Cover Story: Caribbean Queen

At the Helm of a Global Tourism Destination

By: Robert Graham

Karen (Gabhart) Whitt’s (BBA 85) first time back on Eastern New Mexico University’s campus was for the final game at Blackwater Draw Stadium, played on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015.

“It was a bit surreal, a place that was larger than life when I was a student, with so many amazing memories and experiences. I was very happy to be visiting and I was proud to see the familiar places and some of the faces I was always so fond of. The football game was amazing – I was a bit melancholy at the idea of the stadium being abandoned, but at the same time happy and proud for the new one. After serving as a cheerleader for three years at ENMU, one of my highlights was reminiscing what it was like being on the field with the squad,” says Whitt.

In 30+ years, Karen has established herself as the world’s premiere professional in the hospitality and tourism management industry. Currently, Karen is the vice president of the Hartling Group, owning company of The Palms Turks and Caicos in Providenciales along with many other properties in Turks and Caicos Islands. Turks and Caicos Islands sit northwest of Cuba and north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Karen Whitt, vice president of the Hartling Group, owning company of The Palms Turks and Caicos.

“Turks and Caicos is a British overseas territory, affording me the opportunity to learn about different governments, economies and dynamic cultures,” says Whitt. “I have a strong pride for the USA, my home country, and I have learned that we as Americans take many things for granted. I believe if more persons had the opportunity to work abroad there would be a much greater sense of faith, gratitude and understanding for what we have.”

Karen began her tenure with The Palms Turks and Caicos as general manager in Feb. of 2011. The 72-suite resort spans 12 acres and includes a 25,000 square foot spa and infinity pool. Under Karen’s leadership, The Palms Turks and Caicos regularly appears as a top resort on the leading luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

“Karen has done a remarkable job. When the property first opened, it’s fair to say that the resort did not meet the high expectations of its guests. As soon as Karen arrived as general manager, everything changed for the better,” says Ignacio Maza, EVP of the Signature Travel Network.

Karen garnered her credentials at the world’s top hospitality program, the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. In 2014, Luxury Travel Advisor recognized Karen as “Top General Manager Worldwide.” This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked The Palms Turks and Caicos as the sixth best resort in the Caribbean. Travel + Leisure also ranked the Shore Club, a property under Karen’s leadership, as one of the best new hotels in the world.

“I am fortunate to have been surrounded by some extraordinary mentors and leaders, and I truly believe in being a leader first, manager second,” says Whitt. “Communication is the key, along with a level of understanding, compassion and trust for your team. It’s imperative to engage, encourage and invite participation from members of the organization, as well as share ideas, resources and best practices. Also, don’t forget to have fun. Without a great team you cannot survive.”

Before Turks and Caicos, Karen managed the Sea Splash Resort in Negril, Jamaica and was very active with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association and the Jamaica Tourist Board. She also played an integral role in bringing the first Reggae Marathon to Jamaica, which is now one of the premiere sporting events in the country.

Karen was the Eastern Sun-Press Editor-in-Chief during her senior year in 1985.

“Jamaica is a vibrant country, and working in Negril was a perfect introduction for me to life in the Caribbean. I enjoyed learning about new cultures and reveled in the opportunity to adapt myself in a new environment,” says Whitt.

Karen’s commitment to exemplary leadership extends beyond her duties as vice president for the Hartling Group. Karen is the second vice president (2016-18) for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), a non-profit organization charged with uniting Caribbean nations through advocacy, education, marketing and outreach programs.

“My role on the CHTA board is to represent the membership on a global scale, and to advance the association by representing regional private sector tourism interests. Additionally, as chairman of the CHTA Marketing Committee I must stay abreast of trends, threats and opportunities as it relates to generating business and advancing a sustainable and profitable industry,” says Whitt.

Karen exhibited the same careful, deliberate leadership while editor-inchief for the Eastern Sun-Press (ESP) during her senior year at ENMU. ESP thrived under Karen’s command, as she focused on advertisement sales and expanded content. In 1985 Karen led 15 students to a Rocky Mountain Collegiate Press Association Convention where ESP garnered 17 awards.

“As a student I just wanted to be successful, to make a difference. I never settled for mediocracy and I was interested in being involved with as many initiatives as possible to set the stage for any opportunities that came my way,” says Whitt.

In 2008, Karen conceptualized and spearheaded the now annual “In the Pink” fundraiser in Turks and Caicos. The fundraiser has become one of the largest events on the island and has raised over $175,000 for the National Cancer Society’s Turks & Caicos branch. The fundraiser links back to Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) Foundation’s Think Pink ® initiative under which the sorority umbrellas all of its breast cancer activities. At ENMU Karen served as her chapter’s membership director and garnered the superlative ‘BEST Greek.’

For fun, Karen reverses roles from hospitality and tourism management executive to world traveler. Her passport book includes stamps from some of the most exotic destinations on the planet including Cannes, France, London, United Kingdom, Cape Town, South Africa, Istanbul, Turkey, Hong Kong, SAR, Berlin, Germany, Taipei, Taiwan, Shanghai, China and numerous spots throughout Spain, Mexico, Canada, the USA and nearly every Caribbean island.

Karen plays golf in South Africa’s wine country during a vacation.

“Because I work so hard serving others on a daily basis, when I travel for leisure I really want to be pampered. It’s all about “service” for me and how a place makes you feel. I don’t necessarily need fancy or expensive, just to feel that wherever I am they genuinely care about ‘me’,” says Whitt.

Karen does a flip stunt as she cheers for an ENMU game in 1984.

Originally from Lovington, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas, Karen appreciates the richness that her travels and international, professional success have afforded her, something Karen learned to embrace while at ENMU.

“ENMU has a heartbeat that is not found in many places,” says Karen. “The diversity of students exposed me to different cultures and backgrounds, and the faculty take a personal interest in all students, guiding you to reach that full potential. There is a U.S. camaraderie among everyone that is extremely rare. I involved myself with many activities and organizations and I believe that made a difference in my ability to multi-task and expand outside the box in business and management.”