Andrea Franklin announced as new CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing

Andrea Franklin is all set to lead the Barbados Tourism Marketing as the new Chief Executive Officer. While announcing her appointment,  Gooding-Edghill, The Minister of Tourism and International Transport, said that Franklin will assume her new role on April 1, 2024.  

Minister Edghill said that he is looking forward to working with Andrea Franklin and wished her luck in the future. He referred to her as a well-educated, experienced tourism hospitality practitioner.

"Ms Franklin is a homegrown, well-educated, and experienced tourism and hospitality practitioner who has reached the ranks to reach the top tourism post in Barbados. I instructed the BTMI Board to search carefully for someone to represent this office, and I am satisfied that they have fulfilled their mandate," Minister Edgill said.

Notably, earlier, the role was managed by a German named Dr. Jens Thraenhart.  Tourism Minister added that the appointment of a Barbadian for the role now shows the human capital and resources available on the island.

Andrea Franklin was chosen through a subcommittee which was led by Gayle Talma- Deputy CHairman of BTMI, Directors Mrs. Jo-Anne Roett, Mr. Terry Hanton and Mr. Ryan Forde. She signed a three-year contract that will expire on March 31, 2027.

About Andrea FranklinAndrea 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. During that time, she built critical networks with key 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.

She is also an MBA from the University of Leicester and holds another Master's Degree in Project Management and Evaluation, a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of West Indies.