NASSAU — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation has appointed Latia Duncombe as its new Director General, effective immediately.

As the third woman to be appointed Technical Head, Duncombe also marks the Ministry’s seventh Director General in its 54-year history.

Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, announced the news, saying that Duncombe has brought “energetic leadership” to the Ministry’s senior executive management team over the past year.

“She has made a seamless transition from the corporate sector to public service, parlaying her wealth of knowledge and experience into outstanding leadership of Team Tourism. She came aboard at a critical juncture as we undertook the task of tourism recovery and has worked tirelessly toward the goal of getting our industry back on track,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Duncombe said that it’s an honour to lead The Bahamas’ “chief economic engine,” adding that tourism guarantees the socio-economic stability of the destination.

“Our robust performance last year is a testament that growth and expansion are realizable, considering our country’s assets and the resilience of our people,” said Duncombe. “We have excelled not just in the numbers but also in revenues.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to former leaders and Team Tourism, all of whom have played an integral role in leading, undergirding and facilitating The Bahamas’ mainstay. It has been an honour to be able to serve my country.”