Barbados – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) proudly unveiled the winners of the 2025 Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards at the opening of the annual event, taking place in Barbados from November 16–18. The signature program recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation and best practices across the regional hospitality sector.
The CHIEF Awards highlight excellence across five competitive categories: Environmental Sustainability, People (Staff) Development and Support, Innovative Sales and Marketing, Social Responsibility and Tech Transformation.
This year’s winners and finalists represented 12 destinations, reflecting the depth and diversity of Caribbean hospitality leadership. Their submissions showcased purpose-driven work and highlighted some of the most forward-thinking initiatives in the industry.
Environmental Sustainability: Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Curtain Bluff earned top honors for its long-standing, holistic sustainability model, integrating advanced water systems, energy efficiency, waste reduction and deep community engagement, all backed by more than a decade of verified progress through its Green Globe Platinum Certification.
People (Staff) Development and Support: Half Moon, Jamaica
Half Moon was recognized for its comprehensive employee-focused strategy, including robust wellness programs, dedicated learning platforms, and technology-enhanced training that sustain its Forbes-rated luxury service standards.
Innovative Sales and Marketing: Boardwalk Hotel Aruba
Boardwalk’s “Slow Summer” campaign reimagined low season as a wellness-driven period of mindful, regenerative travel – boosting occupancy, engagement and community partnerships through slow-living storytelling.
Social Responsibility: Rockhouse Foundation, Jamaica
The Rockhouse Foundation was honored for its transformative investment of more than US$11 million into rebuilding public schools, developing inclusive education and strengthening community programs across Westmoreland Parish.
Tech Transformation: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI
Bolongo Bay was awarded for its technology-driven shift to direct bookings, reversing its OTA dependence through streamlined digital tools, responsive communication and guest-centric online engagement.
“As always, 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.”
For more information about CHIEF, visit www.chtachief.com.
