Tourism Enhancement Fund donates EC$50K to CHTA’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

(Castries, Saint Lucia– Tuesday, February 17th 2026)- In support of regional disaster recovery and preparedness, the Saint Lucia Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has donated EC$50,000 to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Disaster Response Fund.

Established in May 2025 in response to severe weather events, the Disaster Response Fund is dedicated to providing rapid relief and recovery assistance to Caribbean hospitality workers and communities across the region, while strengthening readiness and resilience for future crises. It provides various levels of assistance, ranging from back-to-work support to marketing and destination support.

A handover ceremony was held today, February 17th, 2026, coinciding with Global Tourism Resilience Day, which this year highlights “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation.

Chairman of the TEF, Dr. Winston Anderson said, “The region has proven time and time again that when we come together, we can overcome any disaster. We are one Caribbean, and the TEF always stands ready to support our brothers and sisters in times of need. Our focus is on ensuring assistance reaches those who need it most. I wish to thank our contributing companies and visitors for enabling us to make this meaningful donation.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s TEF for this generous contribution in support of Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “This act of solidarity reflects the unity and resilience that define our Caribbean tourism community. When one of our destinations faces adversity, we stand together as one region. These funds will play a meaningful role in helping our Jamaican brothers and sisters rebuild and recover, and we are honored to work alongside the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in coordinating these efforts.”

Chair of Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) tourism recovery sub-committee and Immediate Past President of CHTA, Nicola Madden-Greig, said “From Jamaica, we understand firsthand the impact that hurricanes can have on our people, our properties, and our economies.  The strength of the Caribbean has always been our unity, and this contribution reflects the power of regional collaboration in times of crisis.  When one destination is affected, we all feel it — and when we respond together, we recover stronger.  The JHTA and the entire Jamaica tourism family is particularly heartened on Global Tourism Resilience Day, as this act of solidarity reinforces our shared commitment to protecting the livelihoods of our team members and communities that depend on tourism across our region.”

As we observe Global Tourism Resilience Day, the TEF and CHTA encourage all stakeholders to continue fostering sustainable destinations across the Caribbean.