Marva Williams

Marva Williams is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism at the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), a position she has held since August 1, 2024. In this role, Williams leads the strategic direction of Dominica’s tourism industry, coordinating marketing, sustainable development, and stakeholder partnerships to meet ambitious targets: 500,000 stay-over visitors and 1 million cruise visitors by 2030.

Professional Journey and Education

Williams joined the DDA in 2019 as Festivals and Events Manager, where she oversaw the planning and promotion of major cultural events. Her leadership in event strategy and digital marketing paved the way for her elevation to CEO.

Before joining DDA, she worked as Marketing Manager at Digicel Dominica, enhancing brand visibility and orchestrating marketing campaigns. She also serves as a Lecturer in Digital Brand Management at the UWI Open Campus.

Academically, Williams holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Florida International University and a Master’s in International Business from Georgia State University.

Mandate and Key Initiatives

• Strategic leadership: As CEO and Tourism Director, Williams sets tourism policy, steering the Authority’s vision and mission.
• Digital transformation: She leads the digital outreach campaign positioning Dominica globally as a premier, sustainable travel destination.
• Event leadership: Under her guidance, preparations for major initiatives like the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF 2025) have intensified.
• Sustainability: A core part of her role is balancing growth with ecological responsibility and community benefit.

Recognition and Public Profile

• Williams was spotlighted at Caribbean Tourism Marketplace 2025 for announcing key developments, including a planned cable car and expanded U.S. airlift.
• She was featured by the Caribbean Tourism Organization as “one of the driving forces behind Dominica’s tourism transformation”.

Leadership Style & Vision

Described as a dynamic and inclusive leader, Williams is focused on forging collaborative partnerships within travel and tourism networks and championing sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.

Her personal mission reflects deep national pride and drive: “I am excited to … Develop our tourism sector further. I am eager to lead … to drive socio‑economic activity and create a wide range of opportunities for the wider population”