The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has signalled its commitment to a future-forward approach with the appointment of Greg Broomes, a leading expert in international development and finance, as its new operations manager.
The appointment of Broomes, a fellow chartered and certified accountant and project management professional, signals a move towards data-driven decision-making and youth engagement within the BHTA and the island’s vital tourism sector. His remit will encompass overseeing the association’s strategic direction, including managing human resources, finance, ICT, and property, the BHTA said in a press release.
Speaking on his appointment, Broomes emphasised his focus on strategic growth and sustainability for both the BHTA and the wider tourism industry in Barbados. He outlined plans to streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services to members.
Data-driven decision-making will be another cornerstone of his tenure, as he aims to expand the BHTA’s role as a central data hub, building upon existing data collection efforts to inform insightful research and strategic planning.
“I envision expanding our secretariat’s role as a data hub for firm-level data critical to advancing the sector,” the new operations manager said. “Building on our existing data collection efforts in areas such as disaster preparedness and occupancy trends, we will leverage this information for insightful research and informed decision-making.”
Recognising the importance of nurturing future talent, Broomes highlighted his commitment to youth engagement within the industry. He envisions initiatives promoting career opportunities and educational programmes, cultivating a new generation of tourism leaders.
“By fostering the next generation of tourism leaders, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re securing the future of our industry,” he explained.
Broomes, who holds an MBA in financial management from the London School of Business and Finance, will also act as a key liaison with stakeholders. He will oversee the implementation of initiatives benefiting BHTA members and the industry, deputising for the CEO when needed.
BHTA CEO, Ryan Forde, warmly welcomed Broomes, highlighting his expertise and vision as crucial to the association’s future. He emphasised the need for cohesive operations between the BHTA, its members, and the public sector, stressing the tourism industry’s importance to Barbados.
Forde believes Broomes’s appointment, with his combined youth and experience, will usher in much-needed change and strengthen the BHTA’s advocacy efforts through data analysis and strategic partnerships. ““We will leverage and use his knowledge, skill set and experience as we aim to form stronger partnerships and activate stronger advocacy on behalf of our members and the industry from a data analysis and presentation perspective,” the CEO was quoted as saying in the BHTA release. “His youthfulness yet level of expertise is a plus and it helps shore up a lot of the much-needed changes at the BHTA.”
(BT/PR)
