The Caribbean’s vibrant hospitality and tourism sectors are set to converge in Barbados in November 2025, with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) orchestrating two pivotal industry gatherings. These events, namely the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean, represent cornerstones in the CHTA's commitment to professional growth and regional collaboration. Slated to take place at the distinguished Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, these forums will serve as a melting pot for thought leaders, innovators, and rising stars across the Caribbean's dynamic tourism and culinary landscapes, aiming to propel the industry forward through shared knowledge and strategic insights.

The eagerly anticipated Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) is scheduled to unfold from November 16-18, 2025. This year, CHIEF will operate under the insightful theme, “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence.” This central idea will guide a comprehensive program featuring engaging workshops and strategic planning sessions designed to address the contemporary challenges faced by the tourism sector. A diverse array of prominent regional and international experts, whose names are soon to be revealed, will facilitate these discussions, offering attendees practical tools and actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of today's global environment. According to Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA, these sessions are crucial for enhancing business acumen and career trajectories within the Caribbean hospitality sphere, providing attendees with invaluable insights from influential industry voices.

A significant addition to CHIEF 2025 will be the inaugural Linkages Showcase. This innovative marketplace is designed to forge connections between local and regional suppliers and various hospitality establishments, including hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related enterprises. The showcase will actively promote sourcing within the Caribbean and foster business collaborations, building upon the CHTA's existing partnership with the Global Alliance for Innovation in Tourism (GAIN). Furthermore, the event will place a strong emphasis on advancements in hospitality technology, featuring new displays and providers who will offer attendees direct exposure to the cutting-edge tools and solutions poised to redefine the industry’s future.

Running concurrently with CHIEF, the renowned Taste of the Caribbean will make its triumphant return, promising an exhilarating showcase of the region’s culinary excellence and talent. This high-energy event will feature intense competitions across four primary categories: Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef, Bartender, and Pastry Chef. These contests not only provide a platform for recognition but also serve as vital professional development opportunities for participants, celebrating the rich flavors and creative spirit that characterize Caribbean cuisine.

These converging events underscore the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and culturally rich tourism industry. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and providing platforms for learning, networking, and competition, the CHTA continues to champion the growth and sustainability of the region's vital hospitality and culinary sectors.