The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) proudly announced that its current president, Sanovnik Destang, has been selected as the Outstanding Hotelier Award recipient, an honor jointly presented by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD).

This marks the first time a Caribbean hotelier has been recognized with this prestigious award. The accolade highlights visionary hoteliers who demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting communities within the hospitality industry.

The award will be formally presented at the Hilton Awards Luncheon on Thursday, July 23, during the 29th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Miami.

Destang, a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, serves as Executive Director and Shareholder of Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia. Since 2012, he has led the family business—originally founded in 1995 by his mother, Joyce Destang, O.B.E.—to become a flagship Caribbean hospitality brand. The group now includes four hotels and a fifth one currently under development.

As CHTA President since 2024, Destang has prioritized people, technology, and cross-sector economic linkages, aiming to foster sustainable growth and greater regional cooperation in Caribbean tourism.

“Thank you all once again for putting your faith in me and my generation,” said Destang. “As the first CHTA President born in the 1980s, I fully understand the responsibility ahead of me. I’m ready to lead, but more importantly, I’m ready to serve.”

This historic recognition reflects not only Destang’s leadership but also the increasing global impact of the Caribbean hospitality industry.