The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort at 3 p.m. on Wednesday April 20th. The focus of the AGM was to elect the new Board of Directors and provide a summary of the past 2015-2016 membership year. The AGM also provided an opportunity for members to network.

Opening Remarks were given by CITA President, Kenneth Hydes, who spoke from the heart thanking the current Board for their generous contribution over the last year. He acknowledged the DOT’s and Ministry’s collaborative efforts with CITA. Among other matters he also publicly thanked Danielle Wolfe for her contribution as CITA’s representative on the Minimum Wage Committee; ensuring gratuities were considered and reviewed on behalf of the industry. Minister for Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell later gave an address on the status of the industry including Cayman Airways’ acquisition of a new fleet and increasing gateway opportunities for the destination. He also provided updates on anticipated room stock, George Town revitalization and growth prospects for the Sister Islands. Guest presenter, Albert Anderson (CEO, Cayman Islands Airport Authority – CIAA) gave an update on the renovations at the Owen Roberts International Airport and was well received by the membership who had several questions for him. CITA’s Treasurer, Nigel Mitten, gave a report on the Associations’ finances and said farewell to the members, as this would be his final after serving a four-year stint. CITA’s Executive Director, Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks presented the year’s highlights which comprised the inaugural issue of the “Visit Cayman Islands” magazine, Taste of Cayman 2016, Stingray Awards and the fairly new Underwater Museum at the Kittiwake dive site.

During the presentations, members’ votes were tallied to see who would be CITA’s Board Members for 2016-2017. The Executive Committee selected at the AGM by the newly elected Board of Directors:

President — Kenneth Hydes – Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd.

Vice President — Theresa Leacock-Broderick — Plantana Condominiums

Secretary — Joanna Boxall- Acorn Publishing

Treasurer — Brian Krug- Budget/Apex Rental Car

Immediate Past President — Harry Lalli – Treasure Island

CITA 2016 – 2017 Board of Directors

CRUISE RELATED BUSINESS DIRECTOR:

Ken Hydes (Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd)/President (Serving two years*)

ALLIED MEMBERS & LAND BASED ATTRACTION DIRECTORS:

Joanna Boxall (Acorn Publishing) / Secretary

Matthew Bishop (Active Capital) (Serving two years*)

CONDOMINIUMS DIRECTORS:

Theresa Broderick (Plantana Condominiums) / Vice President

Gaetan Babin (The Wyndham Reef Resort)

HOTEL DIRECTORS:

Marc Langevin (The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman)

Danielle Wolfe (Caribbean Club)

TOURISM TRANSPORT OPERATORS/AIRLINES DIRECTORS:

Brian Krug (Apex/Budget Rent A Car) / Treasurer

David Carmichael (Caribbean Marine Services) (Serving two years*)

RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUBS DIRECTORS:

Julie Allen (Rackam’s Waterfront Bar and Grill)

Steve Shienfield (JLC Holdings: Duke’s, Mizu, Waterfront Restaurants (Serving two years*)

WATERSPORTS DIRECTORS:

Ash McKnight (Go Pro Diving)

Keith Sahm (Sunset Divers/Sunset House)

SISTER ISLANDS:

Neil van Niekerk (Southern Cross Club) — appointed by the Sister Islands Tourism

Association.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Harry Lalli (Cay Direct)

Ken Hydes commented “We anticipate that the upcoming year will be one of significant growth. CITA will look for opportunities to support this momentum while maintaining the high standards we have achieved to date. True partnership with the public sector is at an all-time high and we intend to maintain that this year. Of paramount importance is the need for residents to embrace this growth for career and business opportunities that are truly dynamic.” Equal sentiments were expressed by Vice President, Theresa Leacock-Broderick who is honoured to continue the work of the Association. She added “I remain impressed with the talent and passion in both the private and public sectors. I’m grateful for the investment of industry stakeholders from our corporate and individual property owners to the small business entrepreneurs and operators, who work tirelessly to deliver world class services with our unique ‘CaymanKindness’.”

Tiffany Dixon Ebanks, Executive Director of CITA said: “I look forward to working once again with President Ken Hydes and Vice President Theresa Leacock-Broderick. I thank and acknowledge the contribution of our two outgoing Board Directors, Tim Adam and Nigel Mitten, while welcoming new Directors, David Carmichael and Matthew Bishop, to the team. As I read the Bios. of each of the candidates at the AGM, I note that we have a strong group of 15 individuals. They all bring varied and experienced backgrounds, which will lend well to the mandate of CITA.”

Newcomer to the Board, Matthew Bishop of Active Capital said “I’m honoured to have been elected and I’m looking forward to working with all industry stakeholders as we continue to advance Cayman’s tourism product.” Similarly, David Carmichael is “looking forward to my new appointment and hoping to add more value to our tourism product”.

CITA is very excited to start the 2016-17 membership year. The next event will be the Stingray Tourism Awards on June 14th 2016.