They may be bidding on island vacations, but travelers participating in a unique Caribbean auction are also helping shape the future of the region’s hospitality industry.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) has launched its annual Spring Caribbean Travel Auction, offering luxury hotel stays across the region—from beachfront escapes to five-star resorts. But behind the allure of tropical getaways is a deeper purpose: empowering young professionals to build meaningful careers in hospitality.
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With over $145,000 in donated stays and experiences from more than 40 hotels and resorts—including properties in Aruba, St. Lucia, Curaçao, and the British Virgin Islands—the auction is open to global bidders until May 15. Every winning bid supports a growing network of education and training programs designed to uplift the next generation of Caribbean hospitality leaders.
“All proceeds go directly toward career development initiatives,” the CHTAEF confirmed, noting that these funds help provide scholarships, in-service training, and advanced certifications that would otherwise be out of reach for many.
One standout project is the Caribbean Professional Development Program, a collaboration with Switzerland’s world-renowned Les Roches Hospitality School. This initiative offers working professionals access to high-level training while remaining in their current roles—helping them move into management and leadership positions more quickly.
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Another beneficiary is the Caribbean Employee Empowerment Program, a hands-on, island-based training program for hospitality staff and supervisors. Since 2019, the initiative has trained more than 2,500 individuals across the Caribbean—from Antigua to Grenada—focusing on elevating service standards and guest experiences.
Scholarships are also a core part of the Foundation’s work. The CHTAEF has supported students attending top-tier institutions such as Cornell, Johnson & Wales, and the University of the West Indies, helping them pursue degrees in tourism management, culinary arts, and hotel operations. Many of these graduates return home to take on influential roles in the region’s tourism sector.
These investments are already transforming lives. A hotel clerk in Barbados rises to a management role after receiving CHTAEF support. A culinary student from Dominica gets the chance to train in New York. A supervisor in St. Lucia leads new training programs after completing a foundation-sponsored course.
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“The Caribbean Travel Auction is not just a fundraiser—it’s a movement,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairwoman of CHTAEF. “Thanks to the generosity of hotels across the region and the continued support of our sponsors, we’re creating real opportunities that change lives and uplift our industry.”
While the auction wraps up on May 15, the ripple effects of each bid will be felt for years to come—on hotel floors, in guest kitchens, and across Caribbean communities.
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