Sanovnik Destang Elected President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

(Castries, Saint Lucia – September 17^th 2024)- The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is pleased to announce the election of Sanovnik Destang as the President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), a position he officially assumed during today’s Annual General Meeting. This appointment marks a significant milestone for both Destang and the Caribbean tourism industry as a whole.

The CHTA, based in Miami, Florida, is a federation of 32 National Hotel Associations representing over 500 members.

As the former President of the SLHTA (2016-2018), Destang brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the region’s tourism sector. His election reflects both his dedication and the confidence that stakeholders across the Caribbean have in his leadership abilities.

In his acceptance speech, Destang articulated his vision for the future: “I first would like to thank my CHTA, SLHTA, Bay Gardens and immediate family for the support that they’ve shown to me from the time I became President-Elect many months ago. I am deeply honored to take on the role of President of CHTA. This is a pivotal moment for our Caribbean tourism industry, and I am dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. Together, we can elevate our region’s tourism offerings while ensuring that our communities and environments are protected.”

Destang emphasized key areas of focus for his presidency, including:

– Sustainable Tourism Development: Committing to practices that protect the region’s natural resources while enhancing the visitor experience.

– Technological Integration: Leveraging technology to improve operations, marketing, and the overall visitor experience across the Caribbean.

– Regional Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships among stakeholders to promote a unified Caribbean brand and enhance the industry’s competitiveness on the global stage.

– Cultural Heritage Promotion: Ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of our islands is preserved and celebrated as a core aspect of the Caribbean tourism experience.

SLHTA President Paul Collymore

SLHTA President Paul Collymore expressed his congratulations, stating, “Today marks a proud moment for the SLHTA and the entire Caribbean tourism community. Sanovnik’s leadership and passion for our industry will drive meaningful change and inspire collaboration across the region. We are excited to support him as he embarks on this important journey.”

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez reflected on the significance of Destang’s appointment, noting, “Sanovnik follows in the esteemed footsteps of previous SLHTA Presidents like Karolin Troubetzkoy and Berthia Parle, who have set a high standard for leadership in this role. We are confident that he will continue this tradition and drive innovative solutions for the challenges ahead.”

The SLHTA extends its warmest congratulations to Sanovnik Destang on this significant achievement. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership on the Caribbean tourism sector and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.