The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) announced the appointment of Andrea Franklin as their new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr Jens Thraenhart who resigned last year from the position he held since 2021. A second appointment was announced, with Cheryl Carter, the BTMI's current UK Director, assuming the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, to support the new CEO by focusing on operational functions.

Franklin recently served as CEO of Caves Barbados, and has worked in Caribbean tourism for many years spanning aviation, accommodation and attractions. She holds an MBA from Leicester University, Master's Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management.

The two appointments were announced by Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport at a press conference, commenting: 

“these appointments are significant steps in the right direction for the BTMI and Barbados’ tourism as a whole. I look forward to working with Ms. Franklin and continuing to work with Ms. Carter on numerous upcoming strategies and new business endeavours to increase and enhance our tourism business. I wish Ms. Franklin every success in leading the BTMI team both locally and in the international markets.”

Regarding the decision to hire a Barbadian, the Minister stated:

"Ms. Franklin is a homegrown, well-educated and experienced tourism and hospitality practitioner who has come through the ranks to reach the top tourism post in Barbados,” said Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ minister of tourism and international transport... The fact that we have been able to find an accomplished professional in Barbados speaks volumes of the human capital and the resources that we have on the island. It is always a good thing when you can find individuals who are capable of leading an organisation on the island and I would like to thank the Chairman and the recruitment committee for their endeavour during this process.”

Regarding Ms Carter's new position, officials described her as a "veteran professional in the tourism industry" with more than 26 years of experience. She achieved “the highest arrivals for Barbados from its major source market” as interim head of global markets in the U.K. in 2019.

Franklin and Carter will assume their new positions effective 1 April 2024.

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