CHTA highlights strong investor confidence, resilience, and innovation in ALIS CALA 2025

With more than 550 attendees from 35 countries, ALIS CALA brought together investors, developers, government leaders, and hospitality industry executives for three days of dialogue, networking, and strategic planning. The summit began with an investor sentiment survey conducted by ALIS CALA and the CHTA among 89 participants, which revealed:

81 percent rated the current climate for tourism-related investment in CALA as "Good" or "Solid."
Seventy percent anticipate construction and renovation costs will increase by more than 10 percent over the next year.

Luxury properties emerged as the most attractive investment segment, chosen by 45 percent of respondents.

While funds are available, 82 percent said they are more expensive than in previous years.

In addition to this pulse survey, the CHTA conducted a similar sentiment index among its members, the results of which were very similar to those of the ALIS CALA survey. However, preliminary results from the CHTA Interim Economic Outlook Survey also suggest caution, with emerging signs of weakening confidence in the short term.

“The Caribbean continues to prove itself to be one of the most resilient tourism markets in the world,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “While cost pressures and global uncertainty are real, investor interest remains strong, and we are seeing bold new developments in sustainable and community-based tourism across the region.”

Key Trends and Insights:

Resilience amid volatility: As destinations face high operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, the Caribbean's tourism-dependent economies are adapting with increased air travel, targeted diversification strategies, and innovation in hospitality experiences—from wellness to branded residencies and full-circle culinary programs.

Data-driven optimism: Hotel performance across much of the Caribbean is exceeding pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong demand and travelers' willingness to invest in meaningful experiences. Boutique, experiential, and eco-luxury offerings are attracting particularly high interest.

Expanding Market Reach: While the U.S. remains the largest source market, CHTA highlights the growing importance of Canada, Latin America, and intra-Caribbean travel. Calls to reduce taxes on regional flights and increase inter-island connectivity are gaining traction; in fact, Saint Lucia and Barbados are leading the way, reducing taxes on regional airfares by 50% by the summer of 2025.

Focus on community and sustainability: Developers are joining alliances that prioritize local impact, from hiring biologists to protect ecosystems to including local chefs and artists in the guest experience. Investors are increasingly prioritizing destinations with a strong sustainability narrative.

Technology and AI Transformation: The conference highlighted AI as a key factor in hospitality, automating operations and freeing up staff to improve the guest experience. During a panel discussion, Destang also promoted training for the Caribbean workforce to remain competitive in an AI-driven future.

A united voice for the region

The CHTA reaffirmed its role as a regional promoter, citing its recent efforts that helped avoid costly U.S. port fees and its ongoing collaboration with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, regional shipping partners, and tourism stakeholders to reduce external dependence and optimize trade routes. Additionally, the CHTA played a key role in a tax promotion initiative in the Dominican Republic, helping to preserve essential tourism-related incentives that were at risk due to proposed tax reforms, ensuring continued investment and growth in one of the Caribbean's most important tourism markets.

“The Caribbean isn't just a destination, it's a brand,” Destang said. “But each island tells its own story. We must continue to amplify those narratives through smart investments, thoughtful development, and unified promotion.”

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, CHTA will continue to support its 32 member destinations with insights, partnerships, and a relentless focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. These crucial conversations and collaborations will continue later this month in Antigua, during the Caribbean Travel Forum 2025 and Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where CHTA will showcase new insights and strategies shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. 

Source: CHTA.