As we transition from the momentum of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, our focus sharpens toward what’s next. At the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) AGM this month, I had the opportunity to reflect on that very question through the lens of the theme: “Future Proofing Caribbean Tourism.”

Future proofing is not about predicting tomorrow, it’s about preparing today. It means building systems that are resilient, inclusive, and ready to adapt in the face of disruption. In the Caribbean, where tourism is not just an economic driver but a bridge to cultural identity and community well-being, that responsibility is even greater.

But no single business, association, or country can do this alone. CHTA exists as a collective force—bringing together hospitality and tourism industry stakeholders and
representatives from the public and private sectors, creating advocacy tools like our new Tourism Intelligence Repository, and enabling knowledge-sharing across borders.

The value of membership in CHTA has never been clearer. It is through engagement—through showing up, speaking out, and contributing—that our sector becomes more unified and more future-ready. Being part of this community means
access to tools, data, advocacy, and the relationships that drive impact.

To those already engaged: thank you! Your involvement is shaping a more connected and capable industry. To those not yet at the table: we need your voice, insight and commitment.

As I shared in my closing remarks at the BHTA AGM: “Future proofing is not about bracing for impact—it’s about building for possibility.”

Let’s keep building—together.

Warm regards,

Vanessa Ledesma

Chief Executive Officer