PHILIPSBURG -The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, welcomes Ms. Anenda Zaandam as its new Executive Director. The appointment of Ms. Zaandam follows the resignation of Ms. Karen Hana who’s her hard work and grand efforts, during her time with the association, were greatly appreciated.
Anenda Zaandam, Certified Hospitality Educator of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute, will be bringing her extensive knowledge of the Hospitality & Service Industry to the SHTA.
Ms. Zaandam started her career in the hospitality industry in 2002 as an Assistant Banqueting & Convention Manager at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. Since then her career has steadily taken off to new horizons.
Adding to her expertise, Ms. Zaandam has not only been a student of a hospitality classroom, but a teacher as well at the Mondriaan College voor Horeca en Toerisme in the Netherlands andthe Sundial School in St. Maarten. A change in career in 2012, led Ms. Zaandam to the Government of St. Maarten as the Executive Assistant to the former Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sports – Ms. Silveria Jacobs.
This opportunity opened new career paths, with her returning to familiar waters, as the Office & Project Manager at the SHTA, late 2013 to early 2014 before leaving to share her proficiencies at the Government of St. Maarten as a Senior Facility Officer.
With regard to her return to the SHTA, Ms Zaandam expressed her deep desire to contribute towards the Hospitality and Trade Industry. “Returning to the SHTA signifies a return to my passions: Hospitality and St. Maarten. I am excited to start and look forward to the challenge”, said Ms. Zaandam.
For several years Ms. Zaandam has been in the limelight in this industry on St. Maarten. Her achievements have brought admiration and respect for her work and character. Ms. Zaandam’s strengths lie in Hospitality Staff Recruitment, Event organization, Marketing, Management and PR & Communication and Public Speaking.
Her body of work has blossomed throughout the years. Tangible evidence of her work can be seen through successfully organized major events in the Hospitality Industry and the Government of St. Maarten.
She has been a leader and has worked tirelessly in organizing and recruiting hospitality staff and supervision for events such as the Crystal Pineapple Awards in previous years and the 2014FCCA.
The crowning glory of her work thus far has been the provision of hospitality staff and supervision during 2013 Royal Visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima Youth Event and Royal Reception. Ms. Zaandam and her staff ensured that the Royal Family experienced the ‘Friendly Island’ hospitality of Country St. Maarten. Throughout her achievements and many more major accomplishments under her belt, Ms. Zaandam has remained humble, friendly and down to earth with a humorous personality; of which a little is left behind with everyone whom she has had the pleasure to meet and work with.
The board and staff of SHTA are enthused and excited to work with Ms. Zaandam. ”Starting a new year with a new frontrunner is bound to bring great things to SHTA and the tourism industry of St. Maarten”, said the SHTA.
“The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners, and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com and www.visitstmaarten.com”
