New Opportunities at Caribbean Investment Forum

(Trinidad & Tobago) – June 16, 2013 – In its third successful year, the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2013 delivered on the promise of rich opportunities for investors seeking a foothold in the Caribbean. More than 500 entrepreneurs, government ministers, investors, CEOs, and CFOs heeded the call to discuss the development and investment opportunities of various sectors, including tourism, at CIF 2013 which was hosted at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre on June 10 and 11. Influential regional and international speakers included Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) Prime Minister; the Honorable Kamla Persad-Bissessar; and co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Inc., Ben Cohen.

This year, tourism took the spotlight on the forum’s first day with presentations by a distinguished panel of experts including the Honorable Stephen Cadiz, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Tourism; Mr. Brian Frontin, Chairman of the Tourism Development Company Limited of Trinidad and Tobago; and Mr. Allan Chastanet, Managing Director of Coco Palm Hotel in St Lucia. Among the items discussed by the panelists were innovative business approaches, entrepreneurship opportunities, and tourism success stories, as well as new trends and developments in the sector which will benefit small investors.

Other speakers on the panel included John S. Fareed of John Fareed Hospitality Consulting, USA; Chike Farrel, Chief Executive Officer at Caribbean Ideas; and Dr. Auliana Poon of Tourism Intelligence International who provided keen insights into matching the Caribbean’s tourism product with the evolving needs of travelers.

Traditionally preceding the Trade and Investment Convention, CIF kicks off a week of business and networking in Trinidad and Tobago that attracts buyers and investors from around the world to the dual-island nation.

It is no doubt, that featuring tourism on the front burner at this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum signals a positive move towards increasing tourism investment opportunities within the Caribbean.

CIF 2013 is hosted by InvesTT, Trinidad and Tobago’s investment promotion agency. InvesTT’s mission is to grow T&T’s non-oil and gas sectors, of which tourism is a significant part. The government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has stated its intention to develop the industry along with its major stakeholders and thereby increase the contribution of tourism to the GDP.
For further information, please check www.invesTT.co.tt or call (868) 675-8862.

Media Contact: Carla Cupid-Greene, Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Company Limited, ccupid-greene@tdc.co.tt