*Building stronger, more resilient connections between tourism stakeholders and local suppliers. Central to its mandate is identifying and expanding opportunities for local sourcing, particularly by increasing the use of domestically produced food, beverages, and artisanal goods within hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
*Fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, aligning policy frameworks, and encouraging investment in supply chain development. According to Madden-Greig, “Our role is to bridge gaps—connecting producers with buyers, aligning standards, and ensuring that local enterprises can effectively participate in the tourism value chain.”
*Promoting innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. It supports training initiatives and the dissemination of best practices to help tourism businesses and local suppliers meet quality, consistency, and sustainability standards.
*Helping to shape regional strategies that enhance competitiveness while preserving cultural authenticity. As Madden-Greig notes, “We are not only strengthening economies; we are preserving identity. Authentic Caribbean experiences are rooted in what we produce, create, and share.”
ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES:
Since its establishment, the Tourism Linkages Task Force has achieved several tangible outcomes. These have included:
—Facilitating greater dialogue between tourism operators and local producers, leading to increased procurement of local agricultural products and the expansion of farm-to-table initiatives across multiple destinations. These efforts have contributed to reducing import dependency while supporting farmers, fishers, and small businesses. Madden-Greig highlights this progress, stating, “We are seeing real momentum. Hotels are increasingly recognizing the value of sourcing locally—not just as a social good, but as a business advantage.”
—Developing practical tools and guidelines to assist tourism enterprises in integrating more local content into their operations. Through partnerships with regional stakeholders, it has supported workshops, forums, and pilot programs aimed at strengthening supply chains and building capacity.
—Undertaking Research to ascertain the extent to which Caribbean jurisdictions are engaged in and supporting linkages activities.
—Elevating the importance of tourism linkages in regional policy discussions, positioning them as a cornerstone of economic resilience. As Madden-Greig affirms, “Stronger linkages mean stronger Caribbean economies. This is about creating a tourism model that is inclusive, sustainable, and truly Caribbean.”
Overall, the CHTA Tourism Linkages Task Force represents a forward-thinking approach to regional development—one that leverages tourism not only as a driver of growth, but as a catalyst for broader economic transformation.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
Assessment of Industry Engagement in Supporting Linkages – Results from a National Hotel and Tourism Association survey.
Sourcing Smarter – Demand and source market insights from research conducted by the CARICOM Private Sector Organization.
Linkages: Exploring Local and Regional Purchasing Strategies That Work – A recorded webinar showcasing successful company and destination strategies.
NEW & UP-COMING ACTIVITIES:
Linkages Webinar: June 23, 2026 – Discover What Inspires Gen Z Travelers and How to Earn Their Attention, Trust and Loyalty
Linkages Trade Show and Networking Event: CHIEF November 16-19, 2026 (Barbados)
Tourism Linkages Demand Study – Scheduled to commence in June, 2026 for completion by the end of the year.
MEMBERS OF THE TASKFORCE
CHAIR: NICOLA MADDEN-GREIG – Immediate Past President, CHTA and Group Director: The Courtleigh Hospitality Group
Ivan James: VP Supply Chain Management Atlantis Paradise
Jeremy Jones: Director: Managing Director of Sandals Resorts Jamaica
Jules Sobion: Director: Caesar’s Army
Aswad Morgan: Managing Director: Morgans Group of Company
Sanovnik Destang: CHTA President and Executive Director: Bay Gardens Resorts
Frank Comito : CHTA Special Advisor
Please, contact membership@
