The seventh annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) will be held in Bermuda this year, Government announced yesterday (WED).

The objectives of the CHTIC are the improvement of the tourism investment and operating climate across the region, making the investment community aware of the development opportunities available in the Caribbean, and stimulating a continuing flow of both equity and loan capital into the region.

The conference is from April 1 to April 3 at the Fairmont Southampton Princess.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Bermuda," said Tourism Minister Renee Webb yesterday. "The Bermuda Government clearly recognises the importance of having such a distinguished group of individuals gather here on our shores to discuss innovative ways of promoting tourism and finance.

"Hosting a conference of this magnitude provides great opportunities for the Island and the real possibility of new investment in our hotel product, particularly during this critical time for the world tourism industry.

"I am confident the Bermudian public will welcome these delegates with their usual world-renowned hospitality and charm."

The conference, which involves Government, industry, and the investment community will be opened with a "Economic and Tourism Outlook" presentation by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) president Jean Claude Baumgarten, tourism forecasting and impact estimation consultant Dr. Douglas Frechtling, and travel trends authority Dr. Peter Yesawich.

CHTIC will also feature a host of experts in the finance, development and tourism fields, including bank managers, internet chief executive officers, and respected hoteliers such as Chris Cahill, president and CEO of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts group.