ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Colin C. James, an Antiguan and Barbudan national, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Mr. James assumes his responsibilities early in the New Year and brings extensive commercial experience and business acumen to his new role, having served with distinction as General Manager of PDV Caribe Antigua & Barbuda Ltd, since March 2007. Prior to this he served as Chief Executive for Cable & Wireless St. Lucia, the largest of the Cable & Wireless East Caribbean businesses.
Colin James
Mr. James previously held the position of Chief Executive of both Cable & Wireless Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis. His distinguished career also included roles as Marketing Manager with Cable and Wireless USA, Area Customer Services Manager for the Leeward Islands and Head of Customer Service for Cable & Wireless Antigua and Barbuda.
His key priorities for the Tourism Authority will be marketing and communication initiatives which will promote the beautiful twin island nation to increase visitor arrivals and drive on-island spending. The vision of the Tourism Authority is to market and promote Antigua and Barbuda as an upscale and unique destination known as the events capital of the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda will be positioned as a destination that offers a wide array of facilities, activities and events and marketed as one that is attractive, elegant and renowned for its service quality. The Tourism Authority will work in tandem with the Ministry of Tourism, which will continue to provide strategic direction. All overseas tourism offices will now fall under the structure of the new Tourism Authority.
Mr. James will report directly to the Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Harold Lovell, who adds, “Colin’s appointment is a very welcome addition to our team. His experience in the private sector will be invaluable in helping us enhance our many unique selling points to overseas visitors.”
Comments Colin James, “I’m extremely delighted and excited about the opportunity that has been afforded to me to serve my country in this capacity. The global financial crisis has resulted in unprecedented challenges which are affecting Antigua and Barbuda at this time. However, our country is in a unique position to combine the experience, skills and talents of our people, working with our key industry partners, to ensure the continued sustainability and success of our tourism sector.”
James emphasised that Antigua and Barbuda has a great product to offer all its visitors. The new Tourism Authority will ensure that all local stakeholders are continually made aware of the importance of the industry while working to provide a visitor experience that is second to none.
Mr. James describes himself as a family oriented man of faith. He is married with two teenage children and holds an MBA from Baruch College the City University of New York.
