The president of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Emil Lee has stepped down to take up a ministerial position in the St Maarten government.
Lee has been named the country’s minister of labor, health and social affairs, and leaves the CHTA six months before his term was due to end.
Karolin Troubetzkoy, who was due to succeed Lee in June 2016 has been appointed CHTA acting president.
The CHTA said its board of directors will meet in the New Year to endorse Troubetzkoy as the next permanent president.
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave my CHTA post as president, however I am proud of the advancements the organization has made during my tenure," said Lee.
"I am confident that Karolin Troubetzkoy will perpetuate this momentum going forward in the creation of a new CHTA engaged with the membership."
St Maarten hotelier Lee had spent a decade on the CHTA board of directors including two years as first vice president.
