Caribbean Hospitality Leaders Honored for Sustainability, Training, and Digital Transformation

By: - November 20th, 2025
chief awards
CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma, CHIEF Program Chair Patricia Affonso-Dass, CHTA President Sanovnik Destang, CHIEF Platinum Partner Kasey Lohn - Interval International and Adam Shepard accepting on behalf of Rockhouse Foundation.

Wellness programs for employees. High-tech water systems. School rebuilding. Digital transformation. These are some of the ways Caribbean hotels are adapting to the new era of hospitality, a shift underscored last week as the region gathered in Barbados for the 2025 Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has announced the winners of the 2025 CHIEF Awards, recognizing leadership and innovation across five key pillars of regional tourism. The awards were presented during the opening of the annual forum, held from Nov. 16–18, with finalists representing a dozen destinations across the Caribbean.

Environmental Sustainability: Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Curtain Bluff received the top sustainability honor for a long-established, propertywide conservation program that includes advanced water systems, energy-efficiency upgrades, waste reduction measures and deep community engagement. The resort’s ongoing efforts are supported by more than ten years of documented results through its Green Globe Platinum Certification.

People Development and Support: Half Moon, Jamaica
Half Moon was recognized for a comprehensive employee-centered strategy that blends wellness initiatives, digital learning platforms and continuous training to help maintain its Forbes-rated luxury service standards.

Innovative Sales and Marketing: Boardwalk Hotel Aruba
Boardwalk Hotel Aruba earned the marketing award for its “Slow Summer” initiative, a low-season program built around mindful travel and wellness that lifted guest engagement and strengthened partnerships with local businesses.

Social Responsibility: Rockhouse Foundation, Jamaica
The Rockhouse Foundation received the Social Responsibility Award for its long-term investment of more than US$11 million in rebuilding public schools, expanding inclusive education programs and supporting community initiatives across Westmoreland Parish.

Tech Transformation: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort was honored for its technology-driven shift toward direct bookings. The resort’s upgraded digital systems and guest-focused communication tools significantly reduced reliance on online travel agencies and improved its direct business performance.

“The CHIEF Awards shine a light on the creativity, innovation and heart that define Caribbean hospitality,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “This year’s winners demonstrate how our region continues to lead with purpose, with people and with resilience. At a time when climate change is profoundly affecting Caribbean communities, including our brothers and sisters in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, these best practices remind us that sustainable, inclusive tourism is not just our future, it’s our responsibility.”

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