CSHAE Honors Anguilla and Puerto Rico National Hotel Association Execs

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. January 30, 2009

GROS ISLET, St. Lucia January 29, 2009 - The Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) honored two national hotel association executive directors for their tireless efforts on behalf of their members and their destinations and the invaluable contributions and the role they play in the overall success of their local associations and the region-wide Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

Trudy Nixon, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association, was awarded the 2008 Small Hotel Association Executive of the Year and Clarisa Jim'enez, President and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association was honored as the 2008 Large Association Executive of the Year.

"I was delighted to see both Trudy and Clarisa receive their awards as Executives of the Year," said Sue Springer, CSHAE Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, adding: "They have both been very supportive of CSHAE and have certainly worked hard to spread the tourism message within their islands.

"The Association executives in all of the National Associations work tirelessly for their membership representing all of their needs as and when required and I salute them for their outstanding efforts.

"Without exception each one of the CSHAE executives are true professionals and are not always respected for what they do. This award, in some small measure, hopefully shows these individuals that their hard work has not gone unnoticed."

Small National Hotel Association Executive of the Year

Trudy Nixon, Executive Director of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association, came to the job three years ago and immediately immersed herself in the tasks of running the small local hotel association.

Prior to taking the position in Anguilla, Ms. Nixon was marketing communications consultant for a media house and a brand manager. She also had extensive association management experience working with the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts Association (ABSA) which was a major U.K.-based charity.

Her efforts on behalf of the Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association are focused on improving and enhancing communications with information collection and dissemination, government relations and marketing support.

She sits on many committees, all designed to improve life on the island for local residents and visitors alike - including the formation of a national community college for Anguilla and driving the renewable energy efforts.

As marketing is one of the keys to helping her membership, she works closely with the government tourism office as a member of their marketing team. The Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association also developed "Absolutely Anguilla," a high-end annual visitors' guide, now in its second year of printing.

"I am delighted and surprised to win this award," Ms. Nixon said. "This has been one of the best professional experiences I've had and I've been able to do my job better thanks to the support of other colleagues within the CHSAE organization. Getting recognized by them really means a lot."

Large National Hotel Association Executive of the Year

Clarisa Jim'enez, President and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA), has headed the organization for the past four years. She came to the Association after working for 14 years for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, including seven years in California and seven in Puerto Rico. She also spent more than eight years in a variety of marketing roles before accepting her position at PRHTA, which represents the interests of more than 550 corporate members.

As a strong advocate for the businesses that form part of Puerto Rico's tourism and hospitality industry, Ms. Jim'enez has played a significant role in the outcome of many local government issues, pushing for legislation that moves the industry forward while helping prevent laws that would adversely impact it. She is fighting an additional room tax for San Juan hotels that has negatively affected hotels in the area.

It is through the Association's Marketing Committee, which includes the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, that the destination marketing programs are developed to promote the Island worldwide.

Most recently, Ms. Jim'enez and PRHTA created the "El Turista: Compromiso de Todos" (Tourism Is Everyone's Responsibility) in which her hotel Association is promoting the importance of tourism for the economy of the Island, educate the hospitality industry employees as well as the community on the important role they play in the tourism industry and create strategic alliances for the benefit of the industry.

Last year, under her leadership PRHTA created the first culinary event of its class, "Saborea Puerto Rico: a Culinary Extravaganza", a weekend full of flavor and taste. More than 50 restaurants, wine, beers and spirits, renowned chefs from around the world and the sounds of the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra served up en event of unforgettable enjoyment.

"I am honored by this award because I know all the other association executives work so hard. It makes me want to work even harder for our members," said Jim'enez. "This industry is steeped in collaboration to help everyone in the hospitality and tourism community. I am proud to be a part of it."