Antigua and Barbuda has named a new director for the United States tourism market.

The twin-island country has appointed Kim Jack Riley to the role; she began the position officially on Wednesday.

“We welcome Kim Jack Riley to her new position at the helm of the US Tourism Authority,” says Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Asot Michael. “Antigua and Barbuda has seen incredible growth in the US market in 2016, and our objective is to continue this momentum with continued exponential growth in tourism arrivals, increasing airlift, and affirming our position as the Caribbean destination of choice. Ms. Jack Riley’s wealth of experience in travel, communications and marketing will be a strong asset to the team to carry through our strategic tourism plan. We welcome her wholeheartedly.”

The appointment comes as Antigua and Barbuda has been posting significant growth so far in 2016, most recently tabbed at 20 percent.

“I am honored to take on this new position for Antigua and Barbuda, as it is an incredibly exciting time for the country with surging tourism arrivals, and multiple new properties on the horizon. I look forward to the opportunity of helping the twin-island nation achieve even greater visibility and growth in the US,” Jack Riley said.