4 October 2025
By Publisher Ray Carmen
Who Is He?
Sanovnik Destang, a St. Lucian-born Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, has been serving as President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) since September 2024 . He previously led the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and has a distinguished track record with Bay Gardens Resorts, the family-run brand founded by his mother in 1995.
Leadership Highlights
Destang’s presidency builds on a historic 2024 in which visitor numbers to the Caribbean reached record highs—and CHTA achieved important advocacy wins, such as protecting tourism incentives in the Dominican Republic and launching a Linkages Task Force to foster deeper local economic ties .
In 2025, his strategic focus includes:
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Workforce development: expanding training to elevate regional hospitality professionalism
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Digital transformation: enhancing guest experience and efficiency via technology
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Strengthening sector linkages: forging connections with agriculture, creative industries, and local businesses
Key Projects and Milestones
Destang has guided efforts to reshape CHTA governance—leading bylaw updates to maintain agility and inclusivity. Under his watch, Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the first time—complemented by trade-focused features like a Linkages Pavilion, Responsible Tourism Day, and a Direct Booking Summit .
Recognition & Awards
In 2025, Destang became the first Caribbean hotelier to receive the prestigious AAHOA/NABHOOD Outstanding Hotelier Award, honoring his vision, community impact, and innovation in hospitality .
Executive & Leadership Team
Under CHTA’s governance structure, key leadership positions include:
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1st Vice President: Karen Whitt (Turks & Caicos)
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2nd Vice President: Craig Marshall (Antigua & Barbuda)
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3rd Vice President: Clifton Reader (Jamaica)
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4th Vice President: Kendra Hopkin (Grenada)
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Allied Chair: Bill Clegg
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Notably, the Education Foundation is chaired by Karolin Troubetzkoy from St. Lucia .
Vision: “Serving as First, Ready to Lead”
Destang, born in the 1980s, sees his presidency as a generational shift. He emphasizes service-driven leadership, stating:
“I’m ready to lead, but more importantly, I’m ready to serve. My focus areas will be people, technology, and building stronger connections across our economies and communities.”
Under his guidance, the association aims to elevate Caribbean tourism through strategic collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
In Summary
Sanovnik Destang is steering CHTA into a new era—one marked by record-breaking growth, digital and economic innovation, and a renewed focus on collaboration across both local and regional sectors. With an inspiring mantra of leadership through service, he continues to shape Caribbean tourism as a globally competitive and community-driven industry.
