By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association has announced the appointment of its new CEO and president.

AHATA has named tourism leader Tisa LaSorte to the role.

LaSorte has been serving as the director of sales, marketing and administration at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, long the preeminent property among Aruba hotels.

Tisa LaSorte.

In the new role, LaSorte will be focusing on “seeking sustainable tourism for Aruba’s continued success, promoting sensible tourism-friendly policies and safeguarding the best interest of all of AHATA’s members and supporting community involvement,” the organization said in a statement.

LaSorte succeeds James Hepple in the role, a move which will take effect June 18.

“We are very thankful to Jim, serving AHATA and the larger tourism community of Aruba over the past eight years and can look back on some great accomplishments under his leadership in the fields of island marketing and lobbying for the members interests. We wish him the very best in his new endeavours,” said Chairman of AHATA, Tom Calame. “We warmly welcome Tisa to the AHATA team as new CEO and President, and look forward to continue building on a bright future with her.”