CIDOT Hires Three Caymanian Women for Senior Management Roles

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is pleased to announce the following new hires: Marzeta Bodden – Deputy Director, Tourism Product Development; Lauren Brook – Manager, Global Public Relations Services; and Tristaca Ebanks – Manager, National Promotions and Events.

Marzeta has 20 years of work experience spanning aviation, tourism, education, and financial services holding positions in both the public and private sector. Prior to joining CIDOT, she provided policy and communications support to the Premