On Friday, 24 November the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) held its 60th Annual General Meeting of Members at Point Salines Hotel where members received a presentation of the financial statements of the organisation, an update on challenges and successes of the association and an outlook for 2024.
During the official AGM, GHTA’s CEO Arlene Friday announced that the GHTA has set their sights on new horizons, one that emphasises building strategic partnerships and alliances to expand its reach both locally and beyond. By fostering these relationships, GHTA leverages the strengths and expertise of other like-minded organisations enhancing their capabilities and maximising their impact. By aligning themselves with organisations that complement their strengths and fill their gaps, GHTA creates a comprehensive suite of services that offers value to its members.
President Kendra Hopkin mentioned the various initiatives that GHTA has been involved in over the past year with an emphasis on advocacy efforts, namely in the areas of minimum wage, concessions for small to medium-sized establishments, public transportation solutions, airlift and product development. She also emphasised the areas that are needed to move the industry forward such as further collaboration between public and private partnerships, increased data-driven marketing and technology and green solutions.
Highlights of the AGM included a brief presentation regarding the GHTA Tourism Enhancement, where visitors are asked to contribute $1 to $2 of their stay to support Grenada’s tourism product. Charitable donations are made to maintain marine protected areas, enhance tourist attraction sites, create dive sites and coral nurseries, train hospitality professionals and boost Grenada’s waste disposal and recycling efforts. The AGM sparked the launch of the Tourism Enhancement Fund Scholarship which is given to exemplary students attending TAMCC interested in furthering their hospitality careers at St George’s University. The inaugural scholarships were presented to Amaya Gellineau and Thia Thomas by Arlene Friday along with Natifa Jerome, Chair of the Hospitality Department at TAMCC.
Senator Salim Rahaman delivered an impactful keynote address providing industry professionals with the tools necessary to help move the sector forward.
The 60th AGM culminated with the award presentation of the prestigious Legend Awards to posthumously honour stalwarts who paved the way for the industry. The following were honoured at the 60th AGM, notably: Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, Andre Cherman OBE, Ian Dabreo, Lawrence Lambert CBE, and Coleman Redhead. Awards were presented to awardee’s families by Immediate Past President Leo Garbutt and President Kendra Hopkin.
GHTA
