Hyatt Announces Extended Suspension of Operations for Jamaica Resorts Following Hurricane Melissa
Seven Hyatt resorts will remain closed for nearly two years to complete extensive repairs and upgrades following Hurricane Melissa damage.
News
CHTA Highlights the Biggest Takeaways from CHIEF 2025, Signaling a New Era for Caribbean Hospitality
CHTA shares insights from Barbados forum covering climate resilience, digital transformation, direct booking strategies, and workforce innovation as priorities for Caribbean hotels.
Royalton Hotels & Resorts Outlines Comprehensive Support Plan for Jamaica’s Recovery
Five Royalton properties in Jamaica will remain closed until August-September 2026 following Hurricane Melissa damage, with 200+ staff retained for restoration work.
RIU plans to reopen all its hotels in Jamaica before the end of the year
RIU mobilizes $1M in employee aid and partners with airlines to restore operations across seven properties totaling 4,000+ rooms after Hurricane Melissa.
Bad Bunny’s residency impact on Puerto Rico’s 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.
Aimbridge Hospitality Selected to Operate Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts in Dominican Republic
Aimbridge Hospitality, the world's leading third-party hotel management company, today announced that it has assumed management of the Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana and Wyndham Alltra Samaná, two all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic.
Crafting Magical Events at the Rosewood Baha Mar with Tekeyo Bodie
Each of us remembers that one event we attended where every detail was flawlessly executed and the setting was so perfect that, in hindsight, the only word that describe it all is ‘magical’. Behind the scenes, as anyone working in hospitality knows, the crafting of a lifelong memory for attendees requires meticulous planning that starts months, or even years, ahead of the big day or multi-day conference.
By Larry Mogelonsky and Adam Mogelonsky
Caribbean Investment Opportunities: USVI's Hotel Development Act Offers Attractive Incentives
The Hotel Development and Finance Program Act (HDA) is a program created by the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) government through its Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA). The USVI is a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Basin and includes the four main islands of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and the smaller Water Island, as well as dozens of other minor islands. To be eligible for HDA benefits, a project must be located on one of the four named islands.The first benefit available through the HDA is the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) rebate. Hotel guests on the Islands are currently charged a 12.5% tax on rooms revenue, and investors can apply to receive an annual rebate of half or all of that tax for up to 30 years.Another incentive available to properties with a gaming operation is the Designated Casino Tax rebate. Properties that generate revenues through gambling offerings are subject to taxes of 8.0% of gross revenues from gaming operations in years one and two, 10.0% in years three and four, and 12.0% thereafter. Similar to the HOT, investors can apply for a rebate of either half of the casino tax or the full amount for up to 30 years.The third component of the HDA is the Economic Recovery Fee (ERF). The ERF incentive was added to the HDA following the particularly devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Investors can apply to have an ERF tax (up to 7.5% of rooms revenue) added to their property’s guest bills. This tax would then be returned to the investor annually as a rebate for up to 30 years.These incentives are intended to offset development costs (including redevelopment, renovation, and new construction) incurred by investors in hospitality projects (largely hotels and resorts) on the Islands that are oriented towards tourists and visitors. Thus, the HOT, Designated Casino Tax, and/or ERF benefits will expire after either ownership’s recoupment of the property’s development costs (excluding operating costs and owner-funded capital improvements after the initial investment), or a maximum period of 30 years.
By Kannan Sankaran, Managing Director of the HVS Consulting & Valuation practice in Washington, D.C, HVS
Valor Hospitality Partners Announces Strategic Expansion into the Caribbean with New Luxury Development in Tobago
Valor Hospitality Partners, a full-service global hospitality company, is proud to announce its official expansion into the Caribbean market through a strategic partnership with Cove Bay Developments. The collaboration marks Valor’s first Caribbean venture and includes the management of Plymouth Peninsula Tobago, a flagship luxury destination set to open on Tobago’s breathtaking northern coast in 2027.
Love in Action: Sandals Resorts Releases Corporate Social Responsibility Report in Celebration of Earth Month
Family-owned and operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Caribbean-born all-inclusive brands Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts and the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, proudly unveils its Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Offering a sweeping look at the company's enduring promise to protect and uplift the Caribbean – the place it calls home – the report titled Love Exceeds Expectations showcases more than 40 years of impact, innovation, and stewardship across education, community, and the environment.
