Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
20 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com N icola Madden-Greig, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has always had an interest in people and organizing events. It started while she was attending the all-girls Catholic high school, Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) in her native Kingston, Jamaica, where she was part of the social club, the arts society, dance society, and the key club. "That school is the founding of my personality to have empathy, volun- teerism, and giving back," said Madden-Greig. "It's a school that is not just about education, it focuses on a fully-rounded student." Her interests amplified while attending Florida International University where she received a degree in Hospitality Management before moving on to get her MBA from the University of The West Indies. `Today, Madden-Greig is doing exactly what she wanted to do. Her natural enthusiasm is infectious and her fervor for what she does is palpable. A travel/tourism industry leader who sets goals that are designed to contin- ually make an impact, her edict plays out every day in her role as president of CHTA, a position she has held since October 2022 when she stepped in to serve the remaining year of the previous president's term. While her tenure is relatively short, Madden-Greig's pledge to the job and her unwavering passion for the region is no less resolute. Her zeal for the Caribbean is revealed with each idiom she proclaims about the area. As president of CHTA, which is a volunteer-full-time position, she works with 32 destinations and 500 individual members throughout the regions. "We have a diverse set of members," said Madden-Greig. "We are the voice of the private sector of the Caribbean. We deal with advocacy. Advocacy is a big part. We also look at policies. We have influence on such policies." Part of her responsibility as president is to advocate for the industry. "We work with the public sector, the Minister of Tourism, Caribbean tourism, CARPHA (the Caribbean Public Health Agency)," said Madden-Greig. "I support my team with training and development. I coor- dinate in ensuring we are delivering on services to our members." Later this year, CHTA will offer a Caribbean Certified Travel Advisor program to travel advisors worldwide. "We want them to be sensitized and trained in what the Caribbean has to offer," she said. "I take on the voice to get our message out. Part of my job is to ensure that business keeps coming to the Caribbean." While in office, Madden-Greig has made "people development" a priority. When she began her career in the industry, Madden-Greig said her goal was to "continue to grow. I started at Half Moon as an assistant man- ager," she said. "They were focused on growing and developing. In the very beginning, I got training. I was around people who had the same vision and passion. I knew I was going to contribute to growth and development in my industry." Due to the training she received early in her career, Madden-Greig wanted to pay forward the training she received. "We have a committee that focuses on training for Caribbean nationals throughout the region," she said. "The type of training being put in place is keeping up with what's needed from an industry perspective." That means recognizing and stay- ing ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability. "When we talk about sustainability, I think of the coral reef," she said. "We work with the nature conservancy. It's about coral reef preservation. It has become an important part of the conversation." Madden-Greig wants to pass her knowledge along to the next gener- ation. To that end, CHTA also focuses on an education foundation. "We provide scholarships for students within the industry," she said. "Leadership has to continue being developed so local Caribbean nationals can rise to the top." HAS A PASSION FOR THE REGION A CONVERSATION WITH CHTA PRESIDENT, NICOLA MADDEN GREIG