ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Antigua and Barbuda, September 17, 2024 – The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) proudly announces the appointment of its Chairman, Craig Marshall, who also serves as the Regional Commercial Director - West Indies for Blue Diamond Resorts, as the 2nd Vice President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). Mr. Marshall assumes this distinguished role under the presidency of Mr. Sanovnik Destang of Bay Gardens Resorts, St Lucia, who was also appointed today at the Annual General Meeting of the CHTA.

Marshall shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment, saying, "I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and represent Antigua and Barbuda on this esteemed platform. The tourism industry is the lifeblood of our region, and I look forward to playing my part in advancing the goals of the CHTA while working to elevate the profile of Antigua and Barbuda within the Caribbean tourism landscape."

The CHTA, under Mr. Destang’s leadership, has identified key areas of focus, which will shape the association’s work during his tenure:

– Sustainable Tourism Development: Promoting practices that safeguard the region’s natural resources while enhancing visitor experiences.

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

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

– Cultural Heritage Promotion: Preserving and celebrating the Caribbean’s rich cultural heritage as a key part of the tourism experience.

"I am eager to contribute to the new vision and leadership of the CHTA. These focus areas align with our strategic goals in Antigua and Barbuda, and I am committed to supporting the region's tourism growth and sustainability” added Mr. Marshall.

Antigua and Barbuda will play a critical role in the Caribbean’s tourism agenda next year, as it prepares to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 18-22, 2025, welcoming over 1,200 delegates to the island. The event will provide a platform to showcase the best of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean, strengthening business relationships and promoting collaboration across the industry.

The ABHTA Board congratulates Chairman Craig Marshall on his appointment and looks forward to his contributions to the CHTA, confident that he will effectively represent Antigua and Barbuda on the regional stage.

ABOUT THE ABHTA

The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.