(LR) Alani Henneman, Deputy Director of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands. Joseph Boschulte, Secretary of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands; Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Executive Director of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, pictured during the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit. (Submitted photo)
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Tourism Authority, led by Secretary Joseph Boschulte, is pleased to announce the annual Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) held April 22-23, 2024 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral. ) had a great influence. Gables, Florida Known as the premier hotel investment conference in the Caribbean, CHRIS provided an excellent platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore investment opportunities in the region.
The summit provided valuable insight into the performance of the Caribbean tourism industry, demonstrating its remarkable resilience, outpacing the Americas, surpassing pre-pandemic growth levels, and cementing its position as a leading tourist destination. I have proven it.
Secretary Boschulte, along with Assistant Secretary Alani Henneman, the USVI team, and Wayne Biggs, CEO of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (EDA), gave an insightful presentation on investment opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The presentation highlighted the region’s business advantages, unique services, tax incentives and successful hotel development programs, including Hideaway at Hull Bay, Pink Palm Hotel and The Westin Beach Hotel. We highlighted notable properties such as the Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and Buoy House as successful beneficiaries. program.
“Joining CHRIS allowed us to engage with potential hotel developers and management brands, opening the door to future projects in the USVI,” said Boschulte. “This summit provided a valuable platform to showcase the immense investment potential of our territory and underlined our commitment to sustainable growth and development.”
The Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit brought together approximately 450 registered delegates, including industry leaders, investors and government officials, to discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the Caribbean hospitality sector. The agenda included a variety of sessions, networking opportunities, and insightful discussions aimed at addressing the most pressing issues facing the industry at the time.
From investment opportunities in various Caribbean destinations to discussions on ownership, branding and development, the summit provides a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to gain valuable insights and forge strategic partnerships Did.
A wide range of prominent hotel brands, investment companies and industry organizations were in attendance. Among the prominent brands that participated were Hilton, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotel Corporation, Sandals Resorts International, Club Med, and many others. Investment firms such as Berkadia Real Estate Advisors, IDB Invest, Fortress Investments, CIBC Caribbean, and Banco Sabadell were also in attendance, reflecting the diverse financial landscape of the hospitality industry.
Additionally, industry associations such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), and Hotel Investments Today were also represented, highlighting their collaborative efforts and industry expertise at the conference.
The USVI’s presence reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships and promoting the region as an attractive investment destination. The USVI showcases its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and favorable business environment, reinforcing its position as the first choice investment destination in the Caribbean.
For more information about the USVI, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
