New CEO appointed to the Nevis Tourism Authority
“This appointment is historic since the NTA will be headed by a Nevisian for the first time,” said the Premier.
Mr. Tyrone O’Flaherty, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism said in an interview that John Hanley is an excellent choice for the job of CEO of the NTA.
“He has the correct mix of dynamism and determination for success in a field that requires constant focus and a relentless pursuit of all things tourism. These are the qualities that made him a key asset to the Ministry of Tourism. We wish him all the best, secure in the knowledge that that is exactly what he will deliver to the NTA,” commented Mr. O’Flaherty.
Alastair Yearwood, Advisor to tourism in the Nevis Island Administration, stated that he is ‘confident that Mr. Hanley’s appointment will have a positive impact on the organization.’ He further explained that after an extensive search, the Board of the NTA identified Mr. John Hanley, a member of staff in the Ministry of Tourism, as a suitable candidate for the position of CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority. The tourism advisor further stated, ‘This has not been a rushed decision. After a number of meetings, due consideration and consultation with Mr. Tyrone O’Flaherty, the appointment of Mr. Hanley was recommended to the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Joseph Parry. Mr. Parry accepted the recommendation and Mr. Hanley has been duly appointed as of the 1st July 2010.’
Chairman of the NTA board, Mr. Richard Lupinacci, said in response to the appointment, ‘It is very satisfying to find a talented Nevisian like John Hanley taking on such an important responsibility for our destination and its tourist industry. We are pleased he has chosen to become a part of promoting and marketing Nevis’.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Hanley worked in the Research and Development Unit of the Ministry of Tourism in Nevis as the Policy and Regulations Officer. He holds a Master of Science Degree (Cum Laude) in Tourism Management from IULM University in Milan, Italy, where he specialized in marketing, destination management and sustainable tourism.
Mr. Hanley was one of five candidates from the Caribbean who were recently awarded scholarships from the Municipality of Milan (Comune di Milano) in Northern Italy to pursue postgraduate degrees in tourism. The other four awardees were from the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada and St. Lucia.
When asked what his thoughts on his new portfolio were, Mr. Hanley responded, ‘I think that this is a wonderful opportunity to effect positive change on the tourism landscape of Nevis. The news of the re-opening of the Four Seasons and the resumption of direct American Eagle flights, both happening on December 15th 2010, is particularly welcome, not only for the island’s tourism and hospitality industry but for the entire Nevisian economy. We at the Nevis Tourism Authority will do our best to ensure that the multiplier effect of these developments trickles down to as many persons as possible.’
John, who is originally from Jessups, is married to Dion John-Hanley and has two children – an eight year old daughter, Dijonnѐ and a four year old son, Zaviѐr.