Bermudian Cherie Whitter was yesterday named as the new Director of Tourism.

The popular former assistant director for marketing at Tourism returns to the department two years after leaving to join Capital G as vice president, marketing.

Her appointment ends fears that the new director would come from overseas after all seven Bermudians who applied for the $120,000-a-year post were turned down, leading to the job being re-advertised earlier this year.

The post has been empty since former director Judith Hall Bean moved to the Cabinet Office in November last year ? allegedly as a result of a strained working relationship with Tourism Minister Renee Webb.

Yesterday, Ms Webb said: ?I am pleased to be able to get a qualified Bermudian for the post. I have met with Cherie and was very impressed with her ability.

?Based on her experience and knowledge, I think that she will be an excellent addition to the Tourism team.?

Ms Whitter said: ?Personal and professional development are the impetus behind my decision to return to public life. I look forward to the awesome challenges that lie ahead.?

Bermudians Richard Eve and Deanna Wade have been standing in as Acting Directors of Tourism since last November.

In May, Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) launched a stinging attack on the amount of time it had taken to appoint a permanent director.

BHA director John Harvey said in May: ?We?ve now gone without a Director of Tourism for many, many months and I don?t think, if you compare it to a company, any other company would allow that to happen.

?Why is it taking so long? We need someone here we can work with who can address the various issues that have been developing.?

Mr. Harvey could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

While Assistant Director of Tourism for marketing, Ms Whitter was responsible for initiatives such as Bermuda Jazz Festival, and has experience working with international marketing and advertising agencies.

She has a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Pace University.

She sits on the marketing committee of Bermuda International Business Association, the Berkeley Educational Society?s management committee, and is the director of the Young People?s department at Bethel AME Church.