ALIS CALA two weeks away

MIAMI – Shining a spotlight on investment and development opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America, the inaugural ALIS CALA conference (formerly CHRIS and HOLA) is now two weeks away, April 29-May 1, at the Loews Coral Gables in Coral Gables, Florida.

“Our mission is to create one event that best serves the hotel-investment communities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America regions as they continue to evolve and feed off mutual interests that create lucrative cross-border and inter-regional opportunities,” said Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group. “The collective power of the investment and development opportunities throughout these regions rivals that of any geographic area in the world. The approach of the ALIS CALA programming and networking platforms will facilitate localized and regional content that produce more free-flowing conversations and connections to further enable extended collaboration and results.” 

The new event from Northstar Travel Group has a full event schedule designed to best serve the hotel-investment communities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America regions as they continue to evolve and feed off mutual interests that create lucrative cross-border and inter-regional opportunities.

ALIS CALA will continue to focus on local equity, debt, and development firms. The program is now on the website and includes 40-plus sessions led by over 100 industry experts and delegates from more than 200 companies.

I plan to dive into some timely and important topics—how forward booking rates are trending amid the current geopolitical and economic landscape, how AI is reshaping traveling consumer behavior, and which countries are seeing the most momentum in new hotel development. It promises to be a great conference.

John Fareed

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Highlights of the event showcasing the collective power of investment and development opportunities in CALA region include three “View from the Boardroom” sessions that will include panelists Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Larry Cuculic, president and CEO, BWH Hotels; Sloan Dean, CEO, Remington Hospitality; Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO, Orient Express and group chief strategy officer, Accor; Keith Pierce, executive vice president and president of Franchise & Development, Sonesta International Hotels Corp.; Andres Fajardo, CEO, GHL Hoteles; Gustavo Viescas, president, LATAMC, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Bruce Wardinski, chairman and CEO, Playa Hotels & Resorts; Sanovnik Destang, president, CHTA and executive director, Bay Gardens Resorts; Ali Elam, managing director, Fortress Investment Group; Andy Ingraham, president and CEO, NABHOOD; and William Phelan, president, Tropicalia.

“I’m genuinely excited for the inaugural ALIS CALA, especially given the incredible setting at the Loews Coral Gables. More than anything, I’m looking forward to catching up with industry friends, and connecting with lodging real estate leaders, investors, and developers from across the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Horwath HTL Global Chairman John Fareed. “I’m particularly eager to hear insights from the CEO panel I’ll be moderating. I plan to dive into some timely and important topics—how forward booking rates are trending amid the current geopolitical and economic landscape, how AI is reshaping traveling consumer behavior, and which countries are seeing the most momentum in new hotel development. It promises to be a great conference.”

Luis Barrios of Hoteles City Express and Norte19 Promotora de Hoteles will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award on April 29.

His strategic vision, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development have profoundly impacted Mexico's hotel industry, establishing him as an influential and respected figure in both the business and tourism sectors.

He is the executive chairman of the board of Norte 19 Promotora de Hoteles, a company dedicated to hotel investment that offers comprehensive solutions in national and international brands’ design, development, and operation.

Barrios’ entrepreneurial vision became evident in 2002 with the launch of City Express, now City Express by Marriott, a concept focused on the business travel market in Mexico with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Under his leadership, the company evolved into Hoteles City, one of the largest hotel platforms in the country. In 2022, Barrios successfully sold the five brands developed to Marriott International, marking a significant milestone in its history. This transition led to Hoteles City becoming Norte 19 Promotora de Hoteles.