People Development & Young Leaders - May Message

The Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry thrives on its people—their skills, innovation, and dedication. As the sector evolves, investing in human capital is no longer optional; it is the central driver of sustainable growth. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) recognizes this imperative, which is why its People Development Committee and Young Leaders Forum (YLF) have launched a suite of initiatives to empower professionals at all levels.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

To remain competitive, Caribbean tourism businesses must prioritize training, engagement, and leadership development. The People Development Committee’s 2025-2026 strategy focuses on key pillars:

• AI & Innovation: The upcoming AI White Paper (Q4 2025) will guide HR strategies, helping members integrate technology into talent management.
• Employee Engagement: The bi-annual ENPS survey ensures global benchmarking, while pulse surveys provide real-time insights into workforce satisfaction.
• Sustainable HR Practices: Partnerships with HRIS firms will help digitize people management, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing sustainability.
• Compensation & Benefits: The Regional Compensation Survey equips businesses with data to attract and retain top talent.

These efforts ensure that CHTA members have access to cutting-edge tools, data-driven insights, and best practices to strengthen their teams.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The Young Leaders Forum (YLF) complements these efforts by fostering innovation and leadership among emerging professionals. From June to October 2025, YLF’s LEARN, INNOVATE, GROW program offers:

• Skill-Building Webinars: Sessions like “Tech & AI in Tourism” (July) and “Gen Z Travelers” (October) prepare young leaders for industry shifts.

• Mentorship & Networking: Industry veterans guide participants on career growth, sustainability, and pitching ideas.

• Project Competitions: The National Project Competition encourages creative solutions to regional tourism challenges.

By engaging in these activities, YLF members gain hands-on experience, visibility, and connections that accelerate their careers—and, in turn, strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline.

A Unified Approach to Strengthening Membership Capacity

Together, these initiatives create a virtuous cycle of development:

1. People Development Committee → Equips HR leaders with strategic tools to optimize workforce performance.

2. Young Leaders Forum → Cultivates future-ready talent to drive innovation.

3. Cross-Pollination → YLF alumni contribute fresh perspectives, while established professionals mentor the next generation.

Why This Matters for CHTA Members

• Hotels & Resorts: Better-trained staff and engaged employees lead to higher guest satisfaction and retention.

• Tourism Businesses: Access to compensation benchmarks and AI-driven HR practices improve recruitment and operational efficiency.

• Emerging Leaders: YLF’s programs provide career advancement opportunities, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals.

Join the Movement

The Caribbean’s tourism success hinges on its people. By participating in People Development Committee initiatives and YLF activities, CHTA members can:

• Enhance workforce skills through AI, training, and engagement strategies.

• Develop future leaders who will drive innovation in the industry.

• Gain competitive insights from global benchmarks and regional trends.

Now is the time to invest in your greatest asset—your people.

Get involved today:

• Explore the People Development Committee’s webinar series (schedule coming soon!)

• Encourage young professionals past and present to join YLF’s 2025 activities.

Together, we’ll build a stronger, more resilient Caribbean tourism industry.