US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
Dear CALA Team, It gives us great pleasure to announce Akis Neocleous as the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (currently scheduled to re-open in October). A native of Cyprus, Akis graduated from Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, and then began his career with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Venezuela. Since then, he has happily pursued his career throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. He has deep experience in luxury, having worked at Relais & Chateaux as well as with Leading Hotels of the World properties. Much of Akis’s experience has been at Mexico’s top luxury properties, including the acclaimed Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, recognized for its extraordinary guest experience. After several years in the competitive luxury market of Los Cabos, he took on the challenge of joining a small and struggling independent hotel in Panama City, the Grace Panama, where he maintained the No. 1 position on TripAdvisor from 2014 through 2017. In 2017, Akis joined Marriott International as the opening General Manager of the beautiful and contemporary W Panama, the first of the brand in Central America. Here he led the team through opening as well as integration and established the hotel as the place to be for entertainment and culinary experiences in Panama City. In addition, he grew Intent To Recommend to one of the top spots across the W brand in the Americas. Akis is married to Cecilia, and they have two beautiful children, Zinon & Maria Camilia. He enjoys time with his family, playing golf, and he has a passion for cooking. He is even writing his own cookbook based on his travels. We welcome Akis to the Caribbean and look forward to his leadership in re-opening the best resort in the USVI! Please join us in congratulating Akis on his new adventure as he begins his new role on June 19.
Best Regards, |
Tim Sheldon President Caribbean and Latin America Marriott international |
Steve Contos Senior Vice President – Caribbean and Luxury Portfolio Caribbean and Latin America Marriott international |