Barbados to Showcase Investment Opportunities at Chicos 2024

The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) is reputed the premier hospitality conference in the region. Embarking on its 13th edition, CHICOS brings together over 300 regional and international investors and operators, as well as the region’s leading decision makers.

Barbados is the host location of the 2024 Caribbean Hotel Investment Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS), taking place November 13–15 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All Inclusive Resort. Hosting the event will provide significant benefits for the hotel sector and the economy in Barbados.

Parris Jordan, Chairman of CHICOS, said, “We are excited to partner with the government of Barbados and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring CHICOS to the island for the first time. The Barbados hotel market continues to perform well, and the addition of a new branded product and a strong hotel pipeline bode well for the nation.”
 
According to the Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, hosting over 300 delegates and investors will provide a significant impetus to the island’s hospitality industry, resulting in heightened bookings and increased visibility for local hotels and accommodation providers. “This influx is expected to catalyze long-term partnerships and unlock new avenues for investment,” Gooding-Edghill said. “Furthermore, CHICOS will showcase Barbados’ compelling appeal as a destination for future tourism projects, potentially driving a wave of new developments and enhancements in our tourism infrastructure.”
 
He went on to say that in addition, the global exposure garnered from CHICOS will bolster Barbados’ standing as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and this elevated profile will attract future major conferences and events to Barbados. As Gooding-Edghill stated, “Delegates will have the rare opportunity to engage deeply with Barbados’ distinctive investment landscape, forge meaningful connections with local enterprises, and acquire a nuanced understanding of the island’s vast potential.”
 
Gooding-Edghill reported that among the projects to be highlighted are the Bridgetown Transformation at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which will feature seven development zones and twelve sites for hotel development. “The project will expand the economic base and coordinate a redevelopment process that seeks to transform the area to a city of diversity, operating 24/7 and blending commerce with culture, heritage, and sports, as well as traditional tourism, accommodation, and entertainment.” Gooding-Edghill said Barbados will also promote The Carlisle Bay Development, which covers over two kilometers of beachfront land and is a unique tourism investment project that will feature an iconic performing arts/conference facility and five new hotels with a total of 1,500 rooms. Opportunities for investment in entertainment facilities, medical and dental tourism, and the island’s attractive package of incentives will also be highlighted during CHICOS. Updates will be provided on several other projects, including at Needham’s Point, Jemmotts Lane, Pierhead, Kensington Oval, and the government headquarters.
 
“We are dedicated to making CHICOS a landmark event that is both a transformative event for investment professionals and an unforgettable journey through the unparalleled allure of Barbados,” the Minister said.
 
Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to host CHICOS at Wyndham Grand Barbados. The newly completed all-inclusive resort perfectly illustrates the country and all its natural beauty—lush gardens and uninterrupted ocean views that make it the perfect escape for travelers everywhere. As we continue to expand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean, hosting CHICOS demonstrates our commitment to tourism development and showcasing the unique features of our resorts.”