The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has signed a Global Academic Partner (GAP) agreement with Sandals Corporate University (SCU) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to deliver courses, hospitality training, and professional certification to 20 properties in the Caribbean.

Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie has issued a warning that there is no bigger threat to the future viability of tourism in the region than crime. Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, Christie took time out to speak on the escalation in criminal violence, robbery and theft within the respective jurisdictions of the region.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, and its participating member resorts, have helped fund scholarships for Caribbean nationals with more than US$500,000 in total contributions to the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF).

Green Globe announces re-certification of the Sea-U Guest House in Bathsheba, St. Joseph, Barbados. For years this property has been demonstrating a firm commitment to meet the highest international standards in regards to the environment, conservation and corporate social responsibility.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced that Vanessa Ledesma will assume the role of director of operations, a new position with responsibilities for overall day-to-day oversight of the Association. She will retain her position as director of conferences and events, a job she has held for the past 12 years.