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Amy Martin Ziegenfuss is the Chief Marketing Officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. With more than 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned marketer known for building global brands and driving business performance. At Carnival, Amy is focused on positioning the brand for the future, continuing to evolve the through-the-line experience and marketing for the brand to drive business performance and brand love with customers of today and of tomorrow.
Previously, Amy served as SVP of Global Enterprise & Brand Marketing at Hilton, where she led marketing for Hilton and its brands, which included revitalizing legacy brands and launching new ones. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and an MBA from George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Amy is passionate about making travel accessible and fostering inclusivity. She is a dual citizen of the US and the UK and enjoys traveling, reading, diving, and cooking for loved ones. Amy lives in Washington, DC and Rehoboth Beach with her wife, Joanna and their dog, Archie.
Adam attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, earning a Bachelor of
Science degree with a Life Sciences (Pre-Med) subject of specialization. Following this,
he pursued personal training while studying to be a nutritionist and physiotherapist.
William L. Clegg, Jr., CHA, is a regional director of development for BWH Hotels (World Hotels and Best Western International) in the mid-Atlantic US and Caribbean region, sourcing and guiding prospective franchisees and members through the company’s development process for its 18 brands. He previously served as RVP for Choice Hotels International, managing owner relationships and performance-driven franchise service in the United States and the Caribbean.
Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Bill rose through the ranks after beginning his hospitality career as a bellman at a Marriott Hotel. He has served in operations, sales, marketing, and general management positions at Marriott, Sheraton, Best Western, and Choice Hotels branded hotels.
He received a B.A. in Communications Studies from Virginia Tech, and holds a Certified Hotel Administrator certification from AH&LA. During his career, he has served on numerous industry panels. He served for 11 years as a Regional Vice President for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, and four years as VP. He is currently VP of the organization, chairs the Membership Committee of CHTA, and served as chairman of CHTA’s CHIEF (Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum) conference for nine years, 2015-2024.
In 2013, he was presented with a Leadership Award from Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEX), and was awarded the Allied Member of the Year by CHTA.
is the Head of Human Resources with Montrose Limited, with responsibility for all divisions of the group of over one thousand team members, including Ocean Hotels Barbados Limited. Having joined the group in in 2019, she has driven the strategic and operational elements of the Human Resources product and worked alongside Senior Management colleagues to strengthen all pillars of human resources across the group, digitize systems and process and continue to develop knowledgeable and skilled team members.
Christopher Gustave is a marketing professional with over 19 years of experience in the Caribbean’s tourism and hospitality industry. As Marketing Manager for Caribbean, Events, and Sports at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), he has played a key role in positioning Saint Lucia as a premier destination for sports tourism and immersive travel experiences. His leadership in launching the Caribcation Saint Lucia Brand has significantly boosted visitor arrivals and enhanced the island’s appeal.
Christopher has led sponsorship and marketing for Saint Lucia’s top sporting events, including the International Masters Football Tournament, Rodney Heights Aquatic Center Regional Swim Meet, Caribcation Rugby Carnival 7s, Mango Bowl Regatta, 758 Drag Races, and the Caribbean T20 Premier League. He has also supported the hosting of international events such as the Goodwill Games qualification championship, ICC cricket tours, and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The SLTA recently secured Olympic Gold Medalist Julien Alfred—the fastest woman in the world—as a brand ambassador, Christopher leverages her success to further amplify Saint Lucia’s global visibility as a hub for athletic excellence and cultural pride.
With an MBA in Innovation and certifications in Destination Marketing and Hospitality Education, Christopher’s expertise in integrating sports tourism with broader marketing strategies has established him as a thought leader in the field.
Calvin is a seasoned hospitality expert with over two decades of experience in revenue management and social media marketing. Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and leveraging digital platforms, Calvin has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.
As an award-winning Instagram creator, Calvin is celebrated for capturing the essence of hospitality through captivating visuals and storytelling. Recognized among the top 25 social media influencers in hospitality and listed as one of the top 100 most inspirational people in the industry by the International Hospitality Institute, Calvin’s influence is far-reaching.
