How Is Caribbean Tourism Surging? Insights Unveiled by CHTA President at Caribbean Travel Forum in Jamaica

Friday, May 24, 2024

Caribbean tourism’s growth and future trends unveiled by CHTA President at the Caribbean Travel Forum, offering key insights.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) recently celebrated the immense success of their third annual Caribbean Travel Forum held on May 20. The event was marked by enlightening sessions and distinguished panel discussions that delved into the state of tourism in the Caribbean, current trends, and projections for the industry’s future.

At the forefront of the event, Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the CHTA, unveiled significant findings from the joint study by ForwardKeys and CHTA on Caribbean Trends. This report offered an in-depth examination of the region’s recent performance and pinpointed key trends poised to influence the future trajectory of the tourism sector.

This analysis underscored a notable achievement in Caribbean tourism, with international visitor numbers expected to exceed those of 2019 by a remarkable 13% in the first half of 2024. However, the reopening of international destinations, particularly in Asia, poses a heightened competitive challenge for the Caribbean in attracting tourists.

In evaluating regional performance, Puerto Rico emerged as a leader, closely followed by the Dominican Republic and Cancun. Meanwhile, destinations such as Belize and Curaçao exhibited significant growth, driven by enhanced air connectivity and increased interest from principal markets.

The Forum also provided a platform for the CHTA to recognize destinations that have made significant strides in resilience and sustainability through the Destination Resilience Awards. These accolades align with the sustainable development goals of the World Tourism Organization and honor those adopting collaborative and innovative strategies to address climate change and sustainability.

The Bahamas earned the Category A Award for its robust efforts in fostering sustainable tourism practices following Hurricane Dorian, particularly through the formation of the Abaco Stewardship Council. This council has played a crucial role in uniting stakeholders to enhance sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community involvement.

St. Lucia was honored with the Category B Award, showcasing its dedication through strategic measures and new regulations under the Tourism Development Act of 2023. Collaborative efforts by local tourism bodies and government agencies have focused on sustainable practices, marine preservation, and empowering women, with key projects enhancing socioeconomic progress in the area.

Moreover, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) was recognized with the President’s Award for Caribbean Tourism Excellence, acknowledging its vital contributions to health security in the tourism sector, especially significant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. CARPHA has been crucial in implementing stringent health monitoring systems, responding swiftly to health emergencies, and promoting extensive public health initiatives.

The CHTA commended The Bahamas, St. Lucia, and CARPHA for their pivotal roles in promoting a resilient, sustainable, and flourishing tourism industry, which not only benefits local populations but also conserves the cultural and natural resources of the Caribbean.

In conjunction with the forum, the CHTA introduced several new resources, including the AI Guidebook, the Caribbean Performance and Outlook report, and the Caribbean Tourism Construction and Investment Survey Report, all available to members through the online community.

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