In a strategic move to re-establish its presence in the Caribbean region, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) launched a new chapter in Puerto Rico last week (Feb. 1, 2007), making it the 40th HSMAI chapter in the Americas.

“The charter of a chapter in Puerto Rico presents unlimited possibilities as the destination’s hospitality and tourism industry is so vital and dynamic,” said Fran Brasseux, executive vice president, HSMAI.

“The hospitality and travel community is excited by the knowledge and information HSMAI will bring, and we all understand the importance of learning, staying educated and network plays in today’s marketplace,” noted G. Armando Emanuelli, Puerto Rico Chapter board president and director of sales at the Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort.

“This initiative has been a long time coming, and the overwhelming enthusiasm and support of the industry at-large will ensure the chapter’s growth and success,” he added.

“We are also very excited about the accomplishments we’ve made in garnering support and participation from the local tourism communities and the members at-large,” Brasseux added. “Partnering with the  local hotel and tourism organizations will be a driving force in making the Puerto Rico chapter grow and succeed.”

The HSMAI Puerto Rico Chapter Board includes:

·         President: G. Armando Emanuelli, Director of Sales, Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa

·         Immediate Past President: Ramon Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

·         Treasurer: Mitzi Segarra, Director,Destination Sales, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

·         Secretary: Jeannette Aviles, Director of Event Booking Centre, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

·         Director of Fundraising & Sponsorships:Charlie Bautista, Director of Sales, Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel

·         Vice President of Membership: MargaretColon, Director of Sales & Marketing, Puerto Rico Convention Center

·         Director of Students Committee: Wanda Hernandez, President, Caliope Events Management & Corporate Communications

·         Director of Events: Alejandra Petkoff, Sales Manager, Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa

·         Vice President of Education: Iván Puig, Director of Business Development. Ponce Hilton Golf & Casino

·         Director of Committee Recruitment: David Reed, Partner, Entertainment Concepts

·         Director of Technology: Gloribel Wachtel, Director of Marketing, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

·         Board Members At-Large: Esmeralda Perez, Director of Marketing – Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) and

·         Willie Chin, Director of Sales & Marketing, InterContinental Resort

This initiative is on the heels of local HSMAI chapters started in Aruba and Curacao recently (along with partnerships with the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and Curacao Tourism Association), and a chapter that is in development for the Dominican Republic.

The re-emergence in the Caribbean marketplace comes off the success of HSMAI’s partnership with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), through which the organizations jointly-held the first Caribbean Sales & Marketing Strategy Conference in 2005.