The Direct Booking Summit (DBS) Caribbean is returning for a second year, giving hoteliers across the region access to fresh strategies to boost direct bookings and reduce reliance on third-party platforms.

The event, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with Triptease, is scheduled for May 15, 2026, at Sandals Grande Antigua, immediately following the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

CHTA President Sanovnik Destang said the summit comes at a time when hoteliers are facing rising distribution costs and increased competition for direct relationships with guests.

“Following a successful inaugural Direct Booking Summit Caribbean, we’re building on that momentum to bring even more practical, revenue-focused strategies to the region,” Destang said. “The summit has become an essential platform for Caribbean hoteliers to strengthen their direct booking performance, take greater ownership of the guest relationship, and drive long-term profitability.”

Organisers said the summit will focus on practical approaches to increasing direct revenue, improving booking conversion, and reducing dependence on third-party channels.

This year’s edition will highlight developments in digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies shaping booking behaviour and guest acquisition.

Charlie Osmond, Co-founder of Triptease, said the inaugural event exceeded expectations and demonstrated strong interest among Caribbean hoteliers.

“The first DBS Caribbean exceeded every expectation we had,” Osmond said.

. “What struck me was the confidence in that room. Hoteliers who came ready to learn left ready to act. The conversations were honest, the ambition was real, and the community that formed around it has only grown since. That’s exactly why we’re back. The industry has moved on, the questions have gotten sharper, and we think the Caribbean is ready to go even deeper on what it actually takes to win on direct. We can’t wait to keep building this movement alongside CHTA.”

Participants will gain insights into improving direct booking performance, including strategies that have helped some hotels achieve more than 50% of bookings through direct channels.

Sessions will also explore the use of AI and automation to personalise marketing, attract high-value guests, and convert demand into revenue, as well as ways to optimise pricing and distribution strategies.

The summit will also provide opportunities for regional stakeholders to network and share best practices in tackling common commercial challenges.

Registration is now open to both CHTA members and non-members, with organisers noting that space is limited following strong demand in 2025.