BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - FOUR days into the new year, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has announced the recruitment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the resignation of its previous head.
Bahamian, Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, a former Deputy Director General at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, has taken up the position left vacant by Racquel Brown, who demitted the office at the end December.
In a statement, the SKTA said that Thompson would lead the island’s international marketing efforts, more specifically trade and airline relationships, earned, paid and owned media, partnerships, and stakeholder communication.
“Thompson will focus on leisure and cruise, two perennially high performing areas for tourism to St. Kitts. He will also prioritize the romance and MICE markets, with the goal of increasing tourism’s economic benefits across the island, “ the SKTA said.
He is expected to commence working on Monday (Jan. 10).
Commenting on the announcement, Nick Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, said Thompson brings over three decades of Caribbean tourism sales and marketing experience, including a deep knowledge of marketing his homeland.
“He has proven success increasing leisure travel, expanding key industry relationships, and implementing creative global marketing campaigns. We are thrilled to have his expertise at the helm of the Tourism Authority.”
Tourism Minister Lindsay Grant recognised the level of experience Thompson bring to the position, pointing out that “working with tourism ministries and destination marketing entities make him the premier choice to lead the St. Kitts Tourism Authority”.
“We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue driving high demand for the destination among air and cruise passengers as part of tourism’s continuous rebound,” Grant added.
Thompson recognised the potential the islands hold and he is looking forward to working in marketing the destination.
“St. Kitts is an emerging destination with tremendous potential to excite travellers from around the world,” Thompson said. “I am looking forward to developing and implementing creative strategies that will increase St. Kitts’ visibility in our key source markets, put St. Kitts into the consideration set for travellers, and ultimately drive bookings.”
