Caribbean Tourism Leaders to be Honored at Prestigious CMEx Awards

Caribbean Tourism Leaders to be Honored at Prestigious CMEx Awards

The Caribbean’s travel and tourism industry is set to shine as the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser prepares to celebrate a distinguished group of executives on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, in Miami. This prestigious event will recognize the vital contributions these leaders have made toward advancing the Caribbean’s growth and development.

Honoring Visionary Leaders

Among the newly announced honorees is

Christine Valls

, Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean at United Airlines. Valls spearheads commercial strategy across the region, where her team generates an impressive $1 billion in revenue. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering connections between the Caribbean and global markets.

Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne

, the owners of

Fond Doux Eco Resort

in St. Lucia, will also be honored for their unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. Their dedication to eco-luxury has positioned Fond Doux as a leading example of responsible travel in the Caribbean, inspiring other businesses to embrace environmentally friendly practices.

Jennifer Nugent-Hill

, Director of Government and Community Affairs at

Tropical Shipping

, will be recognized for her tireless advocacy in maritime education and economic development throughout the region. Her efforts have strengthened the Caribbean’s shipping industry and created opportunities for growth in the blue economy.

Marie McKenzie

, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at

Carnival Corporation & plc

, has been pivotal in overseeing strategic engagement in 27 countries and 57 ports across the Caribbean. Her leadership has contributed to the expansion of cruise tourism in the region, enhancing the Caribbean’s appeal as a premier cruise destination.

Simón Suárez

, Vice President of

Grupo Puntacana

, a tourism veteran with over 50 years of experience, will be acknowledged for his influential role in shaping the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. His leadership has been key to the development of one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, making significant contributions to the region’s tourism growth.

Vanessa Ledesma

, CEO of the

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)

, will also receive recognition for her 25 years of dedication to the Caribbean hospitality industry. Ledesma has played a crucial role in advancing the region’s hospitality sector, positioning the Caribbean as a global leader in tourism and hospitality services.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

These leaders will join previously announced honorees, including

Thea LaFond

, 2024 Olympic Champion from Dominica, and

Latia Duncombe

, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation. Other notable figures such as

Ellison “Tommy” Thompson

, former CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and

Kashmie Ali

, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for

Sailrock South Caicos

, are also set to be honored for their contributions.

The CMEx Leadership Awards promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Caribbean leadership in travel, tourism, and communications. The event is supported by key sponsors, including

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa

in St. Lucia,

Gallows Point Resort

in the United States Virgin Islands,

Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club

in Grenada,

The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa

in Nevis, and

Marketplace Excellence Corporation

.

This gathering of tourism and hospitality leaders underscores the region’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the travel sector. The CMEx Leadership Awards serve as a testament to the Caribbean’s vibrant and thriving tourism industry, showcasing the region’s dedication to sustainable growth and development.