Remington Hospitality Accelerates Growth in CALA Region with Strategic Addition
Following a year of robust growth, Remington Hospitality is strengthening its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) with the addition of ONE | GT in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. This latest addition marks another milestone in Remington’s rapid expansion across the region, underscoring its dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and elevating its portfolio in key destinations.
Meliá Hotels International expands in the Dominican Republic with INNSiDE by Meliá
Meliá Hotels International has announced the expansion of its INNSiDE by Meliá brand in the Dominican Republic, which is deemed a strategic destination for the company. The plan includes the opening of two new establishments in Punta Cana. Notably, these will be Meliá's first franchised hotels in the Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in the group's regional expansion.
Baha Mar in The Bahamas Unveils Expansion Plans With New Beachfront Resort and Residences
The leading luxury resort Baha Mar announces expansion plans to add a 4th luxury resort as the next phase of its continued development. The new resort and residences will be a stunning addition to Baha Mar’s “luxury of choice” collection, with a projected opening in 2029. Today Baha Mar and the government of The Bahamas have signed their Heads of Agreement signaling the approval to move the project forward to construction.
Sonesta Executes Deal for Five Sonesta ES Suites in Dominican Republic
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the execution of a deal to open five Sonesta ES Suites hotels in the Dominican Republic. The first property, Sonesta ES Suites ELEMENTS Jarabacoa, is scheduled to open in the first trimester of 2026 with the remaining four hotels to be completed within seven years.
Archipelago International and Noval Properties Sign Six Management Agreements in the Dominican Republic
In an unprecedented move, Archipelago International, the largest privately-owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, has joined forces with Noval Properties, a premier real estate developer in the Dominican Republic. This strategic alliance, formed in November 2023, is proud to announce the signing of six comprehensive management agreements that will see the introduction of Archipelago International’s esteemed brands and innovative property management solutions to the Dominican Republic’s flourishing hospitality and real estate markets.
UN Tourism Commits to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
At the Fourth International Conference for SIDS (Antigua and Barbuda, 27-30 May), UN Tourism joined government leaders and fellow UN agencies to identify a shared pathway towards resilient prosperity. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), with tourism at its core.
The Summer Sizzle: The Dominican Republic is Hot This Season
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.
Sun, Sand, Sea, and Luxury: The Rebound of Barbados Following COVID-19
Barbados is an independent English-speaking Commonwealth country and the easternmost island of the Caribbean. It is one of the most mature tourist destinations in the Caribbean. The island is known for offering some of the most serene beaches in the world, as well as an abundance of dining options, local shopping experiences, outstanding golf courses, and numerous other attractions. According to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), approximately 80% of visitors to the island come for vacation or tourism purposes. The following graph shows the historical stopover visitation data for Barbados.
By Kristina M. D'Amico, Senior Vice President - Director, Caribbean Region, Miami, HVS
Hotel Equities Selected to Manage First Hampton by Hilton-Branded Hotel in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Leading hospitality management firm, Hotel Equities (“HE”), is thrilled to announce its selection as the management partner for the highly anticipated Hampton by Hilton hotel in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The hotel is the first new hotel development in the U.S. Virgin Islands in over 30 years. This landmark project, developed by Shaun Miller of Haven Development, also marks the first Hilton focused service hotel in the area, bringing the exceptional service and high standards of quality that Hilton is known for, to the region. The new hotel is the inaugural property under Hotel Equities' Trust Hospitality division, marking the company’s debut in the Caribbean and Latin American markets.
Revitalizing luxury: How Calabash Hotel achieved a 30% increase in direct bookings while deepening guest relationships
Calabash Hotel is a family-run, luxury boutique hotel with gracious island hospitality, located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. A Relais & Châteaux hotel, Calabash Hotel delivers an unparalleled guest experience and luxurious accommodations. The hotel has won numerous awards and accolades, including World Travel Award’s Leading Boutique Hotel in Grenada and Top 10 Hotels in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler.