BARBADOS (CMC) – The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says the first ever Caribbean Tourism and Hospitality Investment Guide targeted at international investors will be launched in Puerto Rico next week.

The guide has been produced by CTO in collaboration with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

It will be launched at the 2015 Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS) in Puerto Rico, November 12 and 13, and at CTO’s Caribbean Week in Canada business events next week.

The publication showcases a wide range of investment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector in CTO member states and lists incentives that Caribbean Governments are offering to attract new business.

The Investment Guide focuses on the performance of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector and Caribbean economies. It also highlights increased airlift to the region and new investments in the industry – a reflection of investor confidence in the region.

“Ours is an attractive and desirable destination with a strong, competitive advantage due to our natural resources and authentic experiences,” said CTO Chairman Richard Sealy.

“Investing in the Caribbean makes good business sense. We know it and we are proud to produce a guide that illustrates it,” said Sealy, who is also, Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport.

CHTA President Emil Lee urged investors to use the document to learn about the “incredible opportunities” which can be realized from investing in the Caribbean, noting that despite its growing pains, the Caribbean tourism industry continues to expand and diversify.

“Public-private initiatives at the regional and destination levels are actively addressing those issues which are important to the industry globally . . . lowering utility costs, improving the visitor experience, holding the line on taxes, incentivizing investments, and maximizing productivity through investments in our people.” he said.