The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced an impressive roster of speakers for the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) 2025, taking place November 16–18 in Barbados. The event will bring together top tourism, hospitality, and technology leaders under the theme “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence.”

CHTA President Sanovnik Destang emphasized that “CHIEF continues to evolve in real time, addressing the challenges hoteliers face today while providing tools they can apply tomorrow.”

The 2025 program features leading voices such as Carlos Portela (Orujo Taller de Gastronomía, Puerto Rico), James Beard Foundation Finalist 2024; Mikael Doumeng (Bolongo Beach Resort, USVI); and a panel on flexible staffing with Karyn Williams-Sykes, Ryan Matthew, and Néstor J. Ruiz Doreste. Rich Tuckwell-Skuda and Jason Capraro will share insights on building direct booking strategies during crises.

Other confirmed speakers include Charlie Osmond, Adam Mongelonsky, Blanka Dewapura, Patrick Antoine, Carlos Lugo, Sheba Wilson, Julie Turney, Crescenzia Biemans, and Darron Turnquest, covering topics from AI and automation to sustainability and smart revenue management.

CHIEF 2025 promises inspiring discussions, practical sessions, and networking opportunities focused on innovation, digital transformation, and wellness in Caribbean hospitality.

Registration is now open for CHTA members and non-members at chtachief.com/registration.