CHTA, Mastercard Extend Strategic Partnership Through 2026
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Mastercard have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, extending their collaboration through 2026. This strengthened alliance reflects their shared commitment to advancing an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative tourism industry in the Caribbean, a vital driver of regional economic growth and employment.
Building a Resilient Tourism Sector
“Tourism isn’t just an industry in the Caribbean—it’s the lifeblood of our economies,” said Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA. “Mastercard has proven to be a valuable partner, offering global expertise and technological innovation to help us fortify and grow a more inclusive tourism sector.”
The renewed partnership centers on three core pillars aimed at transforming the region’s tourism landscape:
1. Inclusive Tourism
CHTA and Mastercard are committed to ensuring the economic benefits of tourism are widely shared across communities. The partnership will focus on integrating small businesses and community-based initiatives into global tourism networks, fostering equitable growth throughout the region.
2. Data-Driven Innovation
Mastercard’s advanced tools and insights are a cornerstone of the partnership. Resources such as Mastercard Tourism Insights will empower CHTA members with critical data and analytics to better understand travel trends and adapt to shifting market dynamics. This proactive approach supports innovation and strategic planning for Caribbean tourism stakeholders.
3. Enhanced Travel Experiences
With consumer demand for hyper-personalization and seamless travel experiences on the rise, Mastercard will offer cutting-edge solutions to enhance every stage of the traveler’s journey. From simplified payment processes to tailored recommendations, these initiatives aim to elevate guest satisfaction, promote longer stays, and encourage repeat visits.
“At Mastercard, we recognize travel’s significance—not just as a personal passion for many, but as a critical economic engine,” said Mayra Vivacqua, Head of the Caribbean Cluster at Mastercard. “We are thrilled to continue collaborating with CHTA, offering data-driven insights and innovative solutions to meet evolving traveler expectations.”
Driving Collaborative Innovation
This multi-year partnership will see CHTA and Mastercard working closely with diverse stakeholders, including international hotel brands, local operators, and national tourism organizations. The goal is to foster innovation, share best practices, and collectively shape a forward-thinking future for Caribbean tourism.
A Post-Pandemic Vision for Caribbean Tourism
As the global travel industry recalibrates in a post-pandemic era, this extended partnership provides the Caribbean tourism sector with strategic support and cutting-edge tools to recover and redefine itself for a new age. Together, CHTA and Mastercard aim to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Caribbean tourism.
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