The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Announces CHIEF 2026, a Future-focused Forum to Prepare the Industry for Caribbean Tourism 2030

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association's CHIEF 2026 forum runs November 16-18 at Wyndham Grand Barbados, covering AI, sustainability, workforce, and resilience strategies for the decade ahead.

  • CHIEF 2026 will take place November 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados  Sam Lords Castle  

  • The theme, “Caribbean Tourism 2030: Resilient. Regenerative. Ready.,” centers  practical strategies for the decade ahead  

  • The program is built around six content pillars, with a launch promotion for the first 25  registrants  

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) today announced the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) 2026,  taking place November 16-18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle.  

Held under the theme, Caribbean Tourism 2030: Resilient. Regenerative. Ready., CHIEF  2026 will convene hospitality and tourism leaders from across the region to explore emerging  trends, share practical solutions and prepare their businesses and destinations for the next era  of Caribbean tourism.  

Recognized as the Caribbean hospitality industry's premier forum for professional  development, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, CHIEF combines thought leadership  with actionable insights participants can apply within their organizations. As the industry  approaches 2030 – a milestone year for sustainability goals, resilience planning and  tourism development – the forum will examine the trends, technologies, workforce  challenges and evolving traveler expectations shaping Caribbean tourism.  

The Caribbean has long demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate, but the coming years will require us to think differently about how we grow, develop talent, embrace technology and strengthen resilience. CHIEF brings together the people and ideas that will help shape a stronger, more competitive and more sustainable future for our region.

CHTA President Sanovnik Destang

The 2026 agenda will be organized around six primary content pillars:  

  • Technology & AI 

  • Operational Excellence 

  • Marketing & Revenue Growth 

  • Sustainability & Resilience

  • Leadership & Workforce Development 

  • Innovation & New Business Models  

Program highlights will include keynote presentations, CHIEF Talks featuring industry leaders  and innovators, interactive discussions, peer-learning opportunities, networking events,  engagement with hospitality solution providers and technology partners, and practical case  studies showcasing real-world applications and results.  

CHIEF is designed for hotel owners, general managers, hospitality executives,  department leaders, tourism stakeholders, destination representatives, association  executives, industry professionals and hospitality solution providers seeking practical  insights, meaningful industry connections and a voice in the conversations shaping the  future of Caribbean tourism.  

Registration Now Open  

Early bird registration is now open. As a special launch promotion, the first 25 registrants  will receive additional savings. Delegates will also have access to preferred hotel rates  and discounted airfare options through participating airline partners. Space is limited, and  attendees are encouraged to register early to take advantage of available offers.  

For more information on CHIEF 2026 or to register, visit chtachief.com.  

About The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the leading organization representing the interests of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry for more than 60 years. With 32 National Hotel Associations as well as 1,000 diverse members spanning hotels, resorts, tourism providers, and allied partners across the region and beyond, CHTA serves as a powerful voice, resource, and connector for the Caribbean’s most vital industry. Through ongoing advocacy, professional development, industry insights, and market intelligence, CHTA helps its members thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace. Organizations worldwide with interest in the Caribbean that want to increase their presence and connectivity in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry are invited to join this dynamic community. To learn more about membership benefits and upcoming virtual and in-person events, please visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

 

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The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the leading organization representing the interests of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry for more than 60 years. With 32 National Hotel Associations as well as 1,000 diverse members spanning hotels, resorts, tourism providers, and allied partners across the region and beyond, CHTA serves as a powerful voice, resource, and connector for the Caribbean’s most vital industry.