CHTA Unveils Key Themes and Sessions for 2024 Hospitality Forum

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the session topics for its highly anticipated 2024 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), a leading event for networking, education, and best practices in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism sector.

This year’s forum, scheduled for November 18-20 at the Kovens Conference Center in North Miami, will bring together hoteliers, tourism professionals, and associations from across the Caribbean. Attendees can expect innovative solutions and valuable insights to help their businesses thrive in the rapidly evolving tourism landscape.

With the theme “Keeping It Real: Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration, and Immersion,” the forum will offer both general and breakout sessions aimed at tackling the industry's most significant challenges and opportunities.

"Today’s travelers seek more than just 'Sun, Sea, and Sand.' They want bespoke, immersive experiences that capture the essence of the Caribbean. Our region’s rich cultural diversity is its greatest asset, and authenticity is the key to standing out. Through culture, diversity, personalization, and innovation, CHIEF will empower Caribbean businesses to capitalize on emerging trends and deliver unforgettable experiences for experience-driven travelers," said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma.

Key sessions include:

November 19, 2024 – General Sessions:

• Marketing Authenticity: Promoting the Real Caribbean Experience
• Real Revenue Strategies: Maximizing Profit through Authentic Offerings

November 20, 2024 – General Sessions:

• Cultural Competency and Diversity: Meeting the Needs of a Global Audience
• Technology and Innovation in Hospitality: Staying Ahead with Cutting-Edge Tools
• Scoring Big with Sports Tourism: Unlocking Growth for Hotels and Destinations

Breakout Sessions:

• Sustainable by Nature: Integrating Eco-Friendly Practices for Authentic Tourism
• Partnering with Purpose: Strengthening Local Collaborations for Authentic Experiences
• Wellness Matters: Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being for Guests and Staff
• Crisis-Proofing Caribbean Tourism: Preparing for the Next Major Event
• True Flavors: Showcasing Authentic Caribbean Cuisine for Memorable Experiences
• People Strategy in Action: Using Metrics to Drive HR Success
• Authentic Engagement: Leveraging Social Media to Immerse and Inspire
• Personalization as Profit: Enhancing Guest Experience to Drive Revenue
• Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce: Strategies for Inclusive Leadership

Additionally, CHTA’s popular Taste of the Caribbean will return from November 18-20. This premier cultural and gastronomic showcase will feature friendly competition between participating islands, with the highlight being the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, celebrating the Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year, and Pastry Chef of the Year.