BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

The likely impact on travel of the current global economic crisis will be among major issues discussed by travel experts at a key event facilitated by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) in London next month.

The CTO's European Marketing Forum is held annually ahead of the international travel trade show, World Travel Market (WTM).

This year's forum is scheduled for November 9 at Glaziers Hall in London Bridge and will give Caribbean WTM delegates - including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, as well as private sector representatives - an opportunity to hear top industry speakers talk on key tourism issues.

Rising unemployment

"This year, the global economic downturn, rising unemployment and the collapse of XL Leisure Group have all taken their toll on consumer confidence," said Julia Hendry, CTO's director of Marketing for the UK and Europe.