Wednesday 27 January 2016

ANTIGUA: Marie Walker’s Dismissal A Blessing For New Tourism Marketing Approach

Consultant in the Ministry of Tourism Shirlene Nibbs said a decision by the ministry to split the portfolio previously held by Marie Walker was based on a fresh tourism approach.

Walker, the former vice president of sales and marketing for the United States and Canadian travel markets, relinquished her duties earlier this month.

It is alleged that the Jamaican had not inspired significant growth in the USA and Canadian markets since her contract began in January 2015.

In the meantime, the authority has turned to its emergency plan.

Nibbs explained that a tourism-based team has been launched to manage those markets in the absence of Walker.

“We made a business decision and we had a contingency plan that we put in place before that decision was executed,” Nibbs said.

“We have Antiguans and Barbudans who have been in the business for over 10 years, who are in those offices and so there is longevity. The strategy has been for people to work together. Never was this business based on any individual,” Nibbs stated.

Asked whether the move to split the job title was a cost-effective one, Nibbs said it was not based on cost, but on various market needs.

“The markets have various needs, and it requires a different structure in 2016, and that’s what we’re going towards,” she said.

Nibbs added that reports indicating the former vice president earned US $20,000 monthly is “erroneous” and simply “not accurate.” She further stated that she did not wish to comment on any employee’s salary in the media.

Meanwhile, the positions, she said, will remain open to the persons best fit for the role at this time, whether they be Antiguan or non-national.

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