DHTA Hosted its 51st annual general meeting and Elects New Board
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) hosted its 51st annual general meeting on Tuesday, July 21 at the Fort Young Hotel Waterfall Room, under the theme ‘Can Innovation Fuel our Recovery?’
Minister for Tourism and International Transport, Hon. Denise Charles addressed the meeting’s open session on her Ministry’s outlook for the sector in the midst of a global pandemic. Stakeholders also heard from Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Lizra Fabien, who delivered the keynote address. She focused on innovative ways tourism related business can improve services and remain competitive in light of various challenges facing the industry.
A new Board of Directors, headed by Mr. Hans Schilders, was elected to lead the Association for the next two years.
Under the slogan ‘More Business, Better Business, Sustainable Business,’ Mr. Schilders pledged to support DHTA members to restart their business activities during the COVID-19 period. He underlined the need for collaboration among stakeholders and said the Association will introduce new, innovative digital tools, including the digital guidebook, ExperienceDominica.com, and launch a new digital Business Exchange Platform, called BiX.
The new board will meet soon to define a strategic plan for the upcoming year, with plans to increase advocacy for tourism stakeholders and seek collaboration with Government authorities to rebuild the sector.
Mr. Schilders told the AGM he was committed to help increase tourism revenue and enhance employment and investment opportunities within the industry.
Executive Vice President of the Association, Mr. Kevin A Francis, told the membership he stands ready to work with the new Board on upcoming initiatives.
“I have been with the Association for some time now and I must say I am excited about this new board. We have directors from different fields and expertise and I know they will help the association advance its objectives,” Francis said.
The 2020/21 Board of Directors of the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association includes:
- Hans Schilders – President – Hotel The Champs
- Marvlyn Alexander James – Immediate Past President – Fort Young Hotel
- Avril Coipel – 1st Vice President – Rosalie Bay Eco Resort and Spa
- Elijah Leblanc – Director of Finance – EJL Accounting Services Inc.
- Hervé Nizard – Director of Accommodation – Citrus Creek Plantation
- Dionne Durand Smith – Director of Public Relations – Image Plus Public Relations
- Sandra St. Ville – Director of Membership – La Flamboyant Hotel
- Cornealia Durand – Director of Tourism Service– Cabrits Resort and Spa, Kempinski.
- Alice James – Director of Related Services – Island Car Rentals
- Colin Piper – Discover Dominica Authority
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