MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The Falkland Islands Tourist Board's Managing Director Confirms Future Plans.

Mr. Mason said the award is dedicated to all those both past and present involved with tourism in the Falkland Islands.

Tony Mason, Managing Director of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board has today confirmed with MercoPress he will be expanding the tourist boards operation in London early next year.

In a local article last week in the Falkland Islands Penguin News and on Falkland Islands Radio it was announced that Mr. Mason was planning to engage a larger operation in the UK, which would expand the reach of the tourist boards global tourism strategy. This would most likely see Mr. Mason returning to London next year to oversee the strategy and would also mean recruitment for a new Managing Director to be based in Stanley would be underway soon.

Mr. Mason has overseen the most successful time in the countries tourism development, which has seen a significant rise in cruise vessels and land based passengers visiting the Islands, an increase in tour operators and travel agents selling the Islands, built a tourism enterprise which has increased to the country’s GDP, taken the country to global events such as World Travel Market, redeveloped the tourism centre and developed strategic partnerships which will see the country’s tourism development strategy continue to move forward.

“We have for some time been considering the next steps to ensure the country’s tourism sector continues to grow and our board of directors and I believe this is the right step forward. Having a strong base in the United Kingdom and continuing to develop partnerships in the United States and with emerging markets will ensure the message gets out that the Falkland Islands are truly the most beautiful and unspoilt nature and wildlife offering in the world. One thing that is very important to note is this is not something that is happening tomorrow and I will remain in Stanley through the end of the tourist season. There will be no disruption to our local program at the tourist board.”

Mr. Mason continued by saying it was evident that the marketing strategy he had put in place for the tourist board was working and noted they have just won a prestigious award for “Destination for Wildlife and Nature” which is an award presented by “Selling Travel” Magazine. The winners are selected by a voting process exclusively by travel agents. The Falkland Islands were up against some pretty big contenders… Alaska, Australia, Botswana, Equador, Galapagos Islands and South Africa. Mr. Mason will accept the award at ceremony held during World Travel Market.

Mr. Mason said the award is dedicated to all those both past and present involved with tourism in the Falkland Islands. This award is for the people who work hard to provide the best experience for tourist visiting the Islands and who are always looking for ways to increase the offering.

The Falkland Islands will be at World Travel Market on stand LA249 and invite anyone who wishes to visit to Falkland Islands or know more about upcoming plans to stop by and say hello.