MIAMI, FL – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) says it remains cautiously optimistic outlook for tourism investment in the region, despite global headwinds and rising costs.
Sanovnik DestangThe CHTA said that the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean & Latin America (ALIS CALA), attended by more than 550 delegates from 35 countries, brought together investors, developers, government leaders, and hospitality executives for three days of dialogue, networking, and strategic planning.
The CHTA said that an investor sentiment poll conducted during the event revealed that 81 per cent of those questioned rated the current climate for tourism-related investment in CALA as “Good” or “Robust” and that 70 per cent anticipate construction and renovation costs will increase by more than 10 per cent over the next year.
It said that luxury properties emerged as the most attractive investment segment, chosen by 45 per cent of respondents and that while funding is available, 82 per cent noted it is more expensive than in previous years
CHTA said that in addition to this pulse survey, it conducted a similar sentiment index amongst its members, the results of which closely mirrored the ALIS CALA survey. However, preliminary findings from CHTA’s Interim Economic Outlook Survey also suggest caution, with emerging signs of weakened short-term confidence.
“The Caribbean continues to prove itself as one of the most resilient tourism markets in the world,” said CHTA president, Sanovnik Destang.
“While cost pressures and global uncertainty are real, investor appetite remains strong, and we are seeing bold new developments in sustainable, community-focused tourism across the region.”
The CHTA said that as destinations navigate high operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies are adapting with increased airlift, targeted diversification strategies, and innovation in hospitality experiences, from wellness to branded residences and full-circle culinary programs.
It said hotel performance across much of the Caribbean is outpacing pre-pandemic levels, fueled by strong demand and travelers’ willingness to invest in meaningful experiences. Boutique, experiential, and eco-luxury offerings are seeing particularly high interest.
The CHTA said that while the United States remains the primary source market, it is emphasizing the growing importance of Canada, Latin America, and intra-Caribbean travel. “Calls to reduce taxes on regional flights and increase inter-island connectivity are gaining momentum, in fact, St. Lucia and Barbados are leading by example, cutting taxes on regional airfare by 50 per cent for the summer of 2025,” the CHTA said.
It said developers are incorporating into partnerships that prioritize local impact, from hiring biologists to protect ecosystems, to including local chefs and artists in the guest experience. Investors are increasingly prioritizing destinations with strong sustainability narratives.
The CHTA said that the conference spotlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a hospitality equalizer, automating operations while freeing staff to enhance guest experiences.
The regional hoteliers and tourism officials has reaffirmed its role as a regional advocate, citing its recent efforts that helped avert costly US port fees and its ongoing collaboration with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, regional shipping partners, and tourism stakeholders to reduce external dependencies and enhance trade routes.
Additionally, CHTA played a key role in a tax advocacy effort in the Dominican Republic, helping to preserve essential tourism-related incentives that were at risk due to proposed tax reforms, safeguarding continued investment and growth within one of the Caribbean’s most vital tourism markets.
“The Caribbean is not just a destination, it’s a brand. But each island tells its own story. We must continue to amplify those narratives through smart investment, thoughtful development, and unified advocacy,” said Destang.
The CHTA said that as the region looks ahead into 2025 and beyond, it will continue to support its 32 member destinations with insights, partnerships, and a relentless focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth.
“These critical conversations and collaborations will continue later this month in Antigua at the 2025 Caribbean Travel Forum and Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where CHTA will unveil further insights and strategies shaping the future of Caribbean tourism, it added.
