The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has promoted two longtime tourism professionals to key leadership positions as the destination looks to build on strong visitor growth and expand its reach in regional and international markets.

Effective June 1, Charmaine Spencer has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer, while Shermain Jeremy has taken over as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America.

The appointments come as Antigua and Barbuda continues to enjoy strong tourism momentum, with stayover arrivals increasing by seven per cent during the first quarter of 2026.

For Spencer, the promotion marks the latest chapter in a 15-year career with the Tourism Authority. Since joining the organization, she has held a number of senior positions, including Marketing Manager, Marketing Consultant and most recently Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America.

During her time leading the regional office, Spencer helped spearhead marketing campaigns across the Caribbean and Latin America, strengthened relationships with airlines and travel partners, and played a role in securing new air and sea connections to the destination.

She said the tourism industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, requiring destinations to compete not only for visitors but also for relevance and engagement.

“As Chief Marketing Officer, our focus will be on evolving Antigua and Barbuda from a destination brand into a dynamic global lifestyle brand that leverages storytelling, data, partnerships, sustainability, culture and digital innovation to drive growth and deliver meaningful economic benefits for all,” Spencer said.

In her new role, she will oversee the Tourism Authority’s global marketing strategy, brand development, public relations, market intelligence and commercial partnerships.

ABTA Chief Executive Officer Colin James said Spencer’s experience and leadership made her the ideal choice for the position.

“Charmaine has demonstrated visionary leadership and strategic insight throughout her tenure,” he said.

Taking over Spencer’s former role is Shermain Jeremy, another experienced tourism professional who brings nearly two decades of destination marketing experience to the post.

Jeremy most recently served as Special Projects and Events Manager, where she helped lead initiatives designed to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product and global visibility.

She is perhaps best known for her work in developing the destination’s culinary tourism offerings, helping transform Restaurant Week into Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month. The initiative contributed to Antigua and Barbuda being named the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the 2025 World Culinary Awards.

Jeremy has also worked extensively in the destination’s romance market and previously served in the Tourism Authority’s United States office, helping promote Antigua and Barbuda in one of its most important visitor markets.

Describing the appointment as both a professional milestone and a personal honour, Jeremy said she looks forward to strengthening relationships across the Caribbean and Latin America.

“The Caribbean and Latin America are among the most dynamic, culturally rich and opportunity-filled markets in the world, and I look forward to building stronger partnerships, driving meaningful market growth and creating strategies that connect people, places and experiences in more impactful ways,” she said.

The Tourism Authority said the appointments reflect its commitment to developing talent within the organisation while positioning Antigua and Barbuda for continued growth in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape.