Barbados Tourism Authority Names Rice President & CEO

David Rice has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), effective May 4, 2009. With 25 years of experience in the international resort, hotel and vacation industry, Rice is described as a results-oriented and innovative leader and has most recently held the position of vice president of resort operations with Welk Resorts. He plans to immediately implement strategic initiatives for the BTA and strengthen its capabilities over the coming months.

Prior to Welk Resorts, Rice served as chairman of the Caribbean American Resort Development Association, chairman of the USVI Development Association and vice president of the St. Thomas and St. John's Hotel Association. He also held senior level positions at Sunterra Corporation, Bluebeard's Castle and Beach Resorts, Marriott Corporation, Orange Lake Country Club and Divi Resort. Austin Husbands, acting chairman of the BTA, said: "We are very fortunate to attract someone of Mr. David Rice's caliber. We are confident that his extensive experience and knowledge of the global tourism industry will make him an asset to the Barbados Tourism Authority, particularly during this challenging, but exciting period." For more information on travel to Barbados, call 800-221-9831 or visit www.visitbarbados.org.

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