The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has won the top prize in the People Development and Support category for its Unveiling Hospitality Professional Series at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF).

The Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) hosted the CHIEF in Miami, and the award was announced during the closing Awards Luncheon. Patrice Simon, the Executive Director of ABHTA, accepted the award on behalf of the Association.

She expressed her gratitude and stated that the Unveiling Hospitality Professionals Series was a strategic initiative to inspire the next generation of Hospitality Professionals.

The program aimed to spotlight the numerous nationals of Antigua and Barbuda who have made exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry. Simon added that there are countless stories to tell, and they eagerly anticipate continuing to celebrate all their extraordinary professionals.

Craig Marshall, Chairman of ABHTA, congratulated the team for their unwavering dedication and commitment as they persist in fulfilling the Association’s mandate. Marshall emphasized that the Association remains devoted to recounting these stories and exploring new and innovative ways to celebrate the people of their country.

The CHIEF conference concluded today after two days of intensive meetings focused on discussions related to Human Resources development, Technology, and Sustainability. Simon participated in a panel discussion, shedding light on ABHTA’s work on the Unveiling Hospitality Professionals Series under the topic “Building the Future Workforce: Strategies for Attracting, Engaging, and Retaining Top-Tier Professionals.”

She shared the panel with Dr. Andrew Spencer, President of the Caribbean Maritime University, and Laudra Willie, Assistant Human Resource Manager at The Landings Resort & Spa and CHTA Young Leader 2019.