One Caribbean Canada invites Canadians to discover history, culture & more

An organization formed to promote travel to the Caribbean says that part of the world isn’t on our doorstep but it isn’t difficult for most Canadians to reach either.

One Caribbean Canada, which appeared on the scene about a year ago, held a Tuesday Toronto event that promoted the accessibility of the Caribbean to the majority of Canadians, thanks to non-stop flights from several airline partners.

“We really are a direct flight away,” Erica Jackman told her audience. “The Caribbean is closer than you think….you leave (this country for the Caribbean) at breakfast, arrive at lunch and at two o’clock you’re on the beach.”

The evening saw the tourist boards of around 11 Caribbean destinations on hand to distribute information. Jackman, who used to work for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority and is now with the city of Brampton, Ont., said the Caribbean is a particularly festive part of the world.

“We don’t really need an excuse to celebrate but we’ll take one if you give it to us,” Jackman said during an event that featured a lively performance of Caribbean music and dancing. The audience was told that the Caribbean is “more than sunshine and turquoise water,” something that Caribbean tourism officials repeatedly state these days as they promote the likes of history, culture and varying landscapes to potential visitors.

Jackman said the Caribbean is making an increasing impact on the travel habits of Canadians who like to vacation outside of the country.

“The Caribbean is arriving and not only are we arriving, we’re arriving with flair,” she stated.

Jackman also used the event to praise One Caribbean Canada founder Nancy Drolet, who she said has “built a bridge between Canada and the Caribbean.”