CSHAE Elects New Executive Committee, Honors Turks & Caicos, St. Vincent & Grenadines Hotel And Tourism Associations

- Choice Hotels Sponsors CSHAE Leadership Conference During ARDA Convention in Orlando -

CORAL GABLES, FL (April 30, 2009) – The Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) recently elected a new Executive Committee headed by Frank Comito of the Bahamas Hotel Association at its annual Leadership Conference during the ARDA Convention earlier this month in Orlando.

The new CSHAE Executive Committee was selected as executives from national associations across the Caribbean elected a new slate of officers and directors including:

President: Frank Comito, Bahamas Hotel Association
Vice President: Sue Springer, Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association
Treasurer: Marion Wilson, Bonaire Hotel & Tourism Association
Directors: Neil Forrester, Antigua Hotel & Tourism Association
Dee Smith, Bermuda Hotel Association
Donald B. Werdekker, Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Association
Clarisa Jiménez, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
Caesar Campbell, Turks & Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association
Pancy Cross, Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association


CSHAE also honored the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association and St. Vincent and Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association with the Electronic Newsletter Newsworthy Award and Printed Newsletter Newsworthy Award, respectively.

The awards recognize the associations for communications by both print and online means based on criteria including:

1. A consistent means of communication to the membership
2. Always keeping members aware of CHTA activities and initiatives
3. A reader friendly format
4. Providing facts and research about tourism related topics
5. Encouraging members to support their local association
6. Allowing members to contribute and participate in the newsletter
7. Assisting with community outreach and support

The Awards Luncheon was sponsored by Choice Hotels International, who spoke about their Ascend Collection® and the distinct opportunity it represents for independent historic, boutique and unique properties. Choice Hotels Director of Membership Development Caroline Racine explained that the membership program allows hotels to retain their local identity, individuality and signage, while benefiting from Choice Hotels' strong marketing presence, global reservations system, award-winning rewards program, and industry-leading services and resources.

A number of Association Executives and Presidents (pictured right) attended the Leadership Conference to discuss important issues such as regional tourism, occupancy data, safety and security.