The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is appointing Miss Lorraine Headley as its new Director General of Tourism.

According to Hon. Harold Lovell, Minister of Tourism, “Miss Headley brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked in the local and regional tourism industry. We are pleased to have her at the helm of the technical team.”

Miss Headley who joined the Ministry of Tourism in 1999 has worked closely with the private sector having undertaken a three year secondment to the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, as Project Manager of the three year Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Development Programme. This initiative focussed on improving research capacity, providing training in technical skills and customer service, and developing proposals to enhance small businesses in the tourism sector.
Ms. Headley believes that this experience has enhanced her understanding of the needs of the private sector and will assist in strengthening relationships with stakeholders.

“The tourism industry is recognised as unique in that the Government is responsible for managing and developing the industry, however the majority of the assets that comprise the industry are owned by the private sector. A strong partnership between the public and private sectors is vital for the future development of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Miss Headley continued “I am honoured to lead the technical team of the Ministry as we seek to improve standards and develop a culture of excellence throughout the industry. We have a lot of work to do, and we are committed to making a tangible difference.”

Miss Headley began her career in the Government service in 1990 in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce as Co-ordinator of Industrial Development. From 1992 she worked for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as Tourism Economist where she played a technical role in the evaluation and policy planning of tourism and related sectors in the eight islands comprising the OECS, and provided management support for the three year European Union OECS Tourism Development Programme.  Miss Headley returned to tourism as Product Development Officer at the Ministry of Tourism in 1999.

Born in England of Antiguan parentage, Miss Headley obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics and Economics from Cambridge University, and following her graduation in 1990, she re-located to Antigua. Miss Headley also completed a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the West Indies in 1997.

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