Currently, Calvin serves as the Founder & Creative Director of RevPar Media, a leading social media marketing agency focused on driving brand awareness, engagement, and revenue growth for hospitality businesses in the digital age.
Christus Gill is an accomplished IT professional with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. He serves as the IT Manager for Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia, part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. Christus also co-chairs the CHTA Technology Taskforce, where he recently collaborated on an AI Transformation Guide aimed at enhancing Caribbean tourism. In his prior role, he served as IT Manager for Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in St. Lucia.
Christus holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and has achieved the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designation from Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). A passionate advocate for innovative technology, Christus is dedicated to empowering businesses and individuals to harness technology to achieve their full potential.
With two decades of experience in travel marketing and PR, ABA Founder and President Claire Kunzman has established herself as a trusted leader across the Caribbean and beyond. Her extensive portfolio includes representing hotels and resorts on nearly every Caribbean island, as well as renowned destinations, international hotel brands, global sales organizations, associations, and other pivotal players in the tourism sector.
Claire’s career began with a solid foundation at Peter Yesawich’s YPB&R (later Ypartnership), followed by a role as Vice President of Client Services at Cheryl Andrews Marketing. She further honed her skills as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In 2016 she launched her own travel marketing communications agency, Anything But Advertising (ABA). Based in South Florida with offices in Europe and Latin America, ABA focuses on earned and owned media as well as strategic brand partnerships.
Guiding her clients through every imaginable crisis—from hurricanes and global pandemics to geopolitical challenges and active threats—Claire has proven herself adept at navigating the unexpected with resilience and precision. She holds an MBA in Marketing and Management from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Craig Marshall serves as the Regional Commercial Director for Blue Diamond Resorts in the West Indies and also chairs the Antigua & Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Association. In his role at Blue Diamond Resorts, Craig oversees Sales, Marketing, Revenue Management, Reservations, and the launch of new properties in the region.
With 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 15 years specializing in revenue management across Europe, North America, and Latin America, Craig has honed his expertise in driving business growth and enhancing guest experiences.
He is deeply passionate about advancing tourism in the Caribbean and is committed to elevating the overall visitor experience in the region. Craig currently resides in Antigua & Barbuda with his family.
David Moth started his hospitality career as a housekeeping linen porter while still at high school in Australia. This led to a formal traineeship program which took him through all departments, while at the same time studying Hospitality Management in college. After graduating, David left Australia to explore the world, and the world of hospitality. This adventure has taken him to the UK, the Caribbean including the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Nevis, and Anguilla, and brought him to the US with the Caribbean Hotel Association (now CHTA). David continued in operations in the US in General Manager and VP of Operations roles, and has been with Virgin Hotels for almost 11 years overseeing all hotel openings and their Sustainability and ESG initiatives.
Jason Craparo is the founder & CEO of Hovr. Prior to Hovr, Jason became the youngest owner/operator for the national chain, Sonic Drive-in, at 21 years old.Jason holds a BA in Business from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Babson College. While at Babson College, the #1 ranked entrepreneurship school in the world for 25 consecutive years, he won the school’s top honor, the Roger W. Babson award and the top academic award, the Sorenson Scholar. Jason has won numerous leadership awards, most notably the ABC 10News Community Leadership award.He serves on various boards and commissions, most notably he was appointed by the Mayor of San Diego to the Equal Opportunity Commission, ensuring women, minorities, and disabled veteran’s had equal access to hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts.Jason currently guest lectures at Villanova University, where he’s also on their Engineering and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and is the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Jason mentors several startups each year and judges multiple business competitions.Jason has been a certified private pilot for 16 years and has done advanced aerobatics. He and his wife, Lara, have three young children and reside outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth.
Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chair of the VI Public Services Commission.
Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City.
Boschulte currently serves on the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association.
