The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will celebrate an esteemed group of travel and tourism leaders at the 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards. Scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Miami, this prestigious event will bring together top executives from sectors including airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and the shipping industry to recognize their significant contributions to Caribbean tourism.
This year’s honorees highlight the global influence of the Caribbean travel industry. Among them is Christine Valls, Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean at United Airlines, who has played a pivotal role in shaping commercial strategies that have generated $1 billion in annual revenue for the region. Valls’ leadership has been essential in expanding United Airlines’ reach and promoting tourism throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne, owners of the Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. Lucia, will be honored for their dedication to sustainable tourism. Their eco-luxury resort serves as a model for environmentally responsible travel, in line with the Caribbean’s growing focus on sustainable development and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Also recognized will be Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation & plc. McKenzie manages partnerships in over 27 countries and 57 Caribbean ports, playing a key role in enhancing the region’s cruise industry. Under her guidance, Carnival Corporation has expanded its footprint, boosting tourism and local economies across the Caribbean.
Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Director of Government and Community Affairs at Tropical Shipping, will be celebrated for her contributions to maritime education and economic development in the Caribbean. Nugent-Hill’s efforts have strengthened the role of the shipping industry in supporting tourism and regional development.
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Simón Suárez, Vice President of Grupo Puntacana, will be honored for his five decades of leadership in developing the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. Suárez has been instrumental in establishing the Dominican Republic as a premier tourist destination and elevating the Caribbean’s global tourism profile.
Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), will also be named a laureate for her 25-year career advancing the region’s hospitality industry. Ledesma has driven initiatives that promote growth, enhance guest experiences, and support sustainable practices across the Caribbean’s hotels and resorts.
The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards promises to be a significant event, celebrating individual achievements while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the Caribbean travel and tourism industry. Proceeds from the event will support initiatives such as educational programs and sustainable development projects aimed at bolstering Caribbean tourism.
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Event Highlights and Previous Honorees
This year’s honorees join a distinguished list of previously announced awardees, including Dominica’s 2024 Olympic Champion Thea LaFond and Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation. Other notable honorees include Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, former CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Kashmie Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sailrock South Caicos.
The Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards is supported by esteemed partners like Calabash Cove Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, Gallows Point Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club in Grenada, and The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa in Nevis. These partnerships demonstrate the event’s commitment to advancing Caribbean tourism while acknowledging those who have played key roles in its success.
This highly anticipated event will be a night of celebration, collaboration, and recognition. With industry leaders gathering from across the Caribbean, the Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards will shine a spotlight on the region’s ongoing progress in sustainable tourism and its vital contribution to the global travel landscape.
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About the Caribbean Media Exchange and the Awards
The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has long served as a platform for promoting responsible tourism development and communication within the Caribbean. Through its awards program, CMEx recognizes individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the region as a world-class travel destination.
The 2024 awards ceremony will honor the visionaries and changemakers shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. From eco-tourism pioneers to airline executives, the event will showcase the immense diversity and talent driving the region’s travel and hospitality sectors forward.
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