Dear CHTA Members and Friends,

Earlier this month, I joined CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma, members of our Technology Task Force, and fellow CHTA members in Indianapolis for the 2025 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). With nearly 6,000 attendees from more than 60 countries, HITEC remains the leading global forum for hospitality innovation, and a timely reminder of the pace at which our industry is being reshaped.

Over 360 companies showcased solutions focused on AI, automation, energy efficiency, guest personalization, cybersecurity, and more. I had the opportunity to serve on HITEC’s Advisory Council this year, helping guide educational programming and more importantly, participating in conversations that matter. These weren’t just tech demos; they were strategic discussions about real-world applications and the operational decisions leaders are facing.

For the Caribbean, staying competitive means staying informed. AI is no longer abstract, it’s already influencing hiring, pricing, marketing, guest engagement, and supply chain management. It’s also raising important questions about training, costs, and long-term strategy. CHTA’s presence at HITEC underscores our commitment to making sure our region doesn’t just follow trends, but evaluates and applies them in ways that make sense for our context.

This commitment was further strengthened through our recently announced partnership with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), which gave CHTA members complimentary access to HITEC’s exhibit hall and featured sessions. Additionally, several CHTA members attended the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference, held concurrently with HITEC, as part of our growing collaboration with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). These strategic relationships give our members direct access to global best practices and commercial strategy tools, resources that are more relevant than ever.

That same commitment is reflected in our new partnership with Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN). Announced earlier this month, the collaboration brings expert-led programming, tech advisory services, and expanded innovation resources to our members, supporting their digital transformation journey with the right tools and guidance.

To that end, I’m also pleased to share that our Technology Task Force is preparing to release the second edition of the CHTA AI Guidebook in the coming weeks. Designed specifically for Caribbean hospitality businesses, the guide is a practical resource for understanding and adopting AI tools across operations. It will be freely available to all current CHTA members and serves as part of our broader effort to support workforce readiness and business resilience through smarter decision-making.

As global forces continue to reshape hospitality, CHTA will continue to prioritize access to knowledge, professional development, and actionable insights. We’ll meet change with clarity and ensure that innovation is within reach for all our members.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Warmly,

Sanovnik Destang

President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association