BWH Hotels, the global hospitality giant known for brands like Best Western and SureStay Hotels, has been making significant strides in expanding its presence across the Caribbean. This includes newly opened properties in Aruba and Curaçao, with a robust pipeline of additional hotels set to launch throughout the region. In an interview with Caribbean Journal Invest, Bill Clegg, Regional Director of...
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) has unveiled an exciting lineup of events for Tourism Week 2024, emphasizing the sector’s global impact on economies and cultural exchange. Scheduled from September 22 to 28, these events coincide with World Tourism Day and adopt the theme "Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People to Places and Cultures." Marsha Alleyne, Chief Product Development...
It all began fifty years ago as an exclusive island retreat for the leadership of Gulf + Western Industries, the parent company of Paramount Pictures. Today, Casa de Campo has grown into not only the premier resort in the Dominican Republic but also one of the most iconic destinations in the Caribbean. Spanning 7,000 acres in La Romana, this luxurious resort has a rich history marked by legendary...
Caribbean hotel occupancy experienced fluctuations in 2024, largely due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. While the first half of the year saw consistent growth in occupancy, with a peak of 71.3% by June, July saw a decline of 1.9% in occupancy compared to the previous year. This dip was attributed to the direct effects of Hurricane Beryl, which caused significant disruptions across several islands,...
After an eight-year wait, construction of a new Hyatt Hotel is set to commence this year, with its opening slated for 2026. This development is part of a significant US$100 million ($200 million) financing agreement that prominent businessman Mark Maloney has arranged with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Out of the total, US$90 million ($180 million) is allocated for building the hotel,...
Reflecting on the trajectory from the depths of the pandemic to the present, Fernando Garcia-Chacon expresses admiration for the rapid rebound witnessed in the Caribbean hotel investment market. As the leader of the CBRE Hotels Advisory team, Garcia-Chacon acknowledges the initial hope that hotel investments might regain their footing by 2024 or 2025. However, the reality has surpassed expectations, with...
Barbados' government is moving forward with the divestment of the Savannah Hotel, a key component of the GEMS project, to an undisclosed buyer. This strategic maneuver aims to invigorate the hotel sector. The Savannah Hotel in Barbados, previously under the government's ownership as part of the GEMS of Barbados hotel project, is poised for a change in ownership. Ian Gooding-Edghill, the Minister of...
Wyndham Grand is thrilled to announce its latest tropical haven, the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle Resort & Spa. Nestled on the serene southeastern coast of the island, this 422-room all-inclusive resort, set amidst the breathtaking oceanfront, marks Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' much-anticipated debut in Barbados. The resort is now open for reservations and is set to welcome its inaugural...
Choosing the perfect vacation destination can be a daunting task, but there's one place that stands out for travelers from all backgrounds: Barbados. This Caribbean gem, an independent British commonwealth nation, has long been celebrated as the birthplace of global pop culture icon and beauty industry queen, Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty. However, Barbados is not just about Rihanna; it offers a unique and...
The annual Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit has commenced in Coral Gables, Florida, marking the region's most prominent event in the hospitality industry. Held at the Loews Hotel in Miami's Coral Gables neighborhood, the 14th edition of the summit brings together a distinguished group of developers, hotel owners, investors, and executives from across the Caribbean. With over 400 delegates in...