One of the Caribbean’s most dynamic hospitality leaders has stepped into a significant new role: president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
Sanovnik Destang, executive director of the Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia, has been officially elected as the association’s new president. His appointment was confirmed at the recent CHTA General Meeting. Destang, who was recognized as the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in the 2023 Caribbean Travel Awards, will succeed outgoing president Nicola Madden-Greig.
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Destang will serve a two-year term, bringing years of industry expertise and leadership to his new role. He has been instrumental in elevating Bay Gardens Resorts to one of Saint Lucia’s premier resort collections and now looks forward to steering the CHTA into an exciting new chapter.
“As the first CHTA president born in the 1980s, I fully understand the responsibility ahead of me. I’m ready to lead, but more importantly, I’m ready to serve,” Destang stated in a release shared with Caribbean Journal. “My focus will be on people, technology, and strengthening linkages with other sectors of our economies and communities. This renewed advocacy will help attract more members to our association, amplifying our collective voice and influence.”
Destang’s term follows Madden-Greig’s leadership during a critical period for the region’s tourism industry, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Madden-Greig introduced new resilience strategies such as the Healthier Safer Tourism Program, which played a pivotal role in the Caribbean’s rapid tourism recovery.
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“The last three years, beginning at the height of the pandemic, were both challenging and deeply rewarding,” Madden-Greig reflected. “I take great pride in leading the dedicated team that helped position the Caribbean as the fastest recovering region in the world after such an unprecedented crisis.”
Alongside Destang, a new leadership team has been announced to support the CHTA’s initiatives. The new officers include First Vice President Karen Whitt of The Hartling Group, Turks & Caicos; Second Vice President Craig Marshall of Blue Diamond Resorts, Antigua & Barbuda; Third Vice President Clifton Reader of Palace Resorts, Jamaica; Fourth Vice President Kendra Hopkin Stewart of Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada; Fifth Vice President Bill Clegg of BW Hotels, At-Large; and Treasurer Jim Hepple of Tourism Analytics, Aruba.
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