The Caribbean Hotels Retreat, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) in conjunction with the St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel & Tourism Association and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino, took place last week and counted on St. Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, who received a standing ovation for his energizing speech on the “need for governments in the Caribbean region to do more to support the small hotel group.” The prime minister’s address drew from his own efforts to improve “small hotel properties through an incentive system that would be tied into qualitative conditions” –a policy his government expects to have in place shortly.

“The theme of this Retreat is Serving the Needs of Small & Independent Hoteliers,” announced Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, President of CHTA, during his opening remarks.

“The Caribbean Hotels Retreat is an informal gathering by design, created by small hoteliers for small and independent hoteliers, intended to foster the open exchange of ideas and experiences –and most importantly, to provide practical hands-on advice from industry experts that delegates can put into practice immediately,” noted De Marchena Kaluche.

De Marchena Kaluche’s address followed well received remarks from Hon. Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture for St. Kitts & Nevis, who spoke of optimism despite current economic conditions.

Mr. Skerritt emphasized the need for small and large hotels to “work together for mutual benefit and [to] create important synergies in product development and marketing,” highlighting three key areas of strategic importance: “Protection of the environment for future generations, strategic targeting of niche markets and empowerment of human resources through entrepreneurial and other career opportunities.”

The ceremony closed with a dance performance arranged by the St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel & Tourism Association, following CHTA Chairman Peter Odle’s closing remarks in which he commended the support of Caribbean Hotel Retreat sponsors: American Express, Caribbean Travel & Life, Choice Hotels International, DNS Management Services, The Foster Group, Interval International and Virgin Holidays.

Starting with the first session, delegates approached collective challenges with optimism and exuberance at a panel discussion this morning on the State of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Industry led by moderator Alec Sanguinetti, CHTA Director General and CEO, with panelists Sir Royston O. Hopkin, KCMG, Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada, and Sue Springer, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), as well as CHTA Chairman and Past President Peter J. Odle, Mango Bay, Barbados, and Regional Vice President Bill Clegg, Choice Hotels International.