New Tourism director Cherie-Lynn Whitter starts her job today.

"Mrs. Whitter joins the Department during what is a very exciting time for us," Tourism Minister Ewart Brown said yesterday. "I am confident that Mrs. Whitter has the knowledge and expertise to tackle the needs of the Department of Tourism."

As past assistant director of Tourism, he said, Mrs. Whitter has demonstrated that she understands the Bermuda Tourism product and what is needed to ensure that Bermuda is successful in attracting visitors to the Island.

Mrs. Whitter, who will work under the direction of permanent secretary Marc Telemaque and Dr. Brown, has more than 14 years of management, administrative and marketing experience.

In her role as assistant Tourism director she was responsible for Bermuda's Global Marketing programme, conducting multiple agency searches for international advertising, public relations and direct marketing companies on behalf of the Bermuda Government.

She also assumed direct responsibility for the Bermuda Jazz Festival, and served as the Department's manager of communications before her promotion to assistant director.

She left the Department of Tourism in 2002 and joined Capital G Ltd. as senior vice president of marketing. There she was responsible for the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans and brand and product development for the company's banking, investments, trust management and E-commerce groups.

Last Friday Mrs. Whitter met with staff at the Department to officially introduce herself and talk about future Department initiatives. Dr. Brown said he was looking forward to her arrival.