Frank Comito has stepped down as CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
His six-year tenure included guiding the association during the pandemic, several devastating hurricanes and numerous global challenges impacting the region's tourism industry.
Assuming the role vacated by Comito is Vanessa Ledesma, the COO of the CHTA; she will serve as as acting CEO and director general.
Comito's transition comes at the conclusion of 40 years of service to local and regional private-sector organizations in the Caribbean, although he will serve as a part-time special advisor to the CHTA.
Looking to the future of Caribbean tourism and the CHTA, Comito was optimistic that despite the headwinds facing the tourism sector, "industry leadership working with local and regional tourism associations will address immediate needs, mitigate the Covid-19 crisis and help to steer a course to the future."