The managing director of the Curacao Hotel and Tourism Association has stepped down, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

Maria-Helena Seferina-Rojas, who had served in the role for two years, officially left her post on Sept. 1. 

The move comes as the organization’s board has announced plans to place greater emphasis on marketing Curacao in various international markets “and to assume a more active and driving role for CHATA within the tourism policy framework of Curaçao.”

“CHATA is grateful to Ms. Seferina for getting and keeping the CHATA organization back on track after the covid dip,” the organization said in a statement. 

“Now that tourism has re-established itself after the gradual lifting of corona restrictions, both locally and internationally, and business activity has increased across the board, the industry faces very different challenges that will take little or no respite.”

The organization has not announced an interim director; it is actively seeking a new candidate for the role.