Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541144
SHARRONA BURNS SERVES AS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & SERVICES OPERATIONS OF DESTINATION CLEVELAND Sharrona Burns was born, raised and educat- ed in Cleveland. She shares a genuine love and passion for her hometown while serving as a strategic business leader within her depart- ment. Sharrona manages the convention sales and services team to bring economic impact-gener- ating conventions and group business to The Land. Sharron joined D e s t i n a t i o n Cleveland in January 2020, bringing more than 25 years of sales experience to the organization, most recently as the senior director of sales for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and with a previous stop at the Cleveland Play House. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cleveland State University. She is accredited as a Certified Tour Professional (CTP) with the National Tour Association and holds the Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) designation from the American Bus Association and is a 2012 graduate of the Ohio Travel Association Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy. Her work has been recognized by SMEI Akron, SME Cleveland and the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation. Sharrona currently serves on the board of the Cleveland State University Alumni Association. In her free time, she enjoys explor- ing Cleveland's restaurants and entertainment districts, spending time near Lake Erie and visiting the world-class arts and cultural institutions in town. NEVIS TOURISM AUTHORITY APPOINTS NEW CEO, ANDIA RAVARIERE Experienced Caribbean Tourism Strategist to Lead Nevis into a New Era of Sustainable Growth The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA)is pleased to announce the appointment of Andia Ravariere as its new Chief N E W S M A K E R S 8 B M & T ••• November/December 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Executive Officer, effec- tive September 1, 2025. Ravariere brings more than a decade of experi- ence in sustainable tourism development and destination market- ing across the Caribbean, making her uniquely positioned to lead Nevis into its next chapter of growth. Ravariere joins the NTA after seven years with the Ministry of Tourism in Anguilla, where she played a piv- otal role in guiding the island's tourism rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, she served as Destination Marketing Manager for Discover Dominica Authority, spearheading initiatives that achieved a recorded increase in visitor arrivals and expanded the country's reach into niche markets. Her career has been defined by a passion for sustainable, community-driven tourism. In 2013, Ravariere founded the Colihaut Community Tourism Development group in Dominica, launching the celebrated Colihaut Fish Lime event. This initiative not only strengthened local industries but also empowered women entrepreneurs, leaving a lasting economic impact on the community. "We are delighted to welcome Andia Ravariere as the new CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority," said Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis. "Her proven track record in sus- tainable tourism and her deep understanding of Caribbean destination marketing make her uniquely qualified to guide Nevis into its next chapter. As we continue to position Nevis as a beacon of barefoot luxury and authentic Caribbean cul- ture, I am confident that her leadership will help us expand our reach, strengthen our community, and deliver a world- class tourism product that reflects the very best of who we are." The appointment of Ravariere marks an important mile- stone for the Nevis Tourism Authority. "Andia's experience in guiding destinations through both growth and recovery, along with her passion for community-driven tourism, per- fectly aligns with our vision for Nevis," said Pamela Martin, Chairperson of the Board of the NTA. "We look forward to working closely with her to build on our momentum, strengthen relationships with global partners, and ensure that