The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Mastercard have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership, extending their collaboration through 2026. This renewed alliance highlights their shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous tourism industry in the Caribbean, a region where tourism plays a pivotal role in economic growth and job creation.

Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Tourism isn’t just an industry in the Caribbean; it’s the heartbeat of our economies. In Mastercard, we’ve found a partner that understands this reality and is equipped with the technological prowess and global insights to help us build a more robust and inclusive sector.”

The partnership is built around three key pillars:

1. Inclusive Tourism: CHTA and Mastercard aim to ensure the benefits of tourism reach all levels of society. Their initiatives are designed to integrate small businesses and community-based operations into the global tourism value chain, fostering equitable growth and creating opportunities for local stakeholders.
2. Data-Driven Innovation: With Mastercard’s advanced tourism-focused solutions, including market analysis tools and data insights, CHTA members gain access to resources like Mastercard Tourism Insights. These tools enable Caribbean tourism stakeholders to understand travel trends, anticipate future changes, and innovate proactively to remain competitive.
3. Enhanced Traveler Experiences: Mastercard’s focus on hyper-personalization and seamless experiences addresses evolving consumer expectations. From streamlined payment options to personalized travel recommendations, these solutions enhance the entire travel journey, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

Mayra Vivacqua, Caribbean Cluster Lead at Mastercard, noted, “At Mastercard, we understand that travel is not just a personal desire but a passion for many and a crucial revenue driver for businesses. As the travel industry evolves, we are excited to continue our partnership with CHTA to support the tourism sector with meaningful and actionable data-driven insights to meet growing consumer expectations.”

Throughout this partnership, CHTA and Mastercard will work closely with stakeholders across the Caribbean’s travel and hospitality industry, including global hotel chains, local tour operators, and National Hotel and Tourism Associations. This collaborative approach aims to drive innovation, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of Caribbean tourism.

As the global travel industry adapts to a post-pandemic landscape, the multi-year commitment between CHTA and Mastercard provides critical support and innovative tools for the Caribbean region. This partnership is poised to redefine Caribbean tourism, ensuring it remains a vital and dynamic driver of economic and cultural growth.