Sanovnik Destang, a prominent hotelier from St. Lucia, has been elected as the new President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). Destang’s leadership will focus on integrating people and technology, strengthening partnerships with other industries, and building a more resilient and adaptable tourism sector for the Caribbean.
The 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) concluded with record-breaking attendance numbers. The event, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from May 20-23, 2024, showcased the resilience and allure of the Caribbean as a premier travel destination. It attracted participation from 137 traditional buyer companies, 14 MICE companies, six wedding specialist organizations, 10 travel advisor agencies, and 50 members of the regional and international media. The Marketplace also welcomed 207 supplier companies representing 27 Caribbean destinations, with a total of 682 delegates. CTM set a new record with 12,724 scheduled appointments and a total of 1,200 delegates in attendance.
Travel analytics provider ForwardKeys and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) have released a comprehensive report on Caribbean tourism, indicating significant growth in the region despite heightened competition. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cancun emerged as top tourist destinations, while Belize and Curaçao saw notable growth. The report emphasizes the importance of data-driven insights in understanding traveler needs and optimizing marketing strategies for a sustainable and profitable tourism sector in the Caribbean.
Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, has been named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). This accolade recognizes her decades-long dedication and exceptional leadership in the hospitality industry, making significant contributions to Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has embarked on a significant rebranding campaign, unveiling a vibrant new website and modern design. This bold move reflects CHTA’s dedication to celebrating the unique charm of the Caribbean region while maintaining its prominent position in the hospitality sector. The redesigned logo, featuring a spiral at the heart of a starfish, symbolizes the interconnected network of the Caribbean, with each color representing a distinctive aspect of the region’s diverse qualities.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) recently paid tribute to John Bell, its inaugural executive director who passed away recently. Bell played a crucial role in guiding the organization for nearly thirty years, transforming it from a standard trade association to the leading tourism entity for the Caribbean’s private sector. He spearheaded several projects including the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Taste of the Caribbean, and the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference, which have strengthened the industry and the association’s membership.
