Sanovnik Destang, a prominent hotelier from St. Lucia and Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, has been elected as the new President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). This appointment, confirmed during CHTA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, marks a new chapter for the association. Destang succeeds outgoing President Nicola Madden-Greig and will lead a team of newly elected executive officers over a two-year term.
Destang brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry to this role, having played a key part in the growth of Bay Gardens Resorts, a well-known establishment in St. Lucia. His dedication to CHTA, spanning over a decade, positions him as a dynamic leader for the association. Known for his strategic thinking and industry expertise, Destang is well-prepared to lead CHTA into the future, focusing on evolving the tourism sector in the Caribbean.
A key focus of Destang’s leadership will be the integration of people and technology, fostering a more resilient and adaptable tourism industry. By strengthening linkages with other sectors of the Caribbean economy, this approach aims to create sustainable growth and innovation within the hospitality landscape. This emphasis on people and technology will position the CHTA as a forward-thinking entity ready to embrace the future.
Destang’s long-standing commitment to CHTA, which began in 2012, highlights his deep-rooted dedication to advancing the Caribbean tourism industry. His vision for the association includes building stronger collaborations across the region and ensuring the Caribbean continues to be a leading global destination. With this new leadership, CHTA is poised to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth in the evolving tourism landscape.
Destang expressed gratitude to his predecessors and emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership, stating: “Thank you all once again for putting your faith in me and my generation. Being CHTA’s first 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. My focus areas will be people, technology and linkages to other sectors of our economies and communities. This strengthened advocacy is aimed at attracting more members to our association, bolstering our collective voice and impact.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Nicola Madden-Greig highlighted the significant achievements of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) during a particularly challenging time. She applauded the resilience of the Caribbean region, which became the fastest-recovering tourism market globally following the COVID-19 pandemic. Madden-Greig’s leadership played a crucial role in guiding the association through this period, working closely with regional and international partners to develop and promote recovery strategies that revitalized the tourism sector.
One of the key accomplishments during her term was the successful implementation of vital recovery measures, such as the Caribbean entry portals, which facilitated smoother travel processes, and the Healthier Safer Tourism program initiated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). These initiatives aimed to restore confidence in the region’s tourism industry by prioritizing public health and safety, ensuring a robust recovery while positioning the Caribbean as a leading destination in the global tourism landscape.
“The past three years, taking over at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, were both challenging and very rewarding,” said Madden-Greig. “Nothing has given me more joy than having headed the hard-working team that led the Caribbean to be the fastest recovering region in the world, coming out of a once-in-a-century pandemic,” she added.
The newly elected officers of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) will collaborate closely with Sanovnik Destang throughout his two-year term. In addition to these officers, CHTA Regional Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, and other members of the Executive Committee will also join forces to drive the organization’s goals forward. Announcements regarding these key appointments are expected soon, further solidifying the leadership team. This united group will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism, working together to implement strategic initiatives and foster growth across the region. Their combined expertise and dedication will be essential in navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry.
The officers are as follows:
● 1st Vice President: Karen Whitt, The Hartling Group, Turks & Caicos
● 2nd Vice President: Craig Marshall, Blue Diamond Resorts, Antigua & Barbuda
● 3rd Vice President: Clifton Reader, Palace Resorts, Jamaica
● 4th Vice President: Kendra Hopkin Stewart, Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada
● 5th Vice President: Bill Clegg, BW Hotels, At-Large
● Treasurer: Jim Hepple, Tourism Analytics, Aruba
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), recognized as the voice of Caribbean hospitality and tourism, aims to build upon the solid groundwork established by Nicola Madden-Greig. Under the leadership of Sanovnik Destang, the association will focus on fostering growth through innovative strategies, people-driven initiatives, and enhanced partnerships with key sectors, ensuring the Caribbean remains a leading force in global tourism. With the support of a dedicated team of regional leaders, Destang will spearhead fresh initiatives designed to elevate the industry and empower CHTA members to achieve even greater success. These efforts will position the Caribbean for continued growth and competitiveness in the evolving tourism landscape.
