A leading international hotel company voicing confidence in the region sees encouraging growth in the Caribbean.
Speaking in advance of the annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Choice Hotels Caribbean Franchise Development and Emerging Markets Director Jose Salvador Icaza said his company detects a resurgence of opportunities in the Caribbean as the region’s nations emerge from a global recession.
Icaza asserts his company’s optimism was backed by encouraging reports from the region: “Many properties, including those in our network, are reporting a strong winter season, a return to healthy advanced bookings, and are prepared to make aggressive marketing and franchise decisions in the months ahead as they prepare to ride out the traditionally tough summer and fall months.”
The Choice Hotels Director anticipates the resurgent industry augurs well for the May 10-12 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference. “We are expecting a very powerful relationship development session with Caribbean industry movers and shakers in Jamaica.”
Icaza is looking forward to offering Choice Hotels global brands to accelerate the industry’s resurgence: “Caribbean hotel owners and operators are beginning to truly understand the value of Choice Hotels – from our powerful reservations system and global marketing campaign to revenue management tools and dedicated brand performance consultants – in building business.”
Choice Hotels associates Icaza and Brian Parker, Vice President of Emerging Markets and New Business Development, will be among nearly 400 delegates drawn from some 23 Caribbean countries, the United States, Canada and Europe expected to attend the 2011 investment conference.
The Montego Bay conference marks the 15th year of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), a private sector group, and the inter-governmental Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) jointly managing one of the region’s most successful and longest-running tourism investment events.