During its recently concluded annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) has announced a strategic alliance with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

"The Caribbean is an essential player in tourism and the vacation ownership industry," said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA's president and CEO.

He added, "I am excited about our partnership with CHTA as we work toward growing the Caribbean resort industry with its extraordinary tourism assets."

The sun-drenched region has been a popular destination for generations of Americans from college students and honeymooners to families with kids and retirees.

It is also increasingly in demand as a wedding destination. Recently, the website MarryAbroad.co.uk reported that warmth and sunshine of the Caribbean, as well as its relative closeness to the U.S., has made it the favorite destination with couples.

Caribbean timeshares have also historically sold well, with the islands of the Leeward Antilles – Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao – being among the most popular choices with American families.