The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is marking the midpoint of 2025 with a slate of public-private sector wins that it says will have lasting impact across the region’s tourism industry.
From tax reform reversals to regional airlift improvements, the CHTA emphasized the power of collaboration in achieving the milestones.
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Dominican Republic Tax Reform Halted
CHTA supported the Dominican Republic’s national hotel association, ASONAHORES, in opposing a proposed Tax Reform Bill that threatened to eliminate longstanding tourism tax incentives. These incentives have historically helped attract investment and upgrade infrastructure across the country’s hospitality sector.
The bill was withdrawn following joint advocacy efforts. CHTA provided bilingual communications and data analysis to support the case. “This is an example of effective, collaborative governance in action,” the association stated.
Exemption from U.S. Port Fees Secured
CHTA also helped secure an exemption for the Caribbean from new U.S. port fees and tariffs targeting China-built ships. Working with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization and regional shipping partners, the exemption protects trade and travel routes that are vital to the region’s economy.
Push for Renewable Energy Reform
In a new report titled “Empowering the Caribbean Tourism Industry through Renewable Energy”, released in partnership with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), the association urges governments to prioritize clean energy policy reform. The report identifies common barriers such as regulatory red tape, lack of financing, and outdated utility frameworks.
Progress on Intra-Caribbean Airlift
Efforts to improve connectivity between islands are also gaining momentum. The governments of Barbados and Saint Lucia have recently announced plans to lower air travel taxes this summer—steps CHTA hopes other nations will replicate.
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New Policy Repository Launched
To help shape smarter policy advocacy moving forward, CHTA and Tourism Analytics have introduced a regional policy repository. It includes data on taxation, sustainability, labour, investment incentives, and the short-term rental market.
The tool was previewed at the recent Caribbean Travel Forum in Antigua.
“These wins reflect the power of unified, informed action,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang.
“We proudly stand with our partners across the region to shape a stronger, more sustainable Caribbean tourism sector.”
More information on CHTA’s advocacy work is available at CHTA Advocacy Initiatives.
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