Guyana Tourism Authority Names New Director

Guyana has a new Director of Tourism. 

The Guyana Tourism Authority has named Carla James as its new Director, the GTA said in a statement. 

James, who had been serving as the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Deputy Director, succeeds outgoing director Brian Mills, who is set to conclude his two-year contract on April 30. 

“Ms. James is uniquely qualified to lead Destination Guyana as our new director of tourism,” said Donald Sinclair, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Tourism Authority. “In her we have found a leader who is not only professionally well-versed in our destination and industry sector, but someone with tremendous national pride and heritage, both of which are essential components for strengthening our tourism strategy going forward. Her ascension to the role of director will also be a tremendous source of inspiration to many young women who now have proof that women of all ethnicities can shatter glass ceilings and go where previously they feared to tread”

James is the “first-ever indigenous woman to assume the position,” according to the organization. 

“I am filled with a great sense of pride and accomplishment. It has been an amazing journey of learning, apprenticeship, training and experiences; and I am extremely honoured to take on the role of the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority and serve the place I am so proud to call home,” James said. “Our work plays a significant role in helping to protect our precious natural landscapes and wildlife and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly. During a time when community is needed most, I look forward to supporting my own by continuing to push Destination Guyana forward alongside our valued industry partners.”

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Guyana had been seeing very strong tourism growth. 

“Despite the challenges ahead to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, the Guyana Tourism Authority remains optimistic that this foundation of interest in Guyana will prevail as travellers seek out more sustainable and enriching ways to explore the world later into 2020 and well beyond,” the GTA said. 

— CJ