ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HOTELS & TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Antigua and Barbuda, November 11, 2024: The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) celebrates Alicia Ward in its Unveiling Hospitality Professionals Series, highlighting her inspiring journey from a media professional to a key player in Antigua & Barbuda’s hospitality industry. Alicia, who serves as the Communications & Events Manager at Mill Reef Club, is a testament to the importance of adaptability and dynamism in today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape.

Alicia’s career began in media and communication, where she honed her skills as a storyteller and public communicator. Her experience includes roles as Agency Producer at Maverick (now Tarsier Strategy), Editorial Assistant for Business Focus Magazine, Producer at Rogers Radio, Writer and Reporter for the Observer Media Group, and Reporter for ABS Radio & Television. She holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

In 2018, Alicia made the transition to hospitality, bringing her extensive background in communications to the world of event planning and guest engagement at Mill Reef Club. Since then, she has coordinated over 200 private events and 14 wedding celebrations, consistently delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for club members and guests alike. Alicia’s achievements are supported by certifications in Wedding & Events Design, and Wedding Planning, Consulting, and Coordinating from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, earned in 2019 and 2023.

Reflecting on her career evolution, Alicia emphasizes the value of adaptability in the hospitality industry, which demands the ability to embrace change and meet new challenges with creativity and skill. “The hospitality industry moves quickly, and being able to adapt is essential to success. Transitioning from journalism to hospitality allowed me to bring fresh perspectives and skills to my role, and I am grateful to my team at Mill Reef Club for their support along the way,” Alicia shares.

Alicia credits her advancement at the Mill Reef Club to her mentor, Rev. Dr. Claire Holsbrough, and the support of the entire team, including former Managing Director Mr. Daniel Brown, Beverly Crump, and Chef Hugh Gauducheau all of whom have played a key role in her success by fostering a supportive environment that has enabled her growth and allowed her to thrive in this dynamic industry.

The ABHTA’s Unveiling Hospitality Professionals Series continues to showcase individuals like Alicia Ward, who exemplify the dedication, resilience, and creativity that drive Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector forward.

Video link: https://youtu.be/HtvfhWMln2I