The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has shared a cautiously optimistic view on the future of tourism investment across the Caribbean and Latin America after participating in the recent Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean & Latin America (ALIS CALA). Despite global economic pressures and rising costs, investor confidence remains solid.

ALIS CALA gathered over 550 delegates from 35 countries, including investors, developers, government officials, and hospitality leaders. An Investor Sentiment Poll led by CHTA and ALIS CALA revealed that 81% of respondents consider the region’s current investment climate “good” or “robust,” though 70% expect construction and renovation costs to rise by over 10% in the next year. Luxury properties were identified as the most appealing investment opportunity.

Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the CHTA, acknowledged a slight slowdown in U.S. bookings but emphasized that “it’s nothing major.” She noted that while flight searches from the U.S. have dipped slightly, markets such as Canada, Latin America, and Europe are resurging. “The Caribbean is a well-recognized brand, so there are more travelers around the world that have a better understanding of us,” Ledesma said. Importantly, the region expects the same level of airlift in 2025, with no signs that airlines plan to reduce flights, and regional airports are being fortified to boost intra-Caribbean connectivity, building a stronger version of domestic travel.

CHTA President Sanovnik Destang highlighted the Caribbean’s resilience, with innovative trends such as expanding airlift, wellness tourism, eco-luxury developments, and immersive culinary programs. Hotel performance in many islands now surpasses pre-pandemic levels, fueled by travelers’ appetite for meaningful, experiential stays.

Beyond the U.S. market, CHTA sees growing opportunities from Canada, Latin America, and intra-Caribbean travelers. Efforts to lower taxes on regional flights, such as Saint Lucia and Barbados cutting airfare taxes by 50% for summer 2025, are helping broaden the market.

Sustainability and local community impact are increasingly prioritized by developers, while AI and technology are transforming hospitality operations, enhancing guest services, and creating new demands for workforce upskilling.

CHTA also reaffirmed its advocacy role, helping secure key tax incentives in the Dominican Republic and working with CARICOM and other partners to strengthen regional trade and reduce external dependencies.

Looking ahead, CHTA will continue to guide its 32 member destinations with fresh insights and strategies, which will be further explored at the upcoming Caribbean Travel Forum and Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua later this month.