The III BHD Forum on Caribbean Tourism and Investment Trends took place recently at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur). This event aimed to explore emerging opportunities in the Caribbean tourism sector, extending beyond traditional coastal tourism.
Key Expert Insights on Caribbean Tourism
Prominent figures from the tourism industry shared their expertise during the forum. Notable speakers included:
- Jacqueline Mora, Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
- Salim Arkuch, VP and General Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Expedia Group
- Christopher Imbsen, VP of Public Policy at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
- Antonio Fungairino, Director of Development at Hyatt Inclusive Collection
- Alejandro Cambiaso, Founder and President of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism
Acknowledging Tourism Leadership
During the event, the BHD Bank honored David Collado, the Minister of Tourism in the Dominican Republic. He was recognized for elevating Dominican tourism to unprecedented heights. Steven Puig, President of BHD Bank, presented the award with other key executives, including:
- Guillermo Méndez, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Commercial Banking
- Josefina Navarro, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility
- Ariel Pérez, Vice President of Tourism and Related Services
- Rosa Romero, Vice President of Structured Finance
Future Trends in Caribbean Tourism
The forum provided a platform for discussions regarding the Caribbean’s positioning as a preferred travel destination. Experts highlighted several trends anticipated to shape Caribbean tourism in the next decade, such as:
- Changing traveler behaviors and expectations
- Global capital’s focus on tourism investments
- Emerging growth engines beyond traditional tourist hotspots
Commitment to Ongoing Development
BHD Bank is committed to fostering the growth of the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic. Puig emphasized the bank’s role in promoting projects that benefit the entire tourism value chain. He stated, “Wherever there are opportunities, we will be present.”
Guillermo Méndez announced the Declaration of Madrid, summarizing key insights from the event and expectations for future discussions. This declaration aims to facilitate continuous dialogue on improving the Caribbean tourism industry.
