2024 Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) Held at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle

November 13th 2024, marked a momentous day for Barbados as it hosted CHICHOS 2024, an event that brought together a dynamic blend of creativity, culture, and cutting-edge innovation. This annual gathering has become a cornerstone of the Caribbean's cultural and technological landscape, and this year's edition in Barbados was no exception.

A Fusion of Tradition and Technology

CHICHOS 2024 was designed as a space where tradition meets the future. The name "CHICHOS" itself is a nod to Caribbean heritage, symbolizing both the rich cultural practices of the region and the forward-thinking vision of its people. Over the years, it has evolved into global platform for showcasing technological advancements, entrepreneurial efforts, and the artistic brilliance that defines the Caribbean.

Parris Jordan Chairman of CHICOS

"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."

A Gathering of Industry Leaders

The 2024 CHICOS attracted more than 300 attendees, ranging from prominent hotel brands and investors to real estate developers, government officials, and hospitality experts. It served as a vital meeting point for those looking to capitalize on opportunities in the Caribbean's booming tourism and hospitality markets, despite challenges like rising operational costs and shifting consumer demands.

The conference focused on the economic, infrastructural, and technological transformation of Barbados and its neighboring islands. Participants were encouraged by Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill to network, build meaningful connections, and explore the abundant investment opportunities the island had to offer. He stated that 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. Attendees had the chance to meet with potential partners, investors, and clients, fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Networking breaks, luncheons, and gala events allowed for informal interactions, furthering the exchange of ideas and collaboration between stakeholders across various facets of the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead

Amongst the long list of upcoming projects highlighted at this regional conference include:

• The Bridgetown Transformation at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison

• The Carlisle Bay Development Project

• Needham's Point

• Pierhead

• Kensington Oval