Caribbean Travel Leaders Honored at 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards in Miami, Recognizing Achievements in Tourism, Aviation, Cruise, and Hospitality Sectors – Travel And Tour World

Sunday, October 20, 2024

The 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards, an event celebrating the achievements of Caribbean travel and tourism executives, will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Miami. This prestigious awards ceremony and fundraiser will recognize notable individuals for their significant contributions to the growth and development of the Caribbean’s tourism industry. The event promises to be a night filled with accolades, bringing together professionals from the aviation, cruise, hotel, and shipping sectors.

With a distinguished lineup of honorees, the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards are set to highlight the critical roles these leaders have played in driving the region’s tourism economy and elevating its position as a premier global destination. Among the newly announced honorees are executives from some of the most recognized organizations in the Caribbean travel sector.

Newly Announced Honorees for 2024

The recently unveiled list of honorees for the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards includes top names in the Caribbean’s tourism and travel industry. These individuals have made significant strides in advancing sustainable tourism, fostering economic growth, and enhancing community development throughout the Caribbean.

1. Christine Valls – Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean at United Airlines
   Christine Valls has led United Airlines’ commercial strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, with her team generating an impressive $1 billion in revenue for the region. Her leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in strengthening air travel connections between the Caribbean and international markets.
2. Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne – Owners of Fond Doux Eco Resort, St. Lucia
   The Lamontagnes are celebrated for their dedication to sustainable tourism practices. Fond Doux Eco Resort is a shining example of eco-luxury in the Caribbean, providing guests with a unique and environmentally conscious experience in a lush tropical setting.
3. Jennifer Nugent-Hill – Director of Government and Community Affairs at Tropical Shipping
   Jennifer Nugent-Hill is a driving force behind maritime education and economic development in the Caribbean. Through her work at Tropical Shipping, she has championed initiatives that support the Caribbean’s shipping and trade sectors, helping to enhance the region’s economic infrastructure.
4. Marie McKenzie – Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation & plc
   Overseeing strategic engagement in more than 27 countries and 57 ports across the Caribbean, Marie McKenzie plays a vital role in shaping the region’s cruise industry. Her efforts have expanded Carnival Corporation’s footprint in the Caribbean, contributing to the development of key destinations and ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.
5. Simón Suárez – Vice President of Grupo Puntacana
   With a 50-year career in tourism, Simón Suárez is widely recognized for his leadership in the development of the Dominican Republic’s tourism product. His work with Grupo Puntacana has been pivotal in transforming the Dominican Republic into one of the top tourism destinations in the Caribbean.
6. Vanessa Ledesma – CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
   A veteran of the Caribbean hospitality industry, Vanessa Ledesma has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing the region’s hotel and tourism sectors. Under her leadership, the CHTA has been a champion for Caribbean hotels, fostering growth and innovation within the hospitality industry.

Previously Announced Awardees

These newly announced honorees join an already impressive slate of awardees for the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards. Among those previously announced are:

• Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic Champion (Dominica), triple jump
• Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
• Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas, and former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
• Kashmie Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos
• Ambassador Victor Fernandes, Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States
• Gloria and Solomon Herbert, Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine
• Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
• Laura Dowrich-Phillips, Caribbean journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
• Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures

This diverse group of honorees represents the very best of Caribbean leadership, innovation, and commitment to the development of the region’s tourism and travel sectors.

A Celebration of Caribbean Leadership

The 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards will be an extraordinary evening, recognizing the contributions of those who have shaped the Caribbean’s tourism industry and driven its continued growth. Honorees have made significant impacts in areas ranging from airline services and cruise operations to hospitality and sustainable tourism practices.

The awards event is supported by several esteemed Caribbean resorts, including:

• Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
• Gallows Point Resort, United States Virgin Islands
• Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club, Grenada
• The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Nevis

These establishments, along with Marketplace Excellence Corporation, have partnered with CMEx to ensure that the evening is a resounding success. The fundraiser component of the event will help support ongoing efforts to promote and develop the Caribbean’s tourism industry, as well as support charitable initiatives within the region.

The Impact of CMEx and the Leadership Awards

CMEx (Caribbean Media Exchange) has long been at the forefront of connecting Caribbean tourism professionals with media, industry leaders, and policymakers. The CMEx Leadership Awards highlight individuals who have made substantial contributions to tourism and sustainable development across the region.

As the Caribbean’s tourism industry continues to evolve, these leaders are recognized not only for their professional achievements but also for their commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic development. The awards serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership in building a stronger, more resilient Caribbean tourism industry.

The 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards will undoubtedly be a night to remember, celebrating the achievements of key figures in the Caribbean’s tourism industry. From leaders in aviation and cruise lines to champions of sustainable tourism and community development, this event will honor those who have dedicated their careers to enhancing the region’s global reputation as a top travel destination.

As the Caribbean continues to grow as a hub for luxury travel, sustainable tourism, and cultural experiences, the honorees at the CMEx Leadership Awards serve as exemplars of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, collaboration, and innovation.