Share This Article
The countdown has started for the 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, which will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami.
Today, we spotlight two of the honorees to be recognized during the event.
Marc Melville, Chief Executive Officer, Chukka Caribbean Adventures Group
As CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures Group, Marc Melville is the driving force behind the company. Drawing from his early experiences at Chukka Cove Farm, Melville has been instrumental in the company’s growth. Under his leadership, the CCA Group has expanded from its original “Horseback Ride N’Swim” tour to offering over 85 Nature Adventure experiences in Jamaica, Belize, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Barbados, and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands).
In 1992, Melville returned to Jamaica to become Managing Director (and later on Chairman) for Tropical Battery Co. Ltd, a family-owned business, after his father, Daniel “Danny” Melville, entrusted him with its leadership. Marc Melville contributes significantly to other organizations beyond his role as CEO of Chukka. He is a board member of Chukka, Tropical Battery Company Ltd, Diverze Assets Inc., Rainforest Seafoods Ltd., and BCMG Insurance Brokers. His influence extended to the Jamaica Tourist Board, where he served from 2012 to 2016.
In recognition of his significant impact on the tourism industry, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) in October 2022. Melville cherishes quality time with his children and playing polo.
Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Independent Tourism Consultant
“Tommy” Thompson is a highly accomplished tourism industry leader with a career spanning decades and continents. Known for his strategic vision and expertise in growing tourism markets, Thompson has left a lasting impact on destinations such as The Bahamas, Europe, and St. Kitts.
Thompson began his career improving the tourism product in The Bahamas, followed by leadership roles in Europe, where he expanded market share in key regions like the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. After earning his MBA from the University of Surrey in 2001, he returned as Deputy General Manager for Europe, securing direct airlift partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and First Choice Airways and enhancing access to The Bahamas.
From 2005 to 2021, Thompson served as Deputy Director General for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, driving significant growth through innovative marketing and strategic partnerships. In 2022, he took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA), where he successfully led the island’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. His leadership introduced the “Venture Deeper” brand campaign and boosted airlift with the addition of year-round JetBlue service from JFK and regional flights from interCaribbean Airways, Sunrise Airways and Caribbean Airlines.
Today, Thompson continues to shape the global tourism industry as an Independent Consultant, offering strategic guidance to destinations worldwide. His mentorship and leadership have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his visionary approach continues to drive success in tourism development.
The 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards, which promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the achievements of Caribbean leaders in travel, tourism and communications, is being supported by:
- Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
- Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
- Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, Dominica
- Gallows Point Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius
- Little Good Harbour & The Atlantis Historic Inn, Barbados
- Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club, Grenada
- The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, Jamaica
- The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Nevis
- The Hartling Group, Turks and Caicos
- The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Jamaica
- Marketplace Excellence Corporation
PHOTO CAPTION: Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures Group (left), and Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Independent Tourism Consultant, will attend the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser in Miami.
