The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) is set to recognize a distinguished group of travel and tourism industry leaders at the highly anticipated 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards. The prestigious event, scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Miami, will bring together top executives from various sectors including airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and the shipping industry to honor their significant contributions to the development of Caribbean tourism.
This year’s honorees reflect the global reach and influence of the Caribbean travel and tourism sector. The list includes Christine Valls, Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean at United Airlines. Valls has been instrumental in shaping commercial strategies that have generated $1 billion in annual revenue for the region. Her leadership has played a key role in expanding United Airlines’ footprint and fostering tourism growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne, the owners of Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. Lucia, will be recognized for their commitment to sustainable tourism. Their eco-luxury resort has become a model for environmentally responsible travel in the Caribbean, aligning with the region’s growing focus on sustainable development and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation & plc, will also be honored. McKenzie oversees strategic partnerships in more than 27 countries and 57 ports across the Caribbean, contributing significantly to the region’s cruise industry. Under her leadership, Carnival Corporation has expanded its presence, boosting tourism and local economies throughout the region.
Another notable laureate is Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Director of Government and Community Affairs at Tropical Shipping, who has championed maritime education and economic development in the Caribbean. Nugent-Hill’s contributions have strengthened the shipping industry’s role in supporting tourism and regional development.
Simón Suárez, Vice President of Grupo Puntacana, will be recognized for his five decades of leadership in developing the tourism product of the Dominican Republic. Suárez has been a driving force in positioning the Dominican Republic as a premier tourist destination, contributing to both the country’s and the wider Caribbean region’s tourism success.
Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has also been named a laureate for her 25-year career advancing the Caribbean’s hospitality industry. Her leadership has helped shape policies and initiatives that promote growth, enhance guest experiences, and support sustainable practices throughout the region’s hotels and resorts.
The 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards is shaping up to be a grand celebration of the achievements of these industry leaders. In addition to honoring individual accomplishments, the event serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among key stakeholders in the Caribbean’s travel and tourism industry. The event will also raise funds to support various initiatives aimed at boosting Caribbean tourism, including educational programs and sustainable development projects.
Previous Awardees and Event Highlights
The newly announced honorees join a prestigious list of previously announced awardees, including Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic Champion from Dominica, and Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Other notable figures to be honored include Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, former CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Kashmie Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sailrock South Caicos.
The Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is backed by several esteemed partners, including Calabash Cove Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, Gallows Point Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club in Grenada, and The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa in Nevis. These partnerships reflect the event’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of Caribbean tourism while recognizing those who have played an integral role in its success.
The event promises a remarkable evening of celebration, collaboration, and recognition. With leaders from across the Caribbean’s tourism and hospitality sectors coming together, the Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards is set to highlight the region’s continued progress toward sustainable tourism growth and its vital contribution to global tourism.
About Caribbean Media Exchange and the Awards
The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has long been a platform for promoting responsible tourism development and communication within the Caribbean. Through its awards program, Caribbean Media Exchange seeks to recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to the advancement of the Caribbean as a top-tier travel destination.
This year’s awards ceremony will focus on celebrating the visionaries and changemakers who are driving the region’s tourism and hospitality industries forward. From eco-tourism pioneers to airline executives shaping global travel trends, the 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Awards will showcase the remarkable diversity and talent within the Caribbean’s travel industry.
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