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Caribbean Hospitality Discussion board Spotlights Genuine Tourism in Miami
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Final month in Miami, the Caribbean Resort and Tourism Affiliation (CHTA) efficiently hosted the Caribbean Hospitality Trade Change Discussion board (CHIEF), a gathering of prime professionals from the Caribbean’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
This 12 months’s CHIEF was themed “Keeping It Real: Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration, and Immersion,” specializing in delivering real journey experiences that transcend the standard points of interest of solar, sea, and sand. The occasion highlighted the significance of tapping into the area’s cultural wealth to supply immersive, tailor-made experiences that enchantment to right now’s vacationers who search genuine engagements.
One attendee shared, “CHTA CHIEF 2024 was very informative, and the topics were timely as we seek to establish a truly authentic tourism product in the Caribbean. The unique opportunity to speak directly with panelists and speakers, which is often limited at other conferences, stood out. Overall, it was a fantastic experience for networking, sharing, and brainstorming. I have no reservations about recommending CHIEF 2025.”
Constructing on this enthusiasm, CHTA President Sanovnik Destang mentioned, “The positive feedback we’ve received highlights just how vital these discussions are for the Caribbean tourism industry. As we continue to embrace authenticity, sustainability, technology and innovation, we’re ensuring that the region’s tourism remains vibrant, resilient, and poised for future success.”
Occasion highlights included:
The opening keynote by Gregory G. Habeeb, Chief Growth Officer at WorldHotels NA, was significantly putting. He underscored that right now’s luxurious journey transcends opulent facilities, focusing as a substitute on creating impactful, lasting experiences. Referencing a Skift report, Habeeb recognized delicacies, tradition, neighborhood, content material, and customization as the brand new pillars of luxurious journey. He famous that impartial inns are particularly poised to satisfy the growing demand for genuine experiences.
The discussion board additionally emphasised “Real Revenue Strategies,” advocating for genuine choices as a approach to increase income year-round. The mixing of native tradition, whether or not by partnerships, occasions, or culinary initiatives, was mentioned as essential to enriching visitor experiences and enhancing profitability. Moreover, the potential of sports activities tourism was highlighted, with a name to make the most of native sports activities as a way to counterpoint journey experiences and drive customer engagement.
Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with numerous discussions addressing how sustainable practices can stability profitability. The significance of native collaborations in fostering vital environmental initiatives was underscored, with a push for inns to embrace round financial system practices and renewable sources.
The occasion additionally delved into “Cultural Competency and Diversity,” emphasizing the significance of understanding the cultural backgrounds of company to supply customized service. The usage of AI-driven analytics to know visitor preferences and the promotion of cultural exchanges between employees and guests had been advisable as methods to boost service supply.
“Showcasing Authentic Caribbean Cuisine” was a serious focus, highlighting the position of Caribbean culinary traditions in defining the area’s tourism enchantment. The periods inspired inns to take care of and innovate on these culinary traditions to supply unforgettable eating experiences.
“Technology and Innovation in Hospitality” explored the position of technological developments like AI, digital assistants, and QR codes in refining visitor providers and operational effectivity. This 12 months’s CHIEF pushed for the adoption of digital instruments to boost authenticity and streamline the visitor expertise.
CHTA’s CEO, Vanessa Ledesma, emphasised the significance of authenticity and collaboration for the way forward for Caribbean tourism. “Our region’s diversity is our greatest asset. By focusing on authentic, immersive experiences, we can continue to lead in the global travel market,” mentioned CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma.
CHTA members had been supplied unique entry to a abstract of key insights and actionable methods from CHIEF 2024, geared toward implementing cutting-edge developments in Caribbean hospitality.
The occasion was supported by quite a few companions, with particular thanks prolonged to Platinum Companions corresponding to Something However Promoting, Carnival Company & PLC, Hovr, IDeaS – a SAS Firm, Interval Worldwide, Mastercard, and Tambourine. Gold Companions included Coho Reservations, MyBookingRewards, taCONNECT, and The Something Group, with Amadeus, Cloudbeds, and Market Excellence as Silver Companions. Their help was essential to the occasion’s success.
