The regional hotel sector provides FirstCaribbean with an estimated 1.3 million market. The bank has also agreed to fund research done by CHA, said a release on the partnership.

"As a financial institution, the bank values timely and accurate information both for an understanding of present realities, as well as to forecast future trends," said the statement.

"The findings of any research undertaken by CHA should not only help that organisation in its planning, but provide the bank with information on an industry that is the main economic plank in most of the territories in which it operates."

Under the agreement, FirstCaribbean has become the CHA's official bank, and an 'Allied Board Member' of the association.
The partnership will hold for one year, but with expectations that "the relationship will evolve into a longstanding one that goes beyond mere words on parchment," said Horace Cobham, executive director of corporate banking, "because both FirstCaribbean and the CHA are committed to the long-term development of the region."

By: Jamaicaobserver