And what better way to swashbuckle your way around the stands than with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ treasure trail? Would-be Jack Sparrows can follow the trail and collect prizes along the way on both November 8 (Wednesday) and 9 (Thursday).
Prizes will be held in a treasure chest and agents need to visit the stands with a special key which can be picked up from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. By correctly answering the questions, you can eventually open the chest to collect your booty.
Next, go to the Jamaica Tourist Boardstand CA1120 and pick up a copy of its new destination guide. On November 6 (Monday) it will be announcing the 25 people who have won a place on its fam trip from the pool of agents who have already completed its online training scheme. Get some inspiration to learn about Jamaica on November 7 (Tuesday) by learning how to mix a rum cocktail from Appleton Rum’s mixologist – you could even win a bottle of the rum distilled in Jamaica.
At the Superclubsstand CA1100 the all-inclusive hotelier is giving away its annual wall planners on the agent days, as well as its SuperAgent Incentive flyer, which means you can win points for all bookings and eventually exchange them for a free holiday.
If that’s not enough, head to the Trinidad and Tobago stand CA1025 on November 6 (Monday) and November 7 (Tuesday) or some rum and chocolate tasting between 12pm and 5pm. Taste specially selected angostura rums and chocolates made from cocoa beans grown on the island. Every day from 4pm traditional Trinbago food will be cooked fresh on the stand by Trinidadian chef Brian Canclair. At 5pm the party hots up with a steel band, limbo dancers, plus a saxophonist and DJ SW Storm.
By now you’ll have developed a taste for the Caribbean, but at the Anguilla Tourist Board standCA7000you can literally feel it. Said to have some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, bowls of sand from the tiny island will be brought to London so you can feel its fine, silky texture.
The Bahamas Tourist Officestand CA1060 is inviting Bahamas Specialist Agents for a taste of its local brew, Kalik beer, which has been specially imported for WTM. There are special Bahamas Specialist information packs available for non-specialist agents too.
It wouldn’t be a route around the Caribbean without coming across a bat and ball. Most islands are heavily promoting next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office stand CA2020is no exception. Check out the stand from 12pm on November 6 (Monday) where Sir Viv Richards and Richie Richardson will be signing cricket bats and balls.
If you’re visiting on Wednesday, the Montserrat Tourist Boardstand CA1015has declared November 8 ‘Ash Wednesday’, commemorating the massive volcanic eruption which destroyed parts of the island more than a decade ago.
Bottles of volcanic ash, decorated in the national cloth of Montserrat, will be given away to visitors.
Coconut Bay Resort and Spawill be at stand CA1090showcasing its kids’ club mascots Coco and Loco, so pop along. Its kids’ club launched a programme this year which has been created by education specialists.
If a rum punch doesn’t get you in the Caribbean spirit then get yourself down to the Caribbean Village Street Party between 5.30pm and 8pm on November 6 (Monday) and soak up the atmosphere that keeps the destination a favourite.