The Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Leadership Conference, sponsored by American Resort Development Association - Resort Owners' Coalition (ARDA-ROC), prior to Caribbean Travel Marketplace where members voted for its executive committee for the 2014-16 term.
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Association executives from 14 hotel associations met and elected the following individuals to the CSHAE executive committee:
Gilda Gumbs-Samuel, executive director, Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association, was elected as president of CSHAE.
Neil Forrester, general manager, Antigua Hotels & Tourism Association, was elected as vice president of CSHAE.
Stacey Cox, association executive, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, was elected treasurer of CSHAE.
Irene Dingjan, CEO, Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association, was elected as secretary of CSHAE.
Lisa Hamilton, president, United States Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, holds the position of chairman of CSHAE, having served as president for the 2012-14 term.
Other members include:
Sue Springer, executive vice president, Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association.
Clarisa Jimenez, president and CEO, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association.
Louanna Chai-Alves, executive director, Trinidad Hotels. Restaurants and Tourism Association.
Jim Hepple, president and CEO, Aruba hotel and Tourism Association.
"I am extremely humbled that the association executives think highly of my work over the years and have placed confidence in me to lead the CSHAE group of executives for the next two years," said Gumbs-Samuel in a written release. "I am proud of the fact that the CSHAE presidency is held for the first time by an executive from Anguilla and look forward to working with the dynamic group of association executives from other Caribbean countries to enhance the state of the hospitality and tourism industries within the region."
During the course of the meeting, the executives discussed the role each destination's association plays in the overall success of the region's tourism industry and the importance of developing a strong partnership with the local tourist boards. The association executives discussed issues and concerns facing each country including local government challenges, lack of adequate marketing funds, air lift and excessive taxation.