The Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives re-elected Lisa Hamilton as president at its annual leadership conference held Jan. 16-18 at Comfort Suites on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
“Most of our islands have the same challenges and concerns, so it’s a great way to hear how other islands overcome the challenges,” Hamilton said of the conference. “I was fortunate to be elected president last year after only four years as an association executive. I have learned so much from AE veterans. They run very successful associations in their respective countries and have assisted me greatly with my learning curve.”
With Hamilton’s re-election, this is the first time that one country is holding all key Caribbean public and private sector positions. The society votes for a new executive team every year. It is the only time each year that all the Caribbean association executives gather to share information and best practices.
Eleven countries were represented at the conference, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Bonaire and Aruba. The association executives spent two days in meetings sharing ideas, discussing topics such as membership development, leadership development, marketing and more. Attendees also reviewed an updated work plan, laying out a time sensitive plan in order for the society to meet the current and evolving needs of the executives and their respective organizations. The plan focuses on professional development, association advancement, advocacy and awareness, and organizational development.
Each year, the conference is followed by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace where various CHTA committees meet to review past practices and plan for the future. CHTA President Richard Doumeng spearheaded several of the leadership conference meetings in the wake of CHTA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Alec Sanguinetti’s retirement.
“This is a crucial juncture in the history of Caribbean tourism. Gratefully, the synergy between all of the organizations is amazing. We truly appreciate the contributions of all three entities,” Doumeng said.
For more information about CSHAE, visit http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/cshae/ .