WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) recently participated in another successful New York Times Travel Show, with about 700 exhibitors from 176 different countries in attendance. The New York Times Travel Show 2019 was kicked off with the Travel Industry Conference, offering an extensive training program, especially for travel agents and members of the press. This year’s focus was on “Caribbean Carnival and Festivals.” The CTB was able to give a presentation, providing travel agents and members of the press with information on the Curaçao Carnival, as well as several other festivals and activities on our events calendar.
The doors to the Exhibition Hall were opened after the conference, and the New York Times Travel Show began. The show registered 35,568 attendees, representing a 9.8% increase compared to 2018. This figure includes 11,756 trade attendees including 1,221 members of the press and 23,812 consumer attendees.
This year, the CTB presented Curaçao’s new promotional campaign, “Feel it For Yourself,” emphasizing the island’s euphoric carnival. The CTB was accompanied by local partners, and once more the Curaçao booth had a big impact. Two dancers in carnival outfits and our brand-new top-10 Miss Universe finalist, Akisha Albert moved among the public, inviting the visitors to come to the Curaçao booth. All who did could register to win a trip for two to Curaçao. They could also take a picture with the dancers and Miss Curaçao, Akisha Albert, and post it on social media with the hashtag, #feelitforyourself.
The Curaçao team was also able to give a 15-minute presentation on the main stage, providing a brief description of the island’s “Tumba” rhythm and its Grand Parade. The dancers in carnival attire showed the public how to dance the Tumba and invited them to get on stage and try out the Curaçao swing!
The CTB wishes to thank Miss Curaçao, Akisha Albert, and private-sector partners Acoya Curaçao Resort, Villas & Spa, Avila Beach Hotel, Oasis Coral Estate Beach, Dive & Wellness Resort, Papagayo Curaçao, Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino and Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaçao for their participation. The show proved to be a tremendous opportunity for Curaçao to showcase its tourism product to all in attendance.
