The Caribbean hospitality industry will gather in Barbados this November for the 2026 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), a regional event designed to help hotel owners, operators and tourism professionals address current business challenges and identify new opportunities for growth. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), CHIEF 2026 will take place November 16–18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort, featuring more than 50 speakers across 24 sessions, with additional participants expected to be announced.

The program will focus on six key areas: talent and the workforce, sales and marketing, technology and artificial intelligence, sustainability and regeneration, operational management, and new business development. Sessions will emphasize practical strategies that hospitality professionals can apply within their organizations, covering everything from improving the guest experience and developing new revenue streams to strengthening operational efficiency and managing business risks.

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, will open the forum as the previously announced keynote speaker. Other confirmed speakers include Andrea Franklin, chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.; Sanovnik Destang, CHTA president and executive director of Bay Gardens Resorts; Chris Davidson, executive vice president of MMGY Travel Intelligence; and industry representatives from Amadeus, Carnival Corporation and Sandals Resorts International. The technology and AI sessions will examine how automation and data-driven tools can improve efficiency and guest satisfaction while preserving the authentic hospitality that distinguishes the Caribbean.

Sustainability and long-term resilience will also feature prominently, with discussions exploring how regenerative practices and smarter operations can support both profitability and environmental responsibility. Additional sessions will address workforce development, emerging source markets, changing traveler preferences, insurance costs, crisis preparedness and opportunities to generate revenue beyond traditional room bookings through guest experiences and complementary services.

CHIEF Awards nominations extended to October 19

Alongside the forum announcement, CHTA confirmed that the nomination deadline for the 2026 CHIEF Awards has been extended to October 19. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives by Caribbean hotels and tourism organizations. Eligible businesses and industry organizations can submit nominations at chtachief.com/chief-awards.

Registration for CHIEF 2026 is open to both CHTA members and non-members. The full speaker lineup is available at chtachief.com/speakers, while registration details can be found at chtachief.com/registration.