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Home » America Travel News » Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Dynamic Advocacy Strategy Strengthens the Tourism Sector with Tax Reforms, Green Energy Solutions, and Improved Connectivity Monday, June 9, 2025The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) continues to lead the charge in fortifying the region’s tourism sector through a dynamic advocacy strategy. By securing critical tax reforms, pushing for green energy solutions, and advocating for improved air connectivity, the CHTA has successfully laid the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable tourism economy. These strategic efforts, driven by collaborative partnerships and data-driven insights, aim to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness for the Caribbean’s hospitality industry, positioning it as a global leader in sustainable tourism.As the Caribbean tourism industry heads into the second half of 2025, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is celebrating a string of influential policy wins that promise to shape a stronger, more resilient, and forward-thinking regional tourism economy. These accomplishments, driven through robust public-private partnerships, touch on everything from tax reform and trade facilitation to energy modernization and improved air connectivity. With strategic foresight and active participation, the CHTA continues to be a pivotal force in safeguarding and promoting the interests of the Caribbean hospitality sector.Major Victory Against Tax Reform in the Dominican RepublicOne of the most impactful achievements came from the Dominican Republic, where the CHTA joined forces with the national hotel association, ASONAHORES, to successfully oppose a proposed tax reform that threatened the economic backbone of the country’s tourism sector. The reform bill aimed to dismantle essential tax incentives that had long supported the growth of hotels, resorts, and tourism-related infrastructure across the nation.These tax breaks were instrumental in attracting both domestic and foreign investment, supporting upgrades to aging facilities, and laying the groundwork for new developments. By offering data-backed research, policy briefings, and effective bilingual communication strategies, CHTA and ASONAHORES presented a united front. Their efforts ultimately led to the withdrawal of the reform proposal, preserving a critical economic lever for the Dominican Republic’s booming tourism industry. This victory illustrates how regional advocacy and collaboration can lead to sustainable and mutually beneficial policy outcomes.Safeguarding Caribbean Trade from US Port FeesIn another strategic success, CHTA took on the challenge of protecting regional shipping and tourism from looming U.S. port fees targeting vessels manufactured in China. These fees, which were initially proposed as part of wider trade sanctions, risked disrupting the Caribbean’s fragile supply chains and air-sea travel linkages.Through collaboration with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization and key shipping stakeholders, CHTA lobbied for an exemption for the Caribbean. Their advocacy paid off, and the region was ultimately spared from the new tariffs. This exemption ensures that cruise lines, cargo vessels, and regional maritime travel will remain viable and competitive, preserving the essential flow of goods and travelers between the Caribbean and the United States.This win not only protected economic interests but also demonstrated the value of regional cooperation in navigating global policy challenges.Pushing for Clean Energy Across the Tourism SectorRecognizing the urgent need for climate action, CHTA, in partnership with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), released a forward-looking report that makes a compelling case for renewable energy reform in the tourism industry. Titled “Empowering the Caribbean Tourism Industry through Renewable Energy,” the report outlines a clear roadmap for transitioning toward cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.It highlights key hurdles that continue to impede renewable energy adoption, including burdensome regulatory frameworks, outdated utility models, and insufficient access to financing. At the same time, the report offers pragmatic, actionable recommendations for governments and private entities to collaborate on policy reform and investment mobilization.The report calls on Caribbean nations to remove bureaucratic barriers, provide more incentives for clean energy investment, and modernize outdated grid systems. In doing so, the region’s tourism-dependent economies can not only reduce their carbon footprints but also reduce energy costs and enhance their long-term competitiveness.Strengthening Intra-Caribbean Air ConnectivityImproving air travel within the Caribbean has long been a focus for the CHTA, which has repeatedly called for governments to reduce taxes on intra-regional flights. High airfares and airport fees have historically hampered inter-island travel, limiting tourism growth and cultural exchange.This year, governments in Barbados and Saint Lucia took notable steps by lowering their air taxes—an encouraging signal of policy alignment. These reforms are expected to drive higher traveler volumes and improve accessibility across the region, especially for regional festivals, sporting events, and community-based tourism initiatives.CHTA is now calling on other Caribbean governments to follow this example. By easing the financial burden on regional travelers, countries can unlock new tourism opportunities, support smaller island economies, and create a more integrated Caribbean tourism market.Launching a Regional Policy Repository for Informed AdvocacyTo support its long-term advocacy goals, the CHTA has also introduced a new tool: a comprehensive regional policy repository developed in partnership with Tourism Analytics. This knowledge hub compiles and tracks legislative policies across several key areas—such as taxation, labor laws, investment incentives, sustainability regulations, and the regulation of short-term rentals.Introduced at the latest Caribbean Travel Forum in Antigua, this policy database aims to equip hoteliers, policymakers, and tourism investors with essential insights for informed decision-making. It aims to facilitate smarter advocacy, encourage data-informed dialogue, and enhance cooperation among public and private tourism stakeholders.By making information more accessible and transparent, the repository is expected to improve policy coherence and encourage better coordination on issues affecting tourism throughout the Caribbean.A Forward-Looking Strategy for Regional GrowthThe Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s 2025 advocacy initiatives reflect a strong, unified push to protect and enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure and sustainability outlook. Through a combination of data-driven policy engagement, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and future-oriented planning, the CHTA is shaping a resilient and innovative tourism landscape.Whether by defending tax incentives, championing green energy, or improving intra-island connectivity, the association is deeply committed to elevating the Caribbean’s global tourism brand. As the region navigates challenges like climate change, rising operational costs, and shifting traveler expectations, these recent achievements show that strategic partnerships and proactive governance remain essential to the region’s long-term success.“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.”The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is strengthening the tourism sector through strategic tax reforms, green energy initiatives, and improved connectivity, ensuring sustainable growth for the region.ConclusionIn an increasingly competitive global tourism market, the Caribbean has shown that it is not only ready to adapt but also prepared to lead. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and its partners, the region is better positioned to sustain its tourism-driven economies, embrace innovation, and respond to emerging challenges with confidence and clarity. As 2025 unfolds, these advocacy milestones will serve as a solid foundation for future reforms and continued prosperity.Tags: Air Connectivity, Caribbean Hospitality, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, caribbean tourism, CHTA, Dominican Republic, intra-Caribbean air travel, Public-Private Partnerships, renewable energy, Tax Reform, Tourism Advocacy, US port fees
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