Barbados is proud to be the host location of the 2024 Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS), taking place from November 13 to 15, at the Wyndham Grand Sam Lord’s Castle Resort.

Chairman of CHICOS, Parris Jordan, noted that hosting the event will provide significant benefits for the hotel sector and Barbados’ economy. 

“We are excited to partner with the Government of Barbados and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts to bring CHICOS to the island for the first time. The Barbados hotel market continues to perform well, and the addition of a new branded product and a strong hotel pipeline bodes well for the nation.”

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, agrees that the hosting of CHICOS will be beneficial to the island. He indicated that having over 300 delegates and investors will provide a significant impetus to the island’s hospitality industry, resulting in heightened bookings and increased visibility for local hotels and accommodation providers.

“This influx is expected to catalyse long-term partnerships and unlock new avenues for investment. Furthermore, CHICOS will showcase Barbados’ compelling appeal as a destination for future tourism projects, potentially driving a wave of new developments and enhancements in our tourism infrastructure,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill said.

He went on to say that in addition, the global exposure garnered from CHICOS will bolster Barbados’ standing as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and this elevated profile will attract future major conferences and events to Barbados.

Opportunities for investment in entertainment facilities, medical and dental tourism, and the island’s attractive package of incentives will also be highlighted during CHICOS. Updates will be provided on several other projects, including Needham’s Point, Jemmotts Lane, Pierhead, Kensington Oval, and the government headquarters.

The Tourism Minister said: “Delegates will have the rare opportunity to engage deeply with Barbados’ distinctive investment landscape, forge meaningful connections with local enterprises, and acquire a nuanced understanding of the island’s vast potential.”

He reported that among the projects to be highlighted at the conference is the Bridgetown Transformation – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which will feature seven development zones and 12 sites for hotel development.

“The project will expand the economic base and coordinate a redevelopment process that seeks to transform the area into a city of diversity, operating 24/7 and blending commerce with culture, heritage, and sports, as well as traditional tourism, accommodation, and entertainment.” Mr. Gooding-Edghill said.

He also said Barbados will promote the Carlisle Bay Development, which covers over two kilometres of beachfront land and is a unique tourism investment project that will feature an iconic performing arts/conference facility and five new hotels with a total of 1,500 rooms. 

Opportunities for investment in entertainment facilities, medical and dental tourism, and the island’s attractive package of incentives will also be highlighted during CHICOS. Updates will be provided on several other projects, including Needham’s Point, Jemmotts Lane, Pierhead, Kensington Oval, and the government headquarters.

“We are dedicated to making CHICOS a landmark event that is both a transformative event for investment professionals and an unforgettable journey through the unparalleled allure of Barbados,” the Minister said.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Gustavo Viescas, said: “We are thrilled to host CHICOS at Wyndham Grand Barbados. The newly completed all-inclusive resort perfectly illustrates the country and all its natural beauty—lush gardens and uninterrupted ocean views that make it the perfect escape for travellers everywhere. As we continue to expand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean, hosting CHICOS demonstrates our commitment to tourism development and showcasing the unique features of our resorts.”

The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) is the premier hospitality conference in the region. Having completed its 12th edition in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in 2023, CHICOS brings together over 350 regional and international investors and operators, as well as the region’s leading decision-makers. 

Also participating as attendees or speakers are government representatives, opinion leaders, developers, bankers and other lenders, tourism officials, investment fund representatives, hotel brand executives, tourism developers seeking investors, franchise and operations company delegates, public and private institution members, consultants, advisors, architects, and designers. (PR/GIS)

As part of the activities for Tourism Week, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) hosted a Tourism Megafest Expo yesterday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, aimed at highlighting industry stakeholders.

The Expo got under way with exhibitors participating in an on-site live location shoot of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s Mornin’ Barbados programme.

BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne, said the expo was geared towards showcasing stakeholders in the industry, career opportunities, and the importance of tourism to the local economy.

