The Falkland Islands Tourist Board has appointed Jake Downing to
the post of General Manager, effective from November 2007.
Mr Downing will move to the Falklands with his wife and daughter in
early November from New Zealand, where he is currently responsible for
the management and development of eight visitor information centres
across Auckland and surrounding islands.  The information centres
receive in excess of 1 million international visitors each year, and Mr
Downing has been instrumental in tripling their profits during his three
and a half year tenure.

With 10 years experience in the tourism industry, Mr Downing’s previous
roles have included Sales Manager for a niche travel agent/tour operator
in the UK, where he led his department to become the fastest growing
division of the company.  Mr Downing commented, “I can see a lot of
potential for the Falkland Islands tourism industry, and am very excited
about arriving and working together with local and international
businesses to build and develop the tourism figures.”

FITB Chairman Councillor Ian Hansen said he is “.very pleased that the
Board has eventually appointed a General Manager . and looking forward
to the continued growth and development of the Falkland Islands tourism
industry, led by Mr Downing.”

Jake Downing will join the existing FITB office team based in Stanley of
Liz Dimmlich (Tourism Development Coordinator), and Steph Middleton
(Tourism Assistant). 
——-