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)
