2015 – 2016 CITA Board of Directors announced

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Westin, Grand Cayman at 3 p.m. on Wednesday April 22 in order to elect its Board of Directors for the upcoming term and provide an update to its members for the 2014-2015 membership year. Executive Director and Chair of the AGM, Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks, welcomed close to 100 CITA members in attendance and thanked them for coming out to attend this very important event for the Association. Ms. Dixon-Ebanks was also designated as Elections Officer. Rod McDowall of Red Sail Sports, and a past president of the CITA, was appointed the Associations’ Nominations Chair.

CITA President, Kenneth Hydes, gave opening remarks where he referred to some of the major accomplishments of the Board and the Executive Office over the last year. He acknowledged the dedicated contribution made by his team. He made reference to the “Top Five Tourism Issues” which were identified by the outgoing Board of Directors in June of last year. These top issues include Stayover Business, Cruise Business, Embracing ‘Caymankind’, Business Environment and the Natural Environment. He noted that tourism in Cayman is not just an industry, but it is critical to the future economic diversity of the Cayman Islands. He further relayed that the CITA will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to build a bright future where the benefits of being a part of tourism can be seen by all.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, addressed the gathering with an update on the state of the tourism industry, by firstly highlighting an unprecedented year for increased visitor arrivals. He thanked the private sector for the investment made in the tourism product. Minister Kirkconnell made mention of the Ministry and Department of Tourism’s (DoT’s) focus on the Meetings and Incentives sector, as this is viewed as a viable area in driving incremental visitation. With regards to the airport redevelopment, he updated the group that tenders would be issued with a view to commencing the project in the summer of 2015. The Minister closed his speech with a ‘destination accolades video’ which was provided by the DoT. This video listed among other things, a number of private sector establishment and their contribution to the reputation of the Cayman Islands as a destination.

Wayne Jackson, Director of the School of Hospitality Studies, was invited to give an update on the inaugural year of the school, and reported significant progress and participation from private sector partners. CITA’s Treasurer, Nigel Mitten gave a report on the Associations’ finances and the Executive Director, provided a report of the year, highlighting all programmes and events as well as the benefits derived from being a CITA member. During the presentations, member votes were tallied to see who would become Board members for 2015-2016. The Executive Committee selected at the AGM by the new Board of Directors are:

President — Kenneth Hydes – Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd.
Vice President — Theresa Broderick — Plantana
Condominiums Secretary — Tim Adam – Cayman Turtle Farm
Treasurer — Nigel Mitten – Majestic Tours
Immediate Past President — Harry Lalli – Treasure Island

Mr. Hydes expressed gratitude regarding his re-appointment and relayed “I would like to thank the outgoing Board Members for this their contribution. With the opportunity to serve as president for a second year, I am looking forward to working with the new team and relevant stakeholders during the coming year. Let us forge forward to create and build and industry that we are all proud of.”

Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks notes “CITA’s AGM presents a wonderful opportunity for members to cast their votes, be apprised of industry developments, and network with their fellow members. We look forward to the year ahead, working once again with President, Ken Hydes, to champion the top issues and work towards positive achievements for the association, its members and the industry as a whole.”