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Barbados tourism chief exits following strategic review

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) has “mutually agreed” to part ways with chief executive Jens Thraenhart.

Chief financial officer Craig Hinds will act as chief executive on an interim basis until a replacement is found.

The departure of Thraenhart followed a review of the working of the tourism organisation. 

Board of directors chair Shelly Williams thanked Thraenhart for his service and said: “We have reviewed the BTMI’s business and operations and strategy going forward and we have agreed that the BTMI needs to go in a different direction to ensure the growth of Barbados tourism.

“According to the Central Bank, tourism continues to drive the economy in Barbados, through employment and generating business.

“Our focus is on making sure we deliver growth by looking at new and emerging markets, increasing airlift and cruise business, and all of the ways that will allow Barbadians to see the financial returns from tourism.”

Thraenhart joined the island’s tourism body in November 2021 following a 25-year industry career including senior roles in Asia, North America and Germany. 

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