NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Bahamas says it is hoping to use the upcoming Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace to boost tourist arrivals to the country. Tourism Minister Obie Wilchombe, speaking at a news conference to launch the January 20-22 event, said the overall goal is to increase the number of stopover visitors in 2013 from 1.6 to 1.8 million, surpassing the record 2008 figure that stood at 1.3 million. Wilchcombe told reporters that negotiations at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace would go a long way in achieving the goal and welcomed the fact that the event was being hosted here for the second time in a short period.