The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) congratulates hotelier Sanovnik Destang on being nominated as President Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
The CHTA is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is a federation of thirty-two National Hotel Associations, with over 500 members.
Destang, the Executive Director of family-owned chain Bay Gardens Resorts, was elected to the post during the regional organization’s Annual General Meeting on Monday 18th December 2023.
He will serve as the CHTA’s President for the 2024-2026 biennium. Clifton Reader was also appointed to the position of Treasurer of the regional body.
Destang is no stranger to the CHTA, having provided sterling service to the organization at various levels including in the positions of 3rd Vice President and 1st Vice President.
Reacting to the nomination, Destang thanked colleagues and current CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig: “Thank you to the nominating committee as well as the CHTA and SLHTA family who encouraged and supported me. We stand on the shoulders of giants and you are one of them with the incredible work that you’ve done. I look forward to learning from you and others who’ve held the position, and continuing the great work that the CHTA has started. I’m looking forward to the next few months.”
A trailblazer in Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, Destang previously served as President of the SLHTA from 2016- 2018 and was instrumental in leading advocacy efforts on several pressing matters including the Sharing Economy, Taxation and Alternative Energy.
The Virtual Agricultural Clearing House and the establishment of the SLHTA’s Young Leaders Initiative were introduced under his successful tenure.
SLHTA President Paul Collymore lauded Destang for his latest achievement: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Members and Staff of the SLHTA, I wish to congratulate Sanovnik Destang on this critical volunteer leadership role for the region. His dedication to the growth of tourism is undeniable, and his leadership will certainly augur well for the region. We pledge our unconditional support to you as you embark on this endeavor.”
Destang becomes the third hotelier from Saint Lucia to be elected President of the CHTA, joining Berthia Parle, MBE (2004-2206) and Karolin Troubetzkoy (2015-2018).
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (The SLHTA updated this release)
