BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, – The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has declared 2019, the “Year of Festivals in the Caribbean” following the past year’s successful Year of Rejuvenation.
CTO said as a result, the region will celebrate the unique rhythm and tempo of each CTO destination throughout the new year.
“The Year of Festivals will focus on the fascinating events that have become an integral part of the Caribbean tourism calendar. Festivals help to energize communities across the region, while giving visitors more reasons to enjoy our destinations,” said CTO Secretary General, Hugh Riley.
Emphasize unique characteristics of Caribbean culture
“In addition to providing an opportune time for vacationers to visit, these celebrations also emphasize the unique characteristics that define the many diverse backgrounds and traditions which comprise the Caribbean’s cultural tapestry,” he added.
CTO said that the 2019 Caribbean Year of Festivals will be promoted through social media and traditional media channels and will create opportunities for travelers and vacation planners to share their experiences.
Celebrates life
“While each destination is unique and inviting in its own right, the common denominator for all Caribbean societies is a yearning to celebrate life – and each Caribbean country provides a beat that can’t be replicated elsewhere,” said Riley.
He said that the Year of Festivals will highlight music, art, sailing, lights, food, rum, religious, literary and dance festivals celebrated throughout the region.
“It’s a theme which can easily be embraced by all CTO member destinations,” Riley noted.
CTO said that throughout 2019, it will assist member countries with an assortment of promotional concepts and opportunities which can be implemented around the theme of festivals to appeal to consumers, travel professionals and creators of unique vacation experiences.
