Caribbean News
CHTA urges travelers to vacation in the Caribbean and help victims of Hurricane Dorian
#Miami, FL, September 16, 2019 – USA – From Aruba to Jamaica and The Bahamas to Bermuda, hotels and resorts have joined with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to launch an online action to help support the long-term recovery of the northwestern islands of the Bahamas.
Lovers of the Caribbean as well as those who are looking to fall in love with the Caribbean for the first time will have many destinations and hotels to choose from as they shop and bid on vacation options, while helping those in need, according to CHTA’s President, Barbados-based hotelier Patricia Affonso-Dass.
She thanked hotels and resorts throughout the Caribbean basin, and a resort as far afield as Austria for donating room stays which the travelling public can bid on through the Charitybuzz online fundraising portal.
The public is urged to shop, bid and show their support by visiting www.charitybuzz.com/CaribbeanHotelsForBahamas.
“We are thankful for the contributions of our hotel and resort partners to assist the people of The Bahamas during this very difficult period,” said Affonso-Dass, who also invited the public to support the cause and enjoy the opportunity to travel to the Caribbean, including parts of The Bahamas which were unaffected by Dorian.
Hurricane Dorian unleashed unimaginable destruction to The Abacos and Grand Bahama, destroying critical infrastructure, thousands of homes and businesses, and uprooting the lives of tens of thousands of residents, who are now homeless.
“The recovery will be long and painful,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s Director General and CEO, who noted that many hoteliers have come together to offer an array of accommodation options to one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations. “Whether you are shopping for a romantic escape, a family gathering, a business retreat, a personal getaway or a holiday gift, there’s much to choose from – all while helping to support people in need,” he said.
“Caribbean Hotels Unite for The Bahamas” is a joint fundraising initiative between CHTA and the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) to bring relief to the people of The Abacos and Grand Bahama, who have been seriously impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The funds raised will be made available to meet the most urgent needs identified by CHTA and BHTA.
A former Bahamian resident, Comito, who was Executive Vice President for BHTA for over 10 years and served in a similar capacity before that with the Nassau Tourism Development Board, reminded the traveling public that most of The Bahamas escaped serious damage from the hurricane.
“Nassau, Paradise Island, The Exumas, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Bimini, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Ragged Island, Mayaguana and Inagua each present great travel options for the public as do more than 30 other destinations throughout the Caribbean,” added Comito.
“The best way to help The Bahamas is to travel to The Bahamas,” he said.
Bidding on hotel stays is open to the public at:
www.charitybuzz.com/CaribbeanHotelsForBahamas
CHTA is still accepting donated room stays. Hotels interested in pledging a 3- to 7-night vacation package to be auctioned through Charitybuzz, can email information@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or call +1 305 443-3040.
For details on other ways people can help, visit the following sites:
http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/hurricane-resources
https://www.bahamas.com/relief .
About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing the interests of national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working with some 1,000 hotel and allied members, and 33 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether helping to navigate critical issues in sales and marketing, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, climate change, data and intelligence or, looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on issues which matter most.
For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com
Release: CHTA
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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