St. Kitts Tourism Authority Appoints New CEO
Ellison “Tommy” Thompson Joins St. Kitts Tourism Authority from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Basseterre, St. Kitts (Jan. 2022) – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority announces the appointment of Ellison “Tommy” Thompson as Chief Executive Officer ( CEO). In this role, Thompson will lead international marketing efforts for the destination, with a focus on trade and airline relationships; earned, paid, and owned media; partnerships; and stakeholder communication. Thompson will focus on leisure and cruise, two perennially high-performing areas for tourism to St. Kitts. He will also prioritize the romance and MICE markets, with the goal of increasing tourism’s economic benefits across the island. Thompson begins work on January 10, 2022.
“Mr. Thompson brings more than three decades of Caribbean tourism sales and marketing experience, including a deep knowledge of marketing Bahamas’ outer islands,” said Nick Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “He has proven success increasing leisure travel, expanding key industry relationships, and implementing creative global marketing campaigns. We are thrilled to have his expertise at the helm of the Tourism Authority.”
“Tommy Thompson’s experience working with tourism ministries and destination marketing entities make him the premier choice to lead the St. Kitts Tourism Authority,” added Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue driving high demand for the destination among air and cruise passengers as part of tourism’s continuous rebound.”
Thompson will utilize a data-driven approach to assess St. Kitts’ primary audiences and their behaviors. His initial intentions also include working closely with travel agents and tour operators and partnering with airlines to increase passenger load and service to the destination.
Most recently, Mr. Thompson served as Deputy Director-General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. In this role, he developed global marketing strategies for the Ministry, with a focus on the Family Islands, Grand Bahama Island, and niche market promotions. He also led the sales teams in the United States, Canada, and Europe as well as Asia and Latin America, and oversaw campaigns targeting consumers, tour operators and wholesalers, travel agents, and airlines. Mr. Thompson has also held a number of other positions for both The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and The Bahamas Tourist Offices in the UK. He has additional experience managing visitor relations, cruise development, product development, and sales representation.
About St. Kitts
Where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, you will find the captivating island of St. Kitts, an exciting oasis that beguiles the senses. Once known as the gateway to the Caribbean, St. Kitts invites you to Awake Your Sense of Wander and journey the island of a thousand treasures. Wander the secluded beaches and rainforests that stretch for miles. Hear the pulsating sounds of nature as you explore via ziplines, mini speed boats, and jeep safaris. Take a leisurely ride on the Caribbean’s only authentic scenic passenger train, hike to the rim of a dormant volcano, dive into an ancient shipwreck. Embrace the scents of a smoky, sizzling beach barbecue, and taste culinary delights fresh from the sea. Indulge your wanderlust in one-of-a-kind attractions such as the UNESCO recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Ignite your sense of style with Caribbean flair and pure artistry as you feel the fabrics of Caribelle Batik. The serene beauty of the tropical island allows your mind and spirit to wander. Let the sun warm your soul and the island to tempt your thirst for exploration. For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.stkittstourism.kn
Entry requirements: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements
