On 24JAN, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, announced that longstanding tourism professional Andrea Franklin will assume the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) effective 01APR.
The news comes following "an intense recruitment exercise to find 'the right fit’ for the organization."
Speaking on the announcement, the Minister stated, "Ms. Franklin is a homegrown, well-educated, and experienced tourism and hospitality practitioner who has come through the ranks to reach the top tourism post in Barbados. I instructed the BTMI Board to search carefully for someone fit to represent this office and I am satisfied that they have fulfilled their mandate.”
Franklin started her career in tourism as an account executive for Air Jamaica in the 1990s. She later worked at the former Barbados Tourism Authority – now the BTMI – holding the roles of Manager, Product Integration, and later Senior Business Development Manager in the New York office as part of the Sales Team. During that time, she built networks with business partners, including airlines, travel agents and tour operators.
Her experience with the Barbados Tourism Authority prepared her for her most senior role to date, Chief Executive Officer of Caves of Barbados – now Country Manager at Chukka Caribbean Adventures – where she has worked for the past five years. While there, she successfully oversaw the regional company's operations, marketing, and finance.
The Minister further announced the appointment of Cheryl Carter, Director, UK, BTMI, as the new Chief Operating Officer. The COO will also be responsible for the leadership and performance of all external markets.
Carter is a veteran professional in the tourism industry with over 26 years of experience in the field. As Interim Head of Global Markets in the UK in 2019, Carter was able to achieve the highest arrivals for Barbados from its major source market. In addition, she has cultivated professional relationships with airlines and travel and tourism partners over the years who value her leadership and direction. Furthermore, she also led teams in Canada and North America during her tenure as a director.
