NYC Caribbean Fair Set for June
JAMAICA, May 19, 2006. An expanded location, two 'live' Caribbean Weddings, a new Caribbean Vacation Mart, a United States Postal Service booth so consumers can apply for passports, and many exciting cultural and musical offerings will highlight the program of the Caribbean Fair on Tuesday, June 13 during the CTO's annual Caribbean Week 2006 in New York City.
The event, slated for Piers 16 and 17 at the historic South Street Seaport, will welcome consumers from 10 am - 7 pm. "The Caribbean boasts a certain excitement and exuberance that will be energetically portrayed at this year's Caribbean Fair through performances from across the region," said Hugh Riley, CTO's director of marketing for the Americas. "Our region's eclectic collection of cultures and rhythms will present the Caribbean as more than just smooth sandy beaches and pleasant sunshine; we certainly have that, but visitors to the Fair will be enticed to book specially-priced vacation packages that offer a taste of the entire Caribbean experience," he added.
What's New at the 2006 Caribbean Fair
As a result of its growing popularity among New Yorkers, the day-long Caribbean Fair has been expanded to include Piers 16 and 17 (last year, it took place at Pier 16 only) for approximately 70 country booths showcasing promotional materials, indigenous products, arts and crafts, food samples prepared by Caribbean Celebrity Chefs, and a variety of cultural items and presentations.
A brand new feature of the Fair, the Caribbean Vacation Mart will provide consumers with value-added Caribbean vacation specials with prices only valid through the duration of Caribbean Week 2006. Travel professionals from American Express Vacations will be on-site to assist the public with purchasing specially-priced packages to more than 30 Caribbean countries in the region.
Delighting in the Caribbean's 'love affair' with couples, Caribbean Week 2006 will present two 'live' Caribbean Weddings sponsored by the Cond'e Nast Bridal Group (in the past, the Caribbean Fair featured one wedding). Themes chosen for the weddings include "The Most Romantic Proposal" and "The Second Time Around." The two lucky couples exchanging vows at the Fair will each receive a romantic Caribbean honeymoon and an invitation to the black-tie 33rd Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball at Manhattan's famed Waldorf=Astoria where they will lead off the evening's dancing.
USPS Partners with CTO at Fair
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has kindly agreed to partner with CTO to make Applying for a U.S. Passport at CTO-organized events quick and convenient. This partnership helps to address the new U.S. regulation requiring all travelers entering or re-entering the United States starting December 31, 2006 to be in possession of a valid passport. USPS Retail Associates will be on site at the Caribbean Fair at the South Street Seaport on June 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact the USPS Marketing Department at 212-330-3070. Visit the website at: http-usps.com-passport. for downloadable forms or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.
Official Opening & Proclamations
During a special Presentation of Proclamations at 2:30 pm, Caribbean tourism ministers and directors of tourism, along with private sector strategic partners, will be in attendance as New York City and State officials deliver proclamations officially declaring June 10-17, 2006 Caribbean Week in New York. There will also be a Flag Raising Ceremony for the Islands of the Bahamas, the venue for the Caribbean's next major conference, the 29th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-29), which is taking place Oct. 20-25, 2006 at the Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas.
Dignitaries and senior Caribbean tourism officials will attend the Publishers Presentation Lunch from 12:30-2 pm at the South Street Seaport. Attendance at the luncheon, which is sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine, is by invitation only.
Sway to Caribbean Rhythms
Musical performance highlights include the Turks & Caicos Police Band, Da Bhann from Antigua & Barbuda, Junior Lion from St. Martin, Leon & the Peoples Band from the United States, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, Ken Isles from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Freddie McGregor and Son from Jamaica. The evening will be capped off by Jamaican reggae legend Half Pint.
Vibrant Caribbean Colors & Fashion
Several fashion shows throughout the day will round out the Fair's program as follows: a wedding fashion show from Antigua & Barbuda, cruise and beach attire from St. Kitts, and casual wear from St. Maarten/St. Martin.
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