BHD Hosts Caribbean Tourism and Investment Forum at FITUR
Banco BHD recently hosted the third Caribbean Tourism and Investment Forum during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), focusing on emerging trends in Caribbean tourism. The event, aimed at enhancing the tourism sector’s growth, featured a series of expert presentations.
Key Speakers and Recognition
The forum showcased insights from several prominent figures in the industry:
- Jacqueline Mora, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic
- Salim Arkuch, Vice President and General Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Expedia Group
- Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Public Policy, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
- Antonio Fungairino, Director of Development, Hyatt Inclusive Collection
- Alejandro Cambiaso, Founder and President, Dominican Association of Health Tourism
At the event, Banco BHD honored David Collado, Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, for his exceptional contributions to the sector. Collado received a plaque recognizing his efforts, presented by Steven Puig, President of Banco BHD, along with other bank executives.
Discussion Highlights
During the forum, discussions revolved around various topics, including:
- Positioning and opportunities for the Caribbean as a leading tourist destination.
- Trends anticipated to shape Caribbean tourism over the next decade.
- International traveler behavior patterns and expectations for tourist destinations.
- The impact of global capital on tourism development.
- New tourism growth drivers beyond traditional Caribbean destinations.
Future Prospects and Commitments
Guillermo Méndez, Executive Vice President of Corporate Banking, emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue in the tourism sector. He announced the Declaration of Madrid, summarizing the conclusions drawn from the expert presentations. This initiative aims to encourage continuous growth in the Caribbean tourism industry.
The event attracted various stakeholders, including representatives from the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector and international tourism actors, underscoring its significance in promoting Caribbean tourism.
Banco BHD is committed to actively pursuing opportunities that strengthen the tourism value chain in the Dominican Republic, demonstrating its enduring dedication to the industry.
