The private sector industry association known as the Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) will mark its 60th anniversary this week with a celebration ball November 30 at Atlantis Paradise Island.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe will be among the attendees.

The organization will change its name to the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) as part of a new strategic direction.

The Prime Minister recently issued a proclamation commending the organization and declaring the week of November 25 as Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association Week.

Stuart Bowe, president of the BHTA, says: “The success of the BHA has been through partnerships. Tourism is far reaching in its effect on economies, countries and industries.”

“We are very proud of the partnerships in our past, especially the ones with the government, the Ministry of Tourism, promotion boards and tourism related stakeholders. We recognize that everyone who participates in the industry is vital to the overall customer experience.”

The growth in allied membership has consistently outpaced hotel membership within the organization and to reflect this, allied members will elect their first vice president this year to sit on the executive committee in 2013.

“The Caribbean on the whole is moving in this direction, because of the expanding effect of adding allied members. It is a natural move considering our allied members are growing faster than others. It recognizes that the industry is far deeper than hotels. The broader membership–inclusive of airlines, ground transportation, tour operators, restaurants, wholesalers, insurance companies, credit unions, etc–provides a greater voice when advocating on behalf of the industry,” adds Bowe.

This coming Friday morning BHTA will also hold its 60th Annual General Meeting where it will unveil the organization’s new logo and also release a watershed document that chronicles the history of the organization and the industry.

“For the first time we will share the full story about BHA: its historical role; the range of activities it engages in; and how that parallels with the development of our industry and our young nation,” says Bowe.

Early in 2013 BHTA will embark on a strategic planning exercise that will chart a course for the organization over the next five to 10 years, says Bowe.

“We must continue to change with the times, as well as seek to change the times,” he adds.