Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) CEO Arlene Friday took centre stage at this year’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) conference, where she served as a key panellist on the thought-provoking forum “Tourism for Us.”
Her participation captivated attendees as she shared powerful insights, best practices, and lessons learned on community tourism across the region.
In her address, Friday emphasised the critical role that local communities play in shaping authentic and sustainable tourism experiences. She passionately encouraged Caribbean communities to reclaim their narratives, ensuring that their unique histories, traditions, and voices remain at the heart of tourism development.
“Communities are not just part of the tourism product — they are the heartbeat of it,” said Friday. “When we empower our people to tell their own stories and create genuine connections with visitors, tourism becomes not only sustainable but transformative.”
Friday also highlighted the importance of building linkages between hospitality stakeholders and local communities, noting that stronger collaboration drives economic opportunity while preserving cultural identity. Her message of empowerment and inclusion resonated deeply among industry professionals, policy makers, and delegates committed to a more community-centred approach to tourism.
The CHIEF Conference continues to provide a dynamic platform for tourism leaders to connect, share innovations, and chart the future of the region’s hospitality sector. Arlene Friday’s contribution reinforces the importance of placing people and place at the centre of tourism growth throughout the Caribbean.
GHTA
