St. George’s, Grenada — [December 15th, 2025] — Demonstrating the strength of regional unity and compassion within the Caribbean tourism sector, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Enhancement Fund , the charitable arm of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA), has donated US$10,000 to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
GHTEF’s contribution will go directly toward the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) “Adopt a Family” Hospitality Relief Program, a targeted initiative that connects donors with affected hospitality families across the region. The program prioritizes households with newborns and individuals with disabilities, providing direct financial and in-kind support while leveraging local sourcing to stimulate local economies as rebuilding begins.
“Tourism is about people and community. When one destination is affected, our entire Caribbean family feels the impact,” said Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA. “Through this donation, we want to stand in solidarity with our Jamaican colleagues and help restore hope and stability to families within our shared industry.”
The “Adopt a Family” program reflects the Caribbean tourism sector’s collaborative spirit and its capacity to mobilize resources swiftly in times of crisis. By working together through the CHTA network and in close coordination with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, industry stakeholders can ensure that relief efforts are both compassionate and effective, with the allocation of funds and related activities guided by local insight to reach individuals and families most in need.
“We applaud the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Enhancement Fund for again demonstrating leadership and solidarity,” said Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. “Their contribution is another powerful example of our One Caribbean family coming together to support colleagues in need, and it will make a tangible difference in the lives of hospitality workers who are the backbone of our regional tourism industry.”
GHTA continues to emphasize the importance of shared responsibility and mutual aid in building a resilient Caribbean tourism industry—one capable of withstanding challenges and emerging stronger together.
Tourism partners, associations, and individuals wishing to participate in the “Adopt a Family” Hospitality Relief Program or any other Jamaican Relief initiatives can find more details via the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association at https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/commitment-initiatives/disaster-response-fund/ or by contacting the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association at info@ghta.org.
####
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Media contact:
Arlene Friday, CEO
Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association
Vice President, Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives
Tel: (473) 444-1353 | Email: info@ghta.org
About the GHTA:
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is a non-profit, membership- based organization representing the hotel and tourism industry amongst the private sector in Grenada. The Association provides services to its members that include advocacy, industry relations, vocational development, standards and other services as deemed priority. The Association is a non-governmental organization that serves as a unifying voice of the Tourism Industry in Grenada for the discussion and resolution of problems of common interest and concern to the benefit of the industry and nation. The GHTA also promotes legislation calculated to benefit, expand and improve the hospitality industry and the wider tourism sector.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
About the CHTA:
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the leading organization representing the interests of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry for more than 60 years. With 32 National Hotel Associations as well as 1,000 diverse members spanning hotels, resorts, tourism providers, and allied partners across the region and beyond, CHTA serves as a powerful voice, resource, and connector for the Caribbean’s most vital industry. Through ongoing advocacy, professional development, industry insights, and market intelligence, CHTA helps its members thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace. Organizations worldwide with interest in the Caribbean that want to increase their presence and connectivity in the Caribbean Hospitality and tourism industry are invited to join this dynamic community. To learn more about membership benefits and upcoming virtual and in-person events, please visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.