pristine beaches, secluded accommodations, an abundance of land and water activities, top-notch spa services and personalized attention that meets the needs of the most discerning traveler,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general of CTO.
“The Year of Romance in the Caribbean will spotlight the romantic features of our region beyond the traditional times of year such as Valentine’s Day. A romantic theme is easily embraced by all of our member destinations 365 days a year,” he added.
Throughout the year, CTO in cooperation with its private sector partner the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association will assist member countries with an assortment of ideas geared to consumers, travel agents and tour operators. Ideas will be developed around:
- First-time or second-time marriages and the renewal of vows
- The most romantic locations to pop the question or to say “I do”
- Inviting celebrity couples to get married in the Caribbean
- Revisits by couples who were married or honeymooned in the Caribbean
- Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries
- Gift registries of romantic vacations in the Caribbean
“We anticipate that in addition to the ideas we provide our members, the countries and hotels will develop their own plan of action for promoting romance in their individual destinations,” said Riley. “The theme is inclusive of our partners, both public- and private-sector. Caribbean hotels, travel agents and tour operators are urged to create their own romantic ideas or adopt ones being embraced by the destinations. We envision airline partners getting involved with their own ‘love is in the air’ offers and recognizing bridal parties onboard who are heading to a destination wedding in the Caribbean. We think video bloggers too will get involved in featuring the winners of the most romantic ideas.”
Riley added that CTO envisions 2016 The Year of Romance in the Caribbean as a catalyst for sellers and promoters of weddings and honeymoons, bridal publications and websites as well as wedding planners and service providers at the destination end.
The campaign will be promoted through social media and traditional media channels and will create opportunities for travellers and vacation planners to share their experiences and ideas of a romantic Caribbean vacation throughout 2016, he said.
