FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 17, 2026) — The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) will return to Barbados for a second consecutive year from Nov. 16-18, convening hospitality and tourism leaders from across the Caribbean and its major source markets to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of regional tourism. The conference will be held at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle under the theme “Caribbean Tourism 2030: Resilient. Regenerative. Ready.”
Adding to the event’s appeal, CHIEF will once again be held alongside Taste of the Caribbean, CHTA’s premier culinary competition and food and beverage educational showcase, bringing together top chefs, bartenders and food and beverage professionals from across the region through Nov. 19.
Recognized as one of the region’s premier forums for professional development, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, CHIEF 2026 will focus on emerging trends, practical solutions and strategies to help tourism businesses and destinations navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
“The Caribbean has long demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate, but the coming years will require us to think differently about how we grow, develop talent, embrace technology and strengthen resilience,” said Sanovnik Destang, president of CHTA.
This year’s program will be organized around six key content pillars:
• Technology and artificial intelligence
• Operational excellence
• Marketing and revenue growth
• Sustainability and resilience
• Leadership and workforce development
• Innovation and new business models
Industry leaders, tourism stakeholders and subject matter experts will share insights and best practices aimed at strengthening competitiveness, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable growth throughout the Caribbean tourism sector.
For more information, visit chtachief.com.
