Record Attendance at Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference

With experts forecasting continued industry growth, and a record-breaking 522 delegates in attendance – a nearly 30% increase over last year – a positive mood prevailed at the 12th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC), which took place earlier this month at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Hosted by BHN, in conjunction with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), CHTIC brought together members of the hotel and tourism investment arena from around the world, to hear about recent industry updates and conduct face-to-face transactions with colleagues.

Further reinforcing the positive industry outlook was the large representation of bankers, comprising about 10% of the attending delegates, a significantly larger percentage than is usual at similar investment conferences.

“We took it as an encouraging sign that a remarkable number of lenders were present and available to do business, despite the challenges seen in the overall capital markets,” said Jim Burba, president, BHN. “We are seeing that the hotel and tourism industry in the Caribbean remains attractive, with investors continuing to view the region as one with long-term, viable investment opportunities.”

The Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation amongst governments, organizations and businesses, in order to optimally promote Caribbean development. He urged the Caribbean community to rise to the challenge to constantly improve competitiveness in the Caribbean, in such areas as multi-destination marketing, air transportation, safety and security, and the environment.

The 13th annual CHTIC is scheduled to take place April 14-16, 2009 at the Fairmont Southampton in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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