FirstCaribbean International Bank Supports Regional Tourism Industry

Bridgetown, Barbados -  FirstCaribbean International Bank has shown its continued commitment to the development of the regional hospitality industry through its sponsorship of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) held this year in Bermuda.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Bank was the patron sponsor of this industry-leading Conference which brings together tourism investors from around the world seeking investment opportunities in the hospitality industry in the region.

Director of Origination, Corporate Investment Banking, Mark Young said: “Our Strategic Partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is a long term commitment to the industry which is vital to the economies of most Caribbean countries. The CHTIC patron sponsorship is one component of that Partnership and we are proud to show continued strong relationship with this industry”.

This year’s Conference which was held at the Fairmont Southampton, focused on equipping hoteliers with the right tools to weather the financial challenges affecting the world.

Mr. Young, who was also a panelist at one of the sessions entitled, The Hotel Lenders Leaders Forum explained, “We have seen an economic climate unprecedented in recent times and a consequent pull back by financial institutions that do not have deep roots in the region. However it is important for investors and operators in the region to know that the long term players in financing the Caribbean hospitality industry, including FirstCaribbean, remain open for business and ready to work with and support our long term clients”.

In addition to the sponsorship of CHTIC, FirstCaribbean also supports the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF). The CHTAEF is a stand-alone non-profit tax exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance are made available for the education of Caribbean tourism and hospitality professionals and students pursuing careers in the industry.

For the past two years, FirstCaribbean has offered two scholarships to deserving aspiring culinary professionals. The initiative signals the Bank’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling its role as an advocate of Corporate Social Responsibility and particularly as a Strategic Partner of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Mr Young said “FirstCaribbean, as an avid contributor to the enrichment of Caribbean communities, is pleased to be a part of the development of the hospitality industry by providing opportunities for the growth of the very best of our region’s tourism talent”.

FirstCaribbean scholarship winners this year are Titus Lavia of St. Maarten who is currently enrolled at the University of St. Maarten studying for his Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Gemi St. Paul of St. Lucia, who is in her last year of studies for a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University.