by Brian Major
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Mon July 29, 2024
Marva Williams was named chief executive officer of the Discover
Dominica Authority effective August 1, said Dominica Ministry of Tourism officials.
Williams served as Discover Dominica’s festivals and events
manager from 2019 to 2022, with responsibility for promoting, marketing, and
managing major festivals and special events in Dominica, said Ministry officials in a statement.
Williams replaces Colin Piper, who resigned as CEO/Director effective May 5 after a 15-year
tenure in the position.
In her new role, Williams will be “instrumental in setting
the strategic direction of the Discover Dominica Authority, enhancing
Dominica's global tourism presence and promoting sustainable growth in the
sector,” said Tourism Ministry officials.
“We are thrilled to welcome Marva Williams to the team,” said
Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s tourism minister. “Her passion and
innovative approach will be valuable assets to the Authority as we continue to
elevate Dominica as an attractive destination for visitors.”
Williams will be relied on to help Dominica reach Ministry goals
of 500,000 annual overnight, land-based visitors and one million annual cruise
visitors by 2030, said Charles-Pemberton.
Domnica hosted 339,000 land-based travelers in 2023, according
to Statista.com. The country has hosted 144,786 cruise travelers to date during
the ongoing 2023/2024 season, according to Discover Dominica officials. The country
hosted 229,749 cruise ship visitors in pre-pandemic 2019, according to
Caribbean Tourism Organization data.
“I am excited to return to the Discover Dominica Authority
in this new position,” Williams said. “I am eager to lead the tourism
industry's promotion, development and regulation to drive socio-economic
activity and create a wide range of opportunities for the wider population.”
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