KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (June 28, 2026) — St. Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed accomplished Vincentian executive Shafia London as chief executive officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, succeeding Annette Mark and ushering in a new chapter for the destination’s tourism industry as it prepares for sustained growth.
Dr. Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, announced London’s appointment during a recent press conference, describing her as a highly accomplished leader whose administrative, marketing and strategic expertise will help guide the destination through its next phase of growth and global competitiveness.
London, whose appointment takes effect July 1, assumes leadership of the Tourism Authority at a pivotal time for the destination’s tourism sector, which is experiencing sustained growth in visitor arrivals while preparing to capitalize on major developments, including the recently announced partnership with Global Ports Holding to manage the nation’s cruise port operations.
“Shafia brings a wealth of administrative and marketing expertise and will be an invaluable asset to the Tourism Authority as we continue to accelerate the growth in what is really an increasingly competitive tourism industry,” Minister Shallow said.
London, who holds two master’s degrees and is pursuing a doctorate, said she was honored by the appointment and committed to ensuring tourism delivers meaningful benefits across the destination.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the confidence placed in me by the minister and the board,” she said. “More importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of this country in this way.”
Describing tourism as “a national engine,” London said the sector supports livelihoods throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“Tourism is not just an industry, it is a national engine. It shapes livelihoods from Fancy all the way to the tip of Mayreau. It empowers taxi drivers, tour operators, farmers, artisans, hotel workers, fisherfolk, everyone. Tourism touches every village, every family, every generation.”
Paying tribute to those who laid the foundation for the industry’s recent success, London noted that stayover arrivals have increased by double digits over the past several years, driven by investments in hotel infrastructure, expanded airlift and the work of previous tourism leaders.
“My immediate mandate is twofold, drive visitor arrival growth and ensure that [from] the moment visitors arrive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to when they leave, we exceed their expectations.”
She pledged to strengthen the destination’s international brand while improving the visitor experience through enhanced accessibility, expanded accommodation capacity, bookable tourism products, upgraded attractions, reliable transportation and highly trained tourism professionals.
“Our strength is our authenticity, our culture, our diverse unspoiled beauty and our people. That is our competitive advantage and we are going to protect it, package it properly, and present it to the world with confidence.”
London identified three strategic platforms that will help differentiate St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the global marketplace: adventure and nature, sailing, and culture and celebration.
She said success would be measured by tangible outcomes, including attracting higher-value visitors, encouraging longer stays, increasing visitor spending, creating jobs and ensuring tourism benefits communities throughout the multi-island destination.