As Commissioner of Tourism, Boschulte has progressively led the Department of Tourism to expansive heights, rebuilding the territory’s brand, expanding the market reach, and increasing consumer visitation. Named the 2023 Caribbean Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal, Commissioner Boschulte’s leadership in the US Virgin Islands expanded the depths of traditional destination branding, elevating the territory as a leading destination in the region.
Commissioner Boschulte earned his BBA from William and Mary and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha and the proud parent of children Jaeden and Janae.
Juan Pablo González is a professional with more than 25 years of experience in consulting and technology. Over the past 12 years, he has held different roles at Mastercard, excelling in consulting, business development and analytics area. Currently serving as VP of Business Development for Latin America focusing on analytical platforms.
Karen S. Whitt is the Vice-President of Marketing and Brand Development for the Hartling Group Turks and Caicos, managing the award-winning resorts The Sands at Grace Bay, The Palms Turks and Caicos and The Shore Club Long Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands. A native of Dallas, Texas, she brings 25+ years of hospitality industry experience to these landmark properties.
Ms. Whitt began her hospitality career in Texas, moving to Jamaica, and then The Turks and Caicos Islands in 2005 as General Manager of the Somerset Resort on Grace Bay. She became General Manager of the Palms Turks and Caicos in February 2011, and to Senior Vice-President with the Hartling Group in 2015 where she was instrumental in the opening of the trendy Shore Club on Long Bay Beach.
Ms. Whitt is an active Board member of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association serving as President from 2008 to 2013. Ms. Whitt is an Executive Board member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and has served as Chairman of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
She is the Chairman of the TCI International Film Festival, and volunteer to numerous civic and professional organizations on the island. An avid supporter of the National Cancer Society, she created and chaired the successful “In the Pink” for the last 13 years. Ms. Whitt was named “Hotelier of the Year” in Turks and Caicos, “Ultimate Hotelier” by Island Destinations and “Top General Manager Worldwide” by Luxury Travel Advisor.
Ms. Whitt holds a Bachelor of Business Management and Communications from Eastern New Mexico University and Hospitality Management Degree from The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.
Kirk is a creative thinker with an objectively analytical approach to challenges. He is the founder/CEO of the St Lucia Photo Tours & Private Experiences – https://StLuciaPhotoTours.com. This niche tourism offering immerses visitors in Saint Lucia’s culture, history, cuisine and so much more in an organically fluid way that elevates tourism well beyond the traditional sun, sea and sand. This is a prime example of Kirk’s creatively analytical approach to the challenge of an oversupply of photographers in the marketplace and a scarcity of meaningful work. So, rather than be just another photographer he carved out a niche as a Visitor Experiences Ambassador.
For 10 years now Kirk has worked with rural communities to help them recognize and appreciate the immense value of their lived experiences and their environment. This journey started when he was invited by Saint Lucia’s Piton Management Agency to assist the community of Fond Gens Libre, in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, to develop its Gros Piton Hike to a higher level of yield for both the community and visitors.
Kirk quickly realized that communities generally lack the skills and competencies required to manage and operate a successful tourism enterprise. This led Kirk to the idea of a model of community tourism development he dubbed “Caring Entrepreneurship”.
In the context of tourism he defines the Caring Entrepreneur as someone who understands how to successfully create and manage a tourism business. The entrepreneur brings this expertise to the mutual benefit of both the community and his/her enterprise. The caring entrepreneur nurtures and empowers the community so that it can eventually assume control of the business and grow it from strength to strength.
To be successful the business arrangement must be based on mutual respect and trust. The entrepreneur must truly care about the well-being of the community rather than just about his/her bottom line. In turn the community must recognize and appreciate the value the caring entrepreneur brings to the table. This synergy is the foundation for an outcome in which their combined efforts yield results that far exceed the sum of the community’s and the entrepreneur’s individual efforts.
Born and raised in Savona, a small town in western New York, Lisa Hamilton earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the SUNY Geneseo. Upon graduation, she spent four years at the seasonal resort The Montauk Yacht Club where she worked her way up the ranks from server to restaurant manager to the banquet director.
