The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has named Suzanne Pattusch to replace Frank Comito as its executive vicepresident. She will assume the post on March 3, 2014.

BHTA president, Stuart Bowe, said: “We are excited to have Suzanne join us. She brings to the organisation a high level of energy, experience and expertise in association-related work. We are confident that BHTA, the industry and the Bahamas will benefit from her stewardship”.

Ms Pattusch served from 2003-2007 as executive director for the Nassau Tourism Development Board, where she worked closely with public and private sector stakeholders in developing the revitalisation plan for the city.

She helped to guide the implementation of several of the plan’s recommendations, and her work with the Board included collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to create the Tourism Police programme and other visitor safety and security initiatives for downtown Nassau.

Ms Pattusch has since spent seven years as manager for the Old Fort Bay Property Owners Association. And, earlier in her career, she owned and operated a tourism-related business. Growing up in Nassau, she was exposed to the industry, with her father serving as general manager for several hotels.

Ms Pattusch said: “I am excited and honoured to be offered the opportunity to work alongside the dynamic, committed, accomplished individuals who comprise the BHTA.

“Some of the most prominent industry leaders in our nation have served, and continue to serve, this organisation as president, executive vice-president, committee members and allied partners. I look forward to working with this formidable alliance of private and public sector stakeholders to positively impact our nation’s vital tourism industry.”

The BHTA’s outgoing executive vice-president, Frank Comito, will remain in his post until the end of February to assist with transition matters.

The BHTA has been in existence since 1952 and is a non-profit, private sector-led organisation with more than 200 members throughout the Bahamas, representing hotels as well as industry-related partners in the tourism sector.

The Association has been a major advocate for the advancement of the tourism industry, and works closely with the Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders on a range of issues to ensure the industry’s competitiveness.