“We know that tourism is an inclusive industry, and we wanted to ensure that we were able to showcase every single facet of our industry, and not just showcase but also let the world see where there are opportunities for them from a career perspective, and also from an entrepreneurial perspective as well,” Ms. Alleyne explained.

Booths on display included those from The University of the West Indies, Marriott International, Executive Air, the Grantley Adams International Airport, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, the Barbados Port Inc., WIBISCO, CARMETA’s, Gabcey, and Guest Hub. There were also cooking demonstrations and mixologists preparing mocktails, and entertainment from reigning calypso monarch Adrian Clarke, and TC, among other artistes.

The remaining activities for Tourism Week, which is being held under the theme “Tourism and Peace”,  include a community pop-up, in collaboration with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival at Pelican Island on Friday, September 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The  week culminates on Saturday, September 28, with a clean-up at the Drill Hall Beach, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The public is encouraged to come out and participate in the remaining events. During this week of activities, locals with their national identification cards have the opportunity to enjoy special discounts on staycations, restaurants, and attractions. (PR/GIS)

THE Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) annual Internship Programme has received high praise from University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) students.

Ronesha Williams and Chelsea Devonish, pursuing Hospitality and Tourism Management and International Tourism Management Bachelor’s Degrees respectively, both participated in this year’s internship programme and referred to it as, “eye opening and amazing.”

Williams stated, “I chose tourism because it allows me to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which I find incredibly enriching. What started as a way to make ends meet at the age of 17 quickly grew into a passion for creating memorable experiences and delivering excellent customer service. I thrive in the dynamic environment of tourism, where making connections and leaving lasting impressions is key to sustainable business in tourism. 

“My internship at the BHTA has been one of the most incredible experiences in my career to date, providing me with hands-on exposure to the groundwork that is necessary to make this industry successful. I assisted with various projects, applying theories from my coursework at UWI in areas such as data collection, budgeting, and event planning. Additionally, I gained valuable skills in site inspection and sponsorship management. Throughout my internship, I also attended first aid training, a hurricane preparedness seminar and quality customer service training, all of which have further equipped me for my future endeavours in tourism.

Devonish, who explained that she always had a love for the industry, echoed similar sentiments, “This experience was wonderful. The BHTA team treated us like family and allowed us to work on projects along with them, rather than just observing how things are done. I was able to assist with planning and also participate in meetings, seminars and events covering a wide range of areas. From producing e-flyers and distributing information to members, to attending seminars and site-visits as well as meetings with emergency personnel including the Barbados Police Force.

“I was aware of the BHTA before but never realised the wide range of work and activity that the Association is responsible for. There are numerous meetings with members and different stakeholders, just as many activities and events to plan and execute as well as the advocacy and programmes focusing on health and safety, training and the like. It is much more than I ever imagined. My studies focus on International approaches to tourism and this internship has definitely exposed me to how many of these methods are being utilised on a daily basis by the BHTA and its members.”

BHTA CEO, Ryan Forde stated, “Every year we host two UWI Students as interns and every year we marvel at their different backgrounds and perspectives on the industry. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting and teaching Ronesha and Chelsea various aspects of the industry and from a different point of view. We may be a Secretariat for our membership, but the day-to-day work is much more than just that. 

“Both ladies were able to experience an International Tournament (ICC World Cup) from the role the BHTA plays, experience hurricane preparations and post hurricane reporting, advocacy on behalf of our membership, marketing for new members and initiatives, proposal review sessions as well as work on numerous projects that the BHTA is undertaking and, of course, numerous site visits to understand the Tourism Product of Barbados.”

Forde added that the skillset the two were able to add to the Secretariat was needed this summer. He said, “Their energy and ‘can do, will do, may I participate’ attitude is exactly what the industry needs more of, and they were rewarded for it. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Trustees, the Secretariat and our Members we wish to thank both young ladies for their efforts and assistance this summer and we foresee that this will not be the last that we hear of these two names, as they have a lot of promise to offer the destination for years to come.” (PR)