Hassel Thom President of Trinidad Tourism

Port of Spain, Trinidad (Trinidad & Tobago) – 31 July 2012 – The Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hassel Thom as the new incoming president of the association. In his role, Thom will work closely with the newly elected board of directors to pursue initiatives that will drive the twin-island nation’s growth and development in the industry. He officially assumed his new role on July 18 for the 2012-2014 terms.

With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Thom brings extensive knowledge and expertise covering a wide range of disciplines including management and development of work teams, implementation and execution of strategic plans and the administration and support of operations. Prior to his current position as general manager of Trinidad’s Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre, Thom held a managerial role at Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort and Grafton Beach Resort in Tobago.

No stranger to the THRTA, Thom has been a board member since 2010 and an active supporter of the association’s initiatives. “It is an honor to be recognized and elected by peers for such a prestigious position of leadership,” said Thom. “I am committed to representing the interests of the THRTA and look forward to working closely with the new board of directors and stakeholders in pursuing initiatives that will benefit the growth and advancement of the destination’s tourism industry. I also encourage all THRTA members to become more active in order to move the destination forward.”

About Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association
The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants & Tourism Association (THRTA) was formed to be the main private sector representational body for the industry performing a pivotal role between the policy makers (government), policy implementers Tourism Development Company (TDC) and the private sector. The association is governed by a Board comprising a President and Eleven Directors. The Board is charged with the responsibility of guiding the association’s strategies and policies. For more information on THRTA, visit www.tnthotels.com or call 868.634.1174.

About Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago is located in the southeastern region of the Caribbean. With its careful approach to tourism, the dual-island nation offers a distinct blend of culture, eclectic cuisine and an assortment of eco-adventure activities. Trinidad, the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean,’ is home to the world famous Carnival, the birthplace of the steel pan drum and was the host destination for the 2009 Fifth Summit of the Americas and the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Tobago, sister island to Trinidad, is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco-attractions that include the Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected reserve in the western hemisphere and the five-time consecutive award winner for World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination by the World Travel Awards from 2003 to 2007 and 2009. For more information on Trinidad & Tobago visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com or www.visittobago.gov.tt

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Jennifer Johnson
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