Harris takes tourism reins

(CNS): Government officials have revealed that industry veteran, Rosa Harris has been formally appointed as the director of tourism after seven-and-a-half years at the department and some 14 years in the sector. A Caymanian from George Town, Harris who is a graduate of Ivy League school Cornell University with an MBA from Manchester University, has had her eye on the top tourism job for some time. She started in the hospitality industry in 2000 at the old Hyatt hotel and worked her way up from the restaurant and in-room dining assistant manager to the position of Rum Point Club Property manager in 2005.

The following year she joined DoT as the national promotions and events manager. During her tenure, she gained considerable experience in key aspects of the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry. In these roles she established marketing plans for the Islands and led tourism product development among other duties. Some of her notable achievements include five destination promotions that resulted in annual increases in thenumber of tourists visiting the Islands.

Following the departure of Shomari Scott at the start of this year she acted as director, and was the Interim Chairman of both the Public Transportation Board (PTB) and the Hotel Licensing Board, roles she will continue as director, the post she assumed formally on 1 July.
She is also the Deputy Chairman of the Cayman Islands Hospitality School Council, Tourism Attractions Board and the Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association.

“Having served as Acting Director previously, Mrs. Harris has a proven record of bringing valuable expertise and organizational skills to the table and that she is an asset to the Department of Tourism,” said Chief Officer for the Ministry of Tourism, Stran Bodden.
Commenting on the responsibilities of the role, the director said she looks forward to many aspects of the new position. 

“I am very excited to be leading this organization to support and drive economic success for the country, being involved with the Ministry of Tourism’s airport and cruise port redevelopment projects, and shaping the future tourism product by collaborating with tourism partners, new developers and sister government agencies,” she stated. 

Minister of Tourism, Moses Kirkconnell said he was pleased that such a qualified individual had been identified for the role. 

“During her tenure Mrs. Harris has played an integral role in many of the Department’s successful endeavours and continuously contributes to the betterment of our tourism product locally, while elevating our positioning globally as the destination of choice in the Caribbean. I look forward to the Department continuing to thrive under Mrs. Harris’ leadership and wish her every success in this next phase of her career,” he added.