Trinidad and Tobago will be at the heart of Caribbean tourism investment activity in May when it hosts the 12th Annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) at the new Hyatt Regency Trinidad Hotel and Conference Centre. CHTIC, which runs from May 6-8, 2008, has become the most important annual event for businesspersons and companies interested in investing in the Caribbean – bringing together investors from all over the world.

“CHTIC is the leading forum for communication, networking and deal-making for the hospitality and tourism investment community in the Caribbean,” said Mr. Peter Odle, President of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), speaking at the launch of CHTIC 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain on March 27, 2008. “Registration for CHTIC is running on par with last year’s record level, and with the high level of interest that the conference is generating, we are anticipating a strong turnout for what will be a very successful event in 2008.”

Founded by the CHA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in 1997, CHTIC is renowned for its prestigious programme of contributors, dynamic agenda, and high delegate participation. Approximately 500 delegates from numerous countries are expected to attend this year, and include attendees investors, hotel owners, lenders, CEOs, hotel chain executives, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, lawyers, designers, architects, consultants, tourism officials, and timeshare developers.

The conference has specific objectives of improving the tourism investment and operating climate across the Caribbean, making the investment community aware of the development opportunities available in the region, and stimulating a continuous flow of equity and loan capital into the region. Trinidad and Tobago’s selection as host marks a highpoint in the country’s campaign to position itself as the preferred investment location in the Caribbean, and the Meetings and Conference Capital of the Southern Caribbean, according to event organiser, the Tourism Development Company Limited.

“This investment forum is an ideal opportunity to explore development and investment opportunities with decision-makers, ranging from funding institutions and developers to government,” explained The Honourable Joseph Ross, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Tourism. “It has been purposefully designed to not merely serve as another talk shop, but rather to act as a forum connecting the right people who can discuss specific development and investment opportunities.”

CHTIC delegates will participate in workshops, sessions and interactive meetings designed to study important issues that impact the future of investment and growth in the Caribbean region. Leading experts will provide information on the outlook for investment in the region, new trends and opportunities, and solutions to challenges in development and ownership. Additionally, prominent lenders in the region will discuss the future in lending trends, and attendees will learn about the various investment opportunities available in the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry. Networking opportunities will be available for the exchange of ideas with fellow delegates, speakers, dignitaries and colleagues. 

The themes for this year’s presentations include “Going Green - Developing a Green Hotel or Resort”, “Beyond the Beach – Driving Revenue Through Cultural Experiences”, “The ABC's of Mixed-Use Development Agreements”, and “The Launch of the Tourism Investment Fund - New Financing Options for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Industry”.