Doumeng brings a wealth of tourism knowledge and experience to the position. In addition to being a second-generation hotelier on St Thomas, Doumeng has served on the CHTA board of directors for 19 years and vice president of the association for the past 10 years. Currently, he is the first vice president and trustee for the CHTA Education Foundation. He is also the past chairman of the board of directors of the US Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association. In 2009, Doumeng was given the CHTA’s highest honour of Caribbean Hotelier of the Year.

When Doumeng takes the reins in 2012, he says that his first priority will be to reach out to as many individuals in the Caribbean tourism industry as possible and build membership.

“Tourism is critical to our region and we have a lot to offer visitors. The islands of the Caribbean are full of diversity and unique vacation experiences,” says Doumeng. “CHTA needs all stakeholders in the region to be actively involved for the region to be competitive to traveling consumers.”