Sanovnik Destang, executive director of Saint Lucia’s Bay Gardens Resorts, has been named president-elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. 

Destang, a former winner of Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in the Caribbean Travel Awards, will lead the 500-member organization following hits election this week. 

He will serve as president from 2024-2026. 

Destang will succeed outgoing President Nicola Madden Greig. 

“Thank you to the nominating committee as well as the CHTA and SLHTA family who encouraged and supported me,” Destang said in a statement. “We stand on the shoulders of giants and you are one of them with the incredible work that you’ve done. I look forward to learning from you and others who’ve held the position, and continuing the great work that the CHTA has started. I’m looking forward to the next few months.”

Destang is the third Saint Lucia hotelier to serve in the role, joining former Presidents Berthia Parle and Karolin Troubetzkoy. 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, Members and Staff of the SLHTA, I wish to congratulate Sanovnik Destang on this critical volunteer leadership role for the region,” said SLHTA President Paul Collymore. “His dedication to the growth of tourism is undeniable, and his leadership will certainly augur well for the region. We pledge our unconditional support to you as you embark on this endeavor.”