The Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hassel Thom as the new incoming president of the association. In his role, Thom will work closely with the newly elected board of directors to pursue initiatives that will drive the twin-island nation’s growth and development in the industry.He officially assumed his new role on July 18 for the 2012-2014 terms. With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Thom brings extensive knowledge and expertise covering a wide range of disciplines including management and development of work teams, implementation and execution of strategic plans and the administration and support of operations. Prior to his current position as general manager of Trinidad’s Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre, Thom held a managerial role at Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort and Grafton Beach Resort in Tobago. No stranger to the THRTA, Thom has been a board member since 2010 and an active supporter of the association’s initiatives. “It is an honor to be recognized and elected by peers for such a prestigious position of leadership,” said Thom. “I am committed to representing the interests of the THRTA and look forward to working closely with the new board of directors and stakeholders in pursuing initiatives that will benefit the growth and advancement of the destination’s tourism industry. I also encourage all THRTA members to become more active in order to move the destination forward.”