A resident of St. Thomas since 1992, Hamilton began her professional Virgin Islands career as Conference Services Manager at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel. She went on to hold the positions of Sales Manager and Regional Sales Director before departing the hotel business in 1999 to explore other career opportunities. From 1999 to 2001, Hamilton worked for Innovative Corporation in advertising sales with the Daily News as well as manager for the company’s newly created B2B sales force. In 2001, the hospitality industry came calling again and she rejoined the Marriott as Director of Sales & Marketing until 2008 when she departed to assume the position of president of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association.
Hamilton served on the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Board of Directors from 2004 to 2008 prior to taking the helm as president. She is a current board member of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives, where she served as president from 2012-2014. She also served as president of the SKAL International Board from 2008-2010, board member of Boys & Girls Club of the VI and My Brother’s Workshop. In 2016, she received the Champion of Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Club of America. In 2017, Hamilton was honored with the Caribbean Hotel Association Executive of the Year Award.
Originally an architect born in Mexico boasts over 30 years of experience in the Caribbean hospitality industry. In 1998, she, along with her husband Russ Fielden and their daughters Marie and Renatta, founded True Blue Bay Boutique Resort in Grenada. What began as a modest 7-room hotel has bloomed into a vibrant destination offering 70 rooms, suites, and villas. The resort showcases a 200-seat waterfront restaurant, a 150-seat conference room, a marina, a dive shop, a yoga studio, a boutique, and a bakery-ice cream shop.
A staunch supporter of community engagement and sustainability, Magdalena and her family have played a vital role in highlighting Grenada’s cultural and sustainable facets. True Blue Bay Boutique Resort stands as a sustainability trailblazer in the Caribbean, earning esteemed accolades from organizations such as CHTA, CTO, Grenada Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Grenada Tourism Authority.
Magdalena’s dedication to authentic experiences shines through her establishment of the annual Xmas Craft Bazaar, now a cherished Grenadian tradition featuring over 80 authentic and sustainable local vendors. Moreover, her initiation of community events like the widely popular Wednesday Street Food Night and the Grenada Chocolate Fest has enriched the island’s cultural tapestry. The latter festival not only celebrates Grenada’s distinctive chocolate industry but also aids the Grenada Community Library through fundraising endeavours.
In addition to serving as a co-founder and Chairwoman of the Grenada Community Library, Magdalena has held the position of Honorary Consul of Mexico in Grenada for more than 10 years.
Furthermore, the family spearheaded the rebuilding of Vendome Primary School ten years ago and Magdalena established the now iconic House of Chocolate Mini Museum in St Georges nine years ago, providing insight into Grenada’s chocolate history and heritage year-round. Alongside her husband and daughters, who now serve as directors at the resort, Magdalena continues to invest her creativity at True Blue Bay Boutique Resort with great success, as the property recently celebrated its 26th anniversary.
With over 20 years of direct experience in the hospitality industry, Dr. Mike Hampton was appointed Dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University in January 2011 and served in that role for seven years. He is now a professor and graduate faculty member with the school, focused on teaching, research and undertaking special assignments for advancing student success.
He is recognized globally as a professional speaker and trainer; and was designated as one of the 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales & Marketing by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. He is also acknowledged as an expert in human resources development, professional education and strategic planning.
Dr. Hampton holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in business management from Florida State University; a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in hospitality management, and an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) degree in human resources development from Florida International University.
He lives in Plantation, located in the West Fort Lauderdale area of South Florida, with his wife – who is also a long-time professional in hospitality and tourism marketing and development. He is an avid road cyclist, is a major fan of professional cycling, and has passion for distinctive coffees.
With over 25 years in hospitality, Mrs. Madden-Greig is the Group Director of Marketing & Sales for The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, managing properties including The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, The Knutsford Court Hotel, The Courtleigh Corporate Centre, The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, and The Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Florida International University and an Executive MBA with Distinction from The University of the West Indies. Actively contributing to the tourism industry, she is the immediate Past-President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and a two-term Past President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association.
Mrs. Madden-Greig, also Chair of the Gastronomy Tourism Network, holds positions on boards such as The Jamaica Tourist Board and The Tourism Linkages Council. External to the industry, she is involved with The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Alpha Academy High School, and is the founder and co-chair of the Kingston City Run charity. Recently honored with the Order of Distinction (Officer), she has received prestigious awards, including the JHTA President’s Award in 2019 and 2006 for her invaluable support and significant contributions to the tourism industry.
Sanovnik Destang is the Executive Director and shareholder of Bay Gardens Resorts. This Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst has helped engineer a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Bay Gardens, using a digital marketing strategy focused on encouraging better yielding direct bookings. He has earned numerous awards including St. Lucia’s Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Business of the Year Award’ for two consecutive years, Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit 2014 Rising Star Award and was recognized by Caribjournal as Caribbean Hotelier of the Year from in 2022. He is the Past President of St. Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association and the former 1st Vice President of the CHTA where he served as the Chairman of their Technology Task Force. Sanovnik currently holds the title of President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) assumed in 2024, and he has held positions on numerous boards, locally and regionally.
Sharon Banfield-Bovell has been passionately contributing to the development of Tourism and Human Resources in the Caribbean region for over 25 years. She is a Tourism Professional – specializing in the areas of Tourism Planning, Tourism Policy Formulation, Human Resources Development, Tourism Product Development and Strategic Planning.
Sharon is currently the Director of Resource Mobilization and Development at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and prior to taking up that post, she served the organization in the capacity of Regional Human Resources Development Consultant. She is responsible for directing, overseeing and guiding the resource mobilization and human resources functions and activities of the CTO. She has also served as Deputy Director of Tourism at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and was primarily responsible for projects and programmes aimed at increasing and enhancing the product offering of the destination and improving the overall visitor experience, whilst supporting the organisation’s marketing strategies for the destination. Prior to joining the Department of Tourism, Sharon held the position of Chief Tourism Development Officer in the Barbados Ministry of Tourism where she guided and co-ordinated the tourism product development functions of the Ministry, including development of standards for the tourism & hospitality industry, training, tourism policy development & implementation and tourism legislation development. Sharon started her career in the education field and proudly served as a foreign language teacher in the secondary school system in Barbados.
Sharon holds a Master of Science degree in Tourism Planning & Development from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Arts in Languages: French & Spanish from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados.
Regarded by her peers as a Barbadian with a true zeal for regional sustainable tourism development, Sharon has lectured at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and the University College of the Cayman Islands in tourism and other management programmes, as well as presented at several local and regional industry conferences and events, hence contributing to the information sharing and knowledge generation processes required for true regional tourism sustainability.
Sharon is the proud mother of two girls, and has a passion for youth mentorship, teaching and training, and global travel.
Stanley W. Smith is an Insurance Loss Expert and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with well over 50 years of financial, insurance and international experience and specializes in assisting clients with catastrophic insurance loss recoveries as well as risk management evaluations, helping identify risks, values at risk and establishing insurance coverages. Mr. Smith has assisted clients throughout the world, ranging from the Caribbean, to the USA, to Micronesia (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), in multimillion-dollar insurance claims involving losses to property and business interruption, having extensive experience in insurance settlements, related claim preparation and policy interpretation & application.
Types of losses that Mr. Smith has handled include windstorm (hurricanes & typhoons), flood, fire, water, collapse, vandalism, burglary, business interruption and extra expense and have ranged to over $30,000,000 USD. Storms that Mr. Smith helped hoteliers and other clients with include Maria, Irma, Matthew, Dorian, Tomas, Gonzalo, Omar, Katrina, Lenny, Fabian, Ivan, Gorges, Marilyn, Irene, Charley, Francis, Keith, Paka, Pongsona, Soudelor, Yutu, & Mawar. Non-hotelier clients have included the Government of the US Virgin Islands and the Government of St. Maarten.
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