Studies and Position Statements

Study: The Caribbean - The Impact of Travel & Tourism on Jobs and the Economy
The study on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in the Caribbean was commissioned by CHTA with the sponsorship of American Express. The report, a first for the Caribbean, was released to the public in June 2004.  The report presents the most comprehensive analysis of the tourism satellite account for the Caribbean ever undertaken and considers 25 Caribbean countries collectively and individually. It quantifies all aspects of travel and tourism demand, from personal consumption, to business purchases, capital investment, government spending, and exports. It then translates this information into economic concepts of production, such as gross domestic product, which can be compared with other industries and the economy as a whole to provide credible statistical information that will assist in policy and business decision making. Beyond the statistical information, the report goes on to present policy recommendations to overcome critical challenges and ensure the long-term sustainable development of Caribbean travel and tourism, with maximum benefits for all stakeholders. Available for downloading in the members-only section.

Study: The Caribbean Accommodation Sector as a Consumer of Locally Produced Goods and Services and Contributor to Government Revenues
Conducted by Tourism Global Inc. on behalf of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, with funding provided by Pro£Invest, an agency of the Centre for Development Enterprise of the European Union. The CHTA sought to conduct this study to define and quantify what Caribbean accommodation establishments spend yearly supporting the economic well-being of workers, local entrepreneurs, professionals, service providers, other economic sectors, and even government’s revenues that finance the running of the country. In so doing, CHTA sought to reveal the possible opportunities for accelerating each country's social and economic development, as well as the potential dangers of certain policies. Released in March 2007. Available for downloading in the members-only section.

Study: Taxation and Operating Costs for the Caribbean Hotel Sector
Undertaken under the Caribbean Regional Sustainable Tourism Development Programme (CRSTDP) by PA Consulting Group, as part of technical assistance provided to CHTA with funding from the 8th European Development Fund (EDF). The study looked at the competitiveness of hotels in the Caribbean, in relation to their operating costs, taxation levels, and other non-cost barriers that negatively impact the tourism sector - focusing on four sample destinations: Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.  Released in September 2007. Available for downloading in the members-only section.

Position Paper: The views of the Caribbean Hotel Association on the CRNM report on "Tourism Services Negotiations-Implications for CARIFORUM."
The Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) undertook an extensive fact-finding exercise with stakeholders at all levels of the hospitality industry during the second quarter of 2003, in order to identify the most important issues that must be addressed. The resulting report led to the development of an official tourism private sector position to help Caribbean governments and their negotiators to develop a common regional approach. CHTA has presented its position to all stakeholders, including the CRNM, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, CARICOM, the national hotel associations, and government officials. It is expected that it will allow Caribbean negotiators to have a clear understanding of the significance of the tourism industry to the region and the challenges it faces, and factor it all in their trade negotiations on behalf of the Caribbean. Available for downloading in the members-only section.

CHA-CTO Position paper on global climate change and the Caribbean tourism industry
Presented in March 2007. Key players from the UK tourism industry had the opportunity to exchange views on climate change with CHTA, its environmental division the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at a meeting held in London. The encounter, organized by the Caribbean Council for CHA and CTO, enabled representatives from tour operators, airlines, travel associations, and government officials to exchange views on how best the industry in the Caribbean might develop jointly a carbon-neutral approach. Available for downloading in the members-only section.

Position of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) - October 2004.
Available for downloading in the members-only section.