FCCA Platinum Summit sails to success aboard Virgin Voyages

Ahoy, Caribbean! The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) Platinum Summit recently concluded aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. The summit, which sailed to Key West and Bimini last week, offered a unique setting for industry leaders to discuss sustainable growth and emerging trends. With top executives from major cruise lines participating, the conversations were insightful and inspiring.…

September 24, 2024

Tourism Development

Vanessa Ledesma confirmed as CEO of CHTA

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the appointment of Vanessa Ledesma as its new Chief Executive Officer. Outgoing CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig stated that Ledesma, with close to 25 years working with CHTA, “brings to the table passion, loyalty and a wealth of knowledge about Caribbean tourism.” Madden-Greig added, “It has been my pleasure working with…

September 24, 2024

Tourism Development

CHTA confirms new leadership

Sanovnik Destang, a respected hotelier from St. Lucia, has taken over as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). His election was confirmed at CHTA’s Annual General Meeting last week. Destang, who brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, plans to focus on people, technology, and strengthening ties with other sectors of the…

September 24, 2024

Sustainable Tourism Tourism Development

MPE talks tourism with Sandals chief

When Sandals Resorts chief Adam Stewart says “all inclusive” he also means that local communities must be included in the benefits of tourism. During the 42nd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay last month, MPE’s Lelei LeLaulu spoke with the Executive Chairman about the importance of community involvement in the tourism industry. Stewart emphasized that for tourism to be truly…

July 22, 2024

Binghistra at Bamboo Beach Club in Jamaica

Cruise Industry Culture

FCCA PAMAC Summit hits all the right notes in Jamaica

There was a palpable energy, engagement and enthusiasm at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) PAMAC Summit, held in Jamaica earlier this month. Participants engaged in significant collective and bilateral meetings aimed at the continued strengthening and success of Caribbean cruise tourism. “The updates from the cruise sector and our platinum partners were excellent. We continue to…

July 22, 2024

Events Women in Leadership

Caribbean Women Celebrated

Tourism marketing professional Beverly Nicholson-Doty from the United States Virgin Islands received the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award at the CTO’s Women’s Leadership Awards in New York last week. The award was presented during the “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” Breakfast & Awards. Nicholson-Doty, CEO of the Miami-based advertising agency Figment Design, was honored by CTO Secretary-General…

July 22, 2024

Events Sports

A “Big Up” for Big Bird in the Big Apple

Discipline, self-confidence, truthfulness, humility, and being in the company of great role models and peers were some of the secrets to success shared by West Indies cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garner during a Cricket Ceremony and Watch Party held by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during Caribbean Week in New York last Monday. The 6’8” former…

July 22, 2024

CTO General Secretary Dona Regis-Prosper

Events Women in Leadership

Positive Caribbean Week Vibes in NYC

Caribbean Week in New York, held June 16-21, 2024, at the InterContinental New York Times Square, lived up to its expectations and offered delegates from the region and in the marketplace engaging discussions, networking, and a wholesome celebration of the rich cultural diversity of our region. Held under the CTO’s 35th anniversary theme “Connecting the Globe,…

July 22, 2024

Events

Patricia Affonso-Dass celebrated by her peers

Heartiest congratulations to Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, on being named the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hotelier of the Year. A visibly emotional Affonso-Dass received accolades from her peers at Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Jamaica last month. This recognition is a testament to her decades-long dedication and exemplary leadership in…

June 7, 2024

Events

CHTA Marketplace: Jamaica edition a success

High fives to Jamaica hotelier Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), her team at CHTA, and Jamaican public and private sector stakeholders, on an excellent production of the 42nd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Jamaica, from May 20-23, 2024, the meeting registered record-breaking attendance numbers, elevating…

June 5, 2024

NewsLetter