Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe 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 organization's transition to the Tourism Development Corporation.
The organizational restructuring comes amid the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to become more responsive to increased global demands and changing trends within the global tourism market, as well as its efforts to increase airlift, inventory, new tourism infrastructure and room nights in The Bahamas.
Jibrilu is the current director of the Bahamas Investment Authority within the Office of the Prime Minister. In that capacity, she was instrumental in the invigoration of the tourism plant, brand and product.
Called to the Bahamas Bar in 1989, she 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 also served as a director on the boards of several agencies including the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Financial Services Board and the Domestic Investment Board.
The new director general will be supported by a team of young, talented Bahamian professionals including Ellison "Tommy" Thompson, the current deputy director general of tourism, who will now assume responsibilities for global marketing. Other key appointments to this dynamic team will be made shortly.
The Ministry of Tourism has initiated a bold and aggressive program to increase The Bahamas' share of the tourism market by tapping into markets in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
This new tourism marketing thrust includes an expansion of the ministry's digital platform and networking presence on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other websites that would enhance the country's virtual presence globally.
"With this organizational 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 Wilchcombe.

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