MIAMI, Fla.:---  The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) shared powerful insights following its participation in the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean & Latin America (ALIS CALA), underscoring a cautiously optimistic outlook for tourism investment in the region, despite global headwinds and rising costs.

With more than 550 attendees representing 35 countries, ALIS CALA brought together investors, developers, government leaders, and hospitality executives for three days of dialogue, networking, and strategic planning.  The summit kicked off with an ALIS CALA- and CHTA-led Investor Sentiment Poll—fielded among 89 participants— which revealed:

• 81 percent rated the current climate for tourism-related investment in CALA as "Good" or "Robust"

• 70 percent anticipate construction and renovation costs will increase by more than 10 percent over the next year

• Luxury properties emerged as the most attractive investment segment, chosen by 45 percent of respondents

• While funding is available, 82 percent noted it is more expensive than in previous years

In addition to this pulse survey, CHTA conducted a similar sentiment index amongst its members, the results of which closely mirrored the ALIS CALA survey. However, preliminary findings from CHTA’s Interim Economic Outlook Survey also suggest caution, with emerging signs of weakened short-term confidence.

“The Caribbean continues to prove itself as one of the most resilient tourism markets in the world,” shared CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “While cost pressures and global uncertainty are real, investor appetite remains strong, and we are seeing bold new developments in sustainable, community-focused tourism across the region.”

Key Trends and Insights:

• Resilience Amid Volatility: As destinations navigate high operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies are adapting with increased airlift, targeted diversification strategies, and innovation in hospitality experiences—from wellness to branded residences and full-circle culinary programs.

• Data-Driven Optimism:Hotel performance across much of the Caribbean is outpacing pre-pandemic levels, fueled by strong demand and travelers’ willingness to invest in meaningful experiences. Boutique, experiential, and eco-luxury offerings are seeing particularly high interest.

• Broadening Market Reach:While the U.S. remains the primary source market, CHTA emphasizes the growing importance of Canada, Latin America, and intra-Caribbean travel. Calls to reduce taxes on regional flights and increase inter-island connectivity are gaining momentum; Saint Lucia and Barbados are leading by example, cutting taxes on regional airfare by 50% for the summer of 2025.

• Community and Sustainability Focus:Developers are incorporating into partnerships that prioritize local impact, from hiring biologists to protect ecosystems, to including local chefs and artists in the guest experience. Investors are increasingly prioritizing destinations with strong sustainability narratives.

• Technology and AI Transformation:The conference spotlighted AI as a hospitality equalizer—automating operations while freeing staff to enhance guest experiences. During a panel discussion, Destang also encouraged the upskilling of the Caribbean workforce to stay competitive in an AI-driven future.

A United Voice for the Region

CHTA reaffirmed its role as a regional advocate, citing its recent efforts that helped avert costly U.S. port fees and its ongoing collaboration with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, regional shipping partners, and tourism stakeholders to reduce external dependencies and enhance trade routes. Additionally, CHTA played a key role in a tax advocacy effort in the Dominican Republic, helping to preserve essential tourism-related incentives that were at risk due to proposed tax reforms—safeguarding continued investment and growth within one of the Caribbean’s most vital tourism markets.

“The Caribbean is not just a destination—it’s a brand,” said Destang. “But each island tells its own story. We must continue to amplify those narratives through smart investment, thoughtful development, and unified advocacy.”

As the region looks ahead into 2025 and beyond, CHTA will continue to support its 32 member destinations with insights, partnerships, and a relentless focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. These critical conversations and collaborations will continue later this month in Antigua at the 2025 Caribbean Travel Forum and Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where CHTA will unveil further insights and strategies shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. Registration is still available for each event at the following links: https://caribbeantravelforum.com and https://chtamarketplace.com. More detailed insights will be shared through the CHTA members portal in the coming weeks

PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber submitted its latest report to Parliament entitled "ClimateScanner: an Assessment of St. Maarten’s Climate Response." This assessment uses the international ClimateScanner methodology, developed by INTOSAI, (the international umbrella organization of Audit Institutions), to evaluate the government’s approach to climate governance, policy, and financing. To date, over 140 countries have committed to conducting the ClimateScanner assessment.

The findings indicate that although St. Maarten acknowledges the importance of climate action through initiatives such as the National Development Vision 2020–2030 and its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implementation remains fragmented and lacks cohesion. The absence of a dedicated legal framework and coordinating authority hinders the consistent execution of climate measures across ministries.

Unlike some Caribbean peers, St. Maarten is not a party to the Paris Accord. Since 2015, there has been no structural allocation in the national budget for climate initiatives, nor are there incentives to stimulate private sector investment in sustainability.

The Audit Chamber recognizes the efforts within the Ministry of VROMI and the report mentions that current efforts, such as the Wastewater Management Project and participation in the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas, show promise, but are insufficient in the absence of integrated planning, monitoring, and financing.

The General Audit Chamber recommends the development of a national climate law, establishment of a coordinating institution, and structural financing mechanisms. These steps are necessary to enable long-term climate resilience and meet international standards.

The full report is available in English and Dutch on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.org).

~Three armed robbers were captured in the Dutch Quarter area by police.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has arrested several suspects in connection with an armed robbery that took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 9, 2025, at a jewelry store located at the end of Front Street near Emma Plein.

At approximately 2:00 PM, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting an ongoing robbery. Preliminary investigation revealed that several men, dressed in dark clothing and armed with firearms, entered the establishment, destroyed several display cases, and made off with an unknown quantity of jewelry. The suspects then fled the scene in a small vehicle heading toward the Sucker Garden area.

Officers in the vicinity responded immediately and located the fleeing vehicle on Sucker Garden Road. A pursuit ensued, leading officers into the Dutch Quarter area.

Following an intensive search operation in the neighborhood, several individuals suspected to be involved in the robbery were apprehended and taken into custody

All suspects are currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station as the investigation continues. Detectives are working to verify their identities and determine the full extent of their involvement in the crime.

KPSM commends the swift response and coordinated efforts of the officers involved. Anyone with additional information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the police at +1 721 542-2222 or call the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Aalison VICTORINE, also known by her nickname “Lily”, a 15-year-old female who has been reported missing. She is a student at the Charlotte Brookson Academy and was last seen at school.

Description of the Missing Minor:

• Full Name: Aalison VICTORINE
• Nickname: Lily
• Age: 15 years old
• Height: Approximately 1.78 meters
• Skin complexion: Brown
• Hair color: Black with red highlights
• Last seen wearing: Clothing unknown

Aalison VICTORINE was last seen at school around 3:00 PM on May 8th, 2025. Since then, she has not been in contact with her family, who are deeply concerned for her safety.

If You Have Information:

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Aalison “Lily” VICTORINE is urgently asked to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721-542-2222 or reach out to her family:

Mother: +1 721-554-5333

Public Cooperation:

We urge the community to remain vigilant and share this message widely. Any piece of information, no matter how minor it may seem, could be vital in helping us locate Aalison VICTORINE and ensure she is safe.

Contact:
Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM)
Phone: +1 721-542-2222

KPSM Press Release.