This expanded collaboration underscores the deep commitment of both organizations to fostering an inclusive, prosperous and resilient tourism industry in the Caribbean, where it is a key driver of employment and economic growth.
“Tourism is not just a Caribbean industry; it is the heart of our economies,” said Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA CEO. “In Mastercard, we have found a partner that understands this reality and is equipped with the technological prowess and global knowledge to help us build a stronger, more inclusive sector.”
The renewed alliance is based on three fundamental pillars:
Inclusive Tourism – CHTA and Mastercard are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely distributed. Initiatives aim to integrate small businesses and community-based operations into the global value chain, fostering a more equitable growth model.
Data-Driven Innovation – Mastercard offers a comprehensive suite of tourism-focused solutions, including sophisticated market analysis tools, deep data insights, and targeted customer engagement strategies. One such tool is Mastercard Tourism Insights, available to all CHTA members. By leveraging these resources, Caribbean tourism players can better understand current travel trends and anticipate future changes, enabling proactive adaptation and innovation.
Enhanced Travel Experiences – In response to rising consumer expectations for hyper-personalization and seamless experiences, Mastercard offers a wide variety of benefits and cutting-edge solutions that deliver value throughout the travel process. These enhancements, from simple payment options to personalized recommendations, elevate every aspect of the Caribbean travel experience, encouraging greater satisfaction, longer stays and repeat visits.
“At Mastercard, we understand that travel is not just a personal desire, but a passion for many and a crucial revenue driver for businesses. As the travel industry evolves, we are excited to continue our partnership with CHTA to support the tourism sector with meaningful, actionable data-driven insights to meet growing consumer expectations for hyper-personalization and seamless experiences,” said Mayra Vivacqua, Head of the Caribbean Cluster at Mastercard.
Throughout the partnership, CHTA and Mastercard will work with diverse stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism industry, including international hotel chains, local tour operators and national hotel and tourism associations. This collaborative approach aims to drive innovation and share best practices while collectively shaping the future of tourism in the Caribbean.
This expanded partnership is critical as the global travel industry recalibrates in the post-pandemic era. CHTA and Mastercard’s multi-year commitment provides strategic support and innovative tools needed to recover and redefine Caribbean tourism for a new era.
Source: CHTA.