The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the highly anticipated return of two of its signature events — the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean — both set to take place November 16–18, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort.
These flagship events will unite tourism and hospitality professionals, innovators, and culinary talent from across the Caribbean for three days of learning, collaboration, and cultural celebration.
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As key pillars of CHTA’s professional development strategy, CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean aim to drive regional innovation, strengthen industry linkages, and spotlight the vibrancy of Caribbean tourism and cuisine.
CHIEF 2025: Adapting with Purpose
This year’s CHIEF will be held under the theme:
“Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence.”
The agenda promises a robust lineup of interactive workshops, insightful panels, and strategy sessions, led by regional and international thought leaders (to be announced soon). Sessions will provide real-world tools and actionable insights to help participants navigate today’s evolving tourism landscape.
“From culinary trends to operational strategy, CHIEF attendees gain practical tools to elevate their businesses and careers,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “This year’s program will go even further, offering new perspectives from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices.”
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New to CHIEF 2025 is the Linkages Showcase, a business-to-business marketplace connecting local and regional suppliers with hotels, resorts, and other tourism stakeholders. The showcase will focus on strengthening Caribbean sourcing, sustainability, and innovation, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Innovation in Tourism (GAIN).
Technology will also take center stage, with new hospitality tech showcases featuring cutting-edge tools designed to transform the guest experience and boost operational efficiency.
Taste of the Caribbean: A Culinary Showdown
Running parallel to CHIEF, the Taste of the Caribbean competition will make its return, bringing high-energy culinary challenges that highlight the rich diversity of Caribbean cuisine and up-and-coming culinary talent.
Competitors from across the region will face off in four major categories:
- Caribbean Chef of the Year
- Junior Chef of the Year
- Bartender of the Year
- Pastry Chef of the Year
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Beyond competition, the event serves as a platform for professional development and cross-cultural exchange, furthering the careers of emerging culinary stars and enriching the region’s culinary identity.
Together, CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean represent a powerful opportunity for the Caribbean hospitality industry to come together, share knowledge, inspire talent, and build a stronger, more resilient future for regional tourism.
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