Patricia Affonso-Dass

Group General Manager, Ocean Hotels, Barbados & President, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association

Born in Roseau Dominica, Patricia studied Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University in Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours from that University. Her affinity for tourism has spanned a 28-year career in the tourism industry ranging from her first job with the Caribbean Hotel Association (now CHTA) to management positions in Guyana and Barbados with Business Hotels, Jungle Resorts, Attractions and Leisure Properties.

Since joining Ocean Hotels in 2009 as Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels (South Beach Hotel, Ocean Two Resort and Residences, Sea Breeze Beach House), Patricia oversaw the completion and opening of Ocean Two, managed the upgrade and renovation of South Beach Hotel and has just completed the $16 Million dollar renovation and expansion of Sea Breeze Beach.  Over the past 9 years Ocean Hotels has been transformed into one of the leading hotel brands on the island.

Patricia has a proven track record in consistently increasing occupancy and ADR, implementing measures to improve cost control, developing and maintaining supplier relationships and improving service quality.   Passionate about service quality and service delivery, Patricia is a strong team leader, who supports training and is constantly encouraging and working with and through her managers and their teams at the hotels to continually seek ways to surpass guest expectations, focus on the details, improve their personal and professional abilities and to take pride in their hotel, industry and island.

Patricia was a founding member and Past President of the Tourism Association of Guyana, is on the board of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association and serves as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.