The new executive director of the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB) has committed herself to the challenge of increasing tourism and travel to the Family Islands by both Bahamian and international travelers.
Shavonne Darville was appointed executive director of the BOIPB following a unanimous vote on April 2.
Darville most recently served her third term as president of the BOIPB. She has also served as vice-president of the Out Islands Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association since 2010, with appointments to various sub-committees.
As part of her tourism industry background, she owned and operated an out island boutique hotel for 14 years after having a professional career in the financial sector.
Dean Spychalla, BOIPB president, stated: "Her professional qualifications as a certified public accountant and as an associate risk manager, coupled with her tremendous drive and passion for the growth and development of the Out Islands, makes Mrs. Darville an ideal choice for this position. Her tenacity and systematic approach to ensuring members receive individualized benefits and achieve growth are trademarks of her terms as president and indicative of her organizational and industry support."
Darville said: "I look forward to the challenge of contributing to the growth of tourism in the Out Islands and appreciate the continued support of the membership. The Out Islands have tremendous untapped potential and it is our aim to increase out island visitor arrivals by highlighting the world-renowned national treasures and experiences to be found in our islands by international visitors as well as Bahamians."
Former Vice President Dean Spychalla has now been appointed president of the BOIPB, Cheryl Bastian will serve jointly as vice-president and treasurer and Jeffrey Birch will remain as past president of the board.
The BOIPB has been in existence since 1978 and is a non-profit private sector-led marketing organization whose key focus is to increase tourism for its members and spur economic growth for the Out Islands, while enhancing and protecting their ecological beauty. BOIPB works closely with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and other tourism industry partners to promote the islands of The Bahamas.

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