Montserrat Tourism Authority has been officially established in a bid to elevate the island’s tourism product and reach a global audience.
It replaces Montserrat Tourism Division which became a department in the Office of the Premier in 2015 after operating as Montserrat Tourist Board, a statutory body, since 1993.
The newly established entity is tasked with promoting and enhancing tourism in Montserrat through effective policy execution and overall administration.
In a government press release on 9 July, authority chairman Walter Christopher said he was excited to embark on a journey to “elevate” Montserrat as a leading tourism destination.
Governor Sarah Tucker, acting on advice of Cabinet, has appointed a seven-member board of directors comprising of industry leaders who will guide the authority’s strategic direction.
“The board is committed to fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous tourism sector that will create lasting benefits for our communities and unforgettable experiences for our visitors,” Christopher said.
‘Significant milestone’
On 30 January, Montserrat Legislative Assembly passed the Tourism Authority Act 2024 which made way for the formation of the authority.
The law details the authority’s mandate, which includes boosting tourism, promoting sustainable practices, and delivering high quality tourism experiences to drive economic growth on the island.
In the press release, Premier Joseph E Farrell called the formation of the body and appointment of directors a “significant milestone in our tourism sector”.
“This strategic move underscores our dedication to elevating our tourism offerings and ensuring that our destination maintains competitiveness on the global stage,” he said.
The board of directors will serve for three years, but will be eligible for reappointment.
Members will continue focus on marketing and promotion, product development, standards improvements, sustainability programmes, and community engagement.
An experienced team
The board comprises of Christopher, a Montserrat citizen who is currently permanent secretary of tourism and investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
He is also serving as a director of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and previously worked in Montserrat’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Roselyn Cassell Sealy is the leading tour operator on Montserrat and has secured contracts with 10 cruise ships and developed tour experiences for over 5,000 passengers.
She has served on the board of directors of the Montserrat Tourist Board and as a member of the Montserrat Stakeholders’ Advisory Council.
Sealy is the president of the Montserrat Tour and Taxi Association.
Michael Osborne has worked in Marriott International and Four Seasons hotels, as well as destination management companies in the USA, Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.
In 2008 he founded The Island Services, a corporate meeting and event planning and consulting firm.
Rhonda Boatswain has worked as a travel consultant for both Travel World International and Carib World Travel.
She is the owner of RTT Travel and Tours, which she founded in 2009.
Tony Seaman previously owned Attraction World, one of the largest tours and business excursions in the UK.
He has served as chairman for the Institute of Travel and Tourism and as marketing director of MacDonald Hotels. He is currently chairman and shareholder of ‘Not in the guide books’.
Jayesh Sadhwani was marketing communications coordinator at Montserrat Arts Council and is founder and head of marketing and logistics for Chess Empire.
The company has hosted several popular events including ‘Boozey Brunch’, ‘TIDC’, and Calasplash. He also serves as a director at Ashok’s Enterprises.
Cherolyn Galloway worked as assistant food and beverage director at Yeshiva University, and assistant catering manager at FLIK/Compass USA.
She was also employed in managerial positions at Four Seasons Hotel both in New York and Nevis and the Montserrat Springs Hotel.
I’m glad the new tourism authority has been formed. Please place emphasis on getting an established ferry service that will operate throughout the year from Antigua to Montserrat. Thank you.