CHTA proposes a three-part measurement framework tracking economic retention, workforce investment, and environmental impact to better capture tourism's true value to Caribbean economies.
CHTA shares insights from Barbados forum covering climate resilience, digital transformation, direct booking strategies, and workforce innovation as priorities for Caribbean hotels.
The NFL’s announcement of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show comes off the tail end of the performer’s 31-show residency in Puerto Rico, which has been estimated to have brought as much as $200 million dollars into the local economy with a carryover boost for local hotels.
In 2024, the Dominican Republic has emerged as one of the top choices for outbound leisure travelers from the U.S. and Canada. This Caribbean gem has captured the hearts of travelers with its stunning beaches, rich culture and affordable vacation packages. With its proximity to North America, all-inclusive resorts, and a wide range of activities, it's no wonder that the Dominican Republic is the go-to destination for travelers seeking sun, sand and relaxation. In this blog, we will explore the various travel trends that are defining the popularity of the Dominican Republic this summer.
As international travel returns in many parts of the world, several Members are starting to report strong numbers both for arrivals and tourist spending. This is in spite of the fact the sector continues to face a number of challenges, among them the ongoing pandemic, rising interest rates and cost of living levels, and heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
CBRE Hotels Americas Research announced that the average Caribbean hotel in its survey sample suffered a 4.7 percent decrease in gross operating profit (GOP) during 2016, according to its newly released twelfth edition of Caribbean Trends® in the Hotel Industry. This decline in profitability follows four consecutive years of double-digit increases in GOP.
Will Cuba Become the Caribbean's Best Destination? Don't get them wrong: The all-inclusive, oceanside resort that Georgetown University Hospitality students visited during their recent trip to Cuba was wonderful, and all anyone could ask of … an all-inclusive, oceanside resort. It just didn't say "Cuba."
Caribbean tourism broke new ground in 2016, surpassing 29 million arrivals for the first time ever, and once again growing faster than the global average.
The business organization of the US President-elect, Donald Trump, was looking into buying hotels in Cuba as recently as six months ago, according to a report by Skift.com, which cites a top Spanish hotel executive. This report would go against Trump's stated Cuba policy, which is to terminate President Barack Obama's opening of Cuba to US business.
Despite a challenging year, demand for the destination of Puerto Rico in 2016 remains strong. Coming off of a historic record breaking 2015, The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is reaching its aggressive goal of welcoming ten million passengers to Puerto Rico airports. Since the start of Zika, total hotel registrations from Jan.-Sept. in 2016 are 1.6% above 2015 and non-resident hotel registrations are 1.4% above the record breaking year. The PRTC's comprehensive "facts over fear" program to protect its residents and annual visitors continues to be instrumental.
Gregory T. Bohan, MS, Instructor in the Hosptality & Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University's College of Business moderated a high-profile panel discussion at the HVS CHICOS (Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference & Operations Summit) conference held on November 10 and 11 at the Ritz Carlton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has developed a comprehensive program for its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the pre-eminent tourism gathering in the region, which will explore a range of subjects including how to transition the product, multicultural and emerging markets, creating a luxury experience and the sharing economy. SOTIC is scheduled Sept. 14 - 16, 2016 at the Hilton Barbados Resort.Themed Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future, SOTIC brings together tourism decision-makers, including ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, hotel and airline executives, travel agents, students and media. It is preceded by CTO business gatherings including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.General sessions start at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 15 following the keynote address by Adam Stewart, chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International, and take place throughout the day and Sept. 16. Panels include:Delivering the Luxury Experience - As wealth expands globally and middle classes emerge in populous countries, the demand for luxury travel will fuel the growth of this market highlighted by more meaningful, authentic, personalized and exclusive travel experiences. The session examines how Caribbean destinations can re- craft their value propositions in order to deliver a luxury experience that meets the demand and translates into revenue growth for the suppliers. Capturing the Multi-Cultural and Emerging Markets - Multicultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and tourism industry - estimated to be over a US$90 billion market. Established groups within this segment continue to grow, while new ones are fast emerging. This session is designed to give attendees insight into how to gain a share of these multicultural markets. Panelists will examine travel and spending patterns including "likes," "dislikes" and expectations, and how best to reach and retain these unfamiliar market segments. Is Tourism Entering a New and Difficult Age? - Various safety and security threats such as crime, natural disasters, health crises and global terrorism all have the ability to stifle the growth potential of Caribbean tourism. This session looks at practical strategies and concrete examples of how tourism stakeholders, working together with other government agencies, the media and independent businesses can plan and respond collaboratively at the national and regional levels to counteract or reduce such threats. No Place for the Status Quo - The dynamic nature of travel and tourism, coupled with changing demographics and attitudes, force the industry into a perpetual state of transition. In this session, tourism leaders discuss piloting an industry through a state of flux, utilizing alliances, diversifying source markets, and developing techniques to maintain the industry's prominence as a leading revenue earner and employment generator. The Sharing Economy: Opportunity or Threat? - There are aggressive players in the travel and tourism business and part of what is commonly called The Sharing Economy or the Consumer, Peer-to-Peer Rental Market. Overall business is currently valued at US$26 billion, and these players are already operating in the Caribbean and their numbers are estimated to experience rapid growth. Panelists will examine this hybrid market model and discuss the challenges, risks and opportunities for the Caribbean tourism sector. Creating Value Through Outstanding Visitor Experiences - The destination experience begins for a potential visitor long before the moment of touchdown. From a dynamic website, desirable accommodations, fascinating attractions, state-of-the-art airports and the services of travel agent specialists, this session will look at ways of enhancing the experiences of travelers to the Caribbean and positively impacting the bottom line. Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress - National "Junior Ministers of Tourism" comprising students between the ages of 14-17, research various facets of the tourism sector and share their vision for the future direction of regional tourism. Delegates should expect a thought-provoking and spirited exchange of views among our future leaders of the region as these young debaters vie for important prizes and the chance to be a youth ambassador for tourism. In addition to the general sessions, SOTIC will feature two workshops offered concurrently on Sept. 15 at 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. The workshops are as follows:Buckle Up: This Could Be Bumpy - Providing adequate intra-regional service has always been a challenge for the region. The issues are many but the answers appear to be few. This workshop will investigate how the Caribbean can "get it right." Picture It: Will You Be Here In Five Years? - To position a tourism destination, hotel or attraction in a way that is desirable, profitable and sustainable requires specific steps. This workshop will provide practical, straightforward answers to creating and achieving a vision for success. For complete session descriptions or to register for SOTIC, visithttp://sotic.onecaribbean.org/.This year's conference is organized in collaboration with Barbados' Ministry of Tourism and International Transport and the Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.
After modest industry growth in the years following the Worldwide Financial Crisis, in recent years visitor arrival numbers in the Dominican Republic increased significantly, reaching a growth of nearly 10% for two consecutive years, thus solidifying its position as the most visited destination in the Caribbean. With a GDP growth of around 7% in both 2014 and 2015, the country ranks among the fastest growing economies in Latin America. In 2015, tourism was the biggest FDI recipient of all economic sectors.