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2009 Small Hotels Retreat
As the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) prepares for the 2009 Small Hotels Retreat, host country U.S.V.I. has confirmed sponsorship for the registration of all licensed U.S.V.I. hotels with 50 rooms or less. This will enable the vital small hotel community to benefit from two days of education specifically designed for small and independent hoteliers. Sponsored by American Hotel Register, Choice Hotels International, DNS Management Services, Inc., HSMAI, Interval International, Group RCI and Virgin Holidays, this year’s Small Hotels Retreat will take place Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 at the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, St. Thomas.

“Unlike our other valuable conferences, the Small Hotels Retreat is focused on the specific needs and challenges of independent hoteliers,” said Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, President of CHTA.

“Next year is anticipated to bring some relief for the tourism sector, but we will be competing on a global level and must come together as a region to improve our image and market ourselves accordingly. Since small and independent hotels with 75 rooms or less comprise the majority of accommodations in the Caribbean, this two-day forum has been elevated from a ‘good idea’ to an ‘absolute necessity,’” added De Marchena Kaluche, applauding the U.S.V.I. Hotel & Tourism Association for “recognizing the importance of getting all applicable hotels involved in this crucial conference.”

“Our boutique hotels, charming bed and breakfasts and historic inns make up an important part of the U.S.V.I. product mix allowing travelers to discover our islands from a unique perspective while enjoying personalized service and our warm Caribbean hospitality. The U.S. Virgin Islands is delighted to host this important conference and to facilitate the participation of our small hoteliers in this educational opportunity,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of the U.S.V.I. Department of Tourism.

While the event’s primary audience is small hotels consisting of 75 rooms or less, the conference is open to all CHTA members. Last year 18 countries were represented at the retreat with approximately 84 hotel delegates.

CHTA is currently accepting registrations from small and independently owned hotels and resorts wishing to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The program includes invaluable seminars and discussions on marketing and operations.

Registration for the CHTA Small Hotels Retreat is US$150 for hotelier delegates and US$275 for non-hoteliers who pay by Sept. 1, 2009. Registration increases to US$200 for hoteliers and US$325 for non-hoteliers after Sept. 1, 2009. Day passes are available to hoteliers for US$125 per day for Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, 2009.

A special group rate of US$135 per night (single or double occupancy) has been set at the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Reservations can be made online via the Small Hotels Retreat section of the CHTA website (www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com). Taxes and surcharges are not included in the group rate, which must be booked by Sept. 4, 2009.

The conference includes a trade show where exhibitors who specialize in serving small or independent properties have the opportunity to promote their products and services to hoteliers. Rates for a tabletop display are US$750 plus US$150 per exhibitor delegate registration. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days in the trade show area for networking opportunities with exhibitors.

This year’s Small Hotels Retreat is sponsored by American Hotel Register, Choice Hotels International, DNS Management Services, Inc., HSMAI, Interval International, Group RCI and Virgin Holidays. Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, August 05, 2009