The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday announced that Deputy Director, Carla Chandra will replace Brian Mullis as Director of the tourism body with effect from May 1, 2020.
The new Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Carla Chandra
Brian Mullis’ two-year contract will come to an end on April 15.
According to GTA, Chandra was unanimously agreed upon as the most suitable candidate after a rigorous four-stage selection process. Chandra is the first woman of Indigenous origin to be appointed to lead GTA in its 18-year existence.
“This is a fact to be noted by social historians and certain to be celebrated by Indigenous peoples and women of all ethnicities throughout Guyana. In the capacity of Director, she will bring to the job a breadth of managerial and industry experience that truly belies her age”, a release from the GTA stated.
Chandra is a graduate of President’s College and began her tourism career in 2001 in the then Trade and Industry Ministry as a Research Assistant.
From 2003, her career at the Guyana Tourism Authority took off vertically as she assumed more and more positions of responsibility as well as seniority – Statistics and Research Officer, Senior Statistics and Research Officer, Logistics Manager and Personal Assistant to the Director of the Authority, Marketing Manager of the Authority, Deputy Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority.
GTA stated that in order for Chandra to function effectively in these positions, she underwent an array of professional training both locally and internationally.
“These include Experiential Tourism Development, GTA/IDB Training Programme (2020); Documenting and Implementing ISO 17020, Guyana National Bureau of Standards (2015); Internal Auditing, Jamaica National Accreditation Agency (2015); Management / Administration of MIST (2006) among others.”
The new Director will be assuming leadership during what is easily the most severe and painful crisis facing the tourism industry – COVID-19.
“Her task will be to lead her team through the implementation of an industry-recovery strategy”, GTA stated.
Nevertheless, the Board of the Guyana Tourism Authority said that they are confident that the current Deputy Director’s leadership capabilities and strong support team, will allow the GTA to overcome the current challenges and build upon the tremendous successes achieved during the past two years under the outgoing Director, Brian Mullis.
The current Director, Brian Mullis has served Guyana for two years, starting from 2018. He has not only helped to strengthen Guyana’s Tourism Industry, but has also helped to push Guyana to many of its tourism achievements which include Guyana being awarded the best eco-tourism destination, and having won several other awards.
