During the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) confirmed the election of Dominican hotelier Gregor Nassief as the organization’s next president, making him the first representative from Dominica to hold the position.

Current CHTA President Sanovnik Destang referred to the leadership transition during the Marketplace opening ceremony in Antigua and Barbuda, noting that Nassief will officially assume the presidency in December 2026 for a two-year term.

Nassief also participated in the official CHTA press conference held during the event, alongside Destang and other regional tourism leaders, in a context where air connectivity, climate resilience, and regional integration were among the main topics discussed.

Gregor Nassief is Chairman and CEO of GEMS Holdings Limited, owner of renowned properties such as Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, two of the Caribbean’s leading examples of sustainable luxury and nature tourism projects. He also has experience in the technology sector and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Discover Dominica Authority and President of the Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association.

Meanwhile, Sanovnik Destang — executive of Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia — will continue leading the CHTA until December. During his tenure, he promoted initiatives related to innovation, technology, talent development, and the strengthening of regional tourism.

Nassief’s election comes at a strategic moment for the Caribbean, as the tourism industry seeks to strengthen multi-destination connectivity, diversify source markets, and advance toward more sustainable and resilient development models.