The Tribune

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe has confirmed the appointment of Joy Ann Jibrilu as the new director general of tourism, replacing 30-year tourism veteran, David Johnson who will become the new chief executive officer of the Hotel Corporation of the Bahamas and lead that organisation’s transition into the Tourism Development Corporation.

Mrs Jibrilu is the current director of The Bahamas Investment Authority within the Office of the Prime Minister.

An official government statement said: “In that capacity she was instrumental in the invigoration of the tourism plant, brand and product.

“Specifically, the joint venture between Sunwing of Canada and Hutchinson Whampoa which fuelled the economic resurgence of Grand Bahama; the Eleuthera Cove project; Resorts World Bimini; Albany and Mahogany projects in Southwestern New Providence and the expansion of Club Mediterranean in San Salvador.”

She previously served as legal advisor in the Ministry of Finance during 2007 and 2008 and as a consultant to the Ministry of Financial Services and Investment between 2005 and 2007. She served as a director on several boards including the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and the Domestic Investment Board.

“With this organisational restructuring, new tourism plants and brands, an innovative marketing strategy including sports and religious tourism in addition to tapping into niche markets, the Bahamian tourism product is poised for a massive resurgence,” said Mr Wilchcombe.