The St Helena Tourist Board has appointed Cathy Alberts as director of tourism for the island.

Alberts brings with her a wealth of experience in the tourism and leisure industry, in particular working with the UK and European markets.

Prior to joining the St Helena Tourist Board, she was based in Cape Town in South Africa, where she was responsible for developing the tourism industry in both the Western Cape and Cape Town itself.

During her time here Cathy built up close relationships with key airline and trade partners, overseeing various joint marketing programmes.

Her responsibilities included overseeing seven tourist offices as well as citizen mobilisation during the World Cup. 

Most recently, her role has encompassed the development of tours and experiences for visitors.

Alberts will be working closely alongside Mike Dean, the current incumbent, until she arrives in St Helena at the end of the year, during which time she will be visiting the UK, as well as South Africa and France.

She will also be meeting with key stakeholders across the tourism and economic development programmes.

Lying 1,500 miles north-west of Cape Town, the undiscovered island of St Helena boasts stunning natural beauty and is steeped in history - perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile, but also with a fascinating heritage covering the whole of the British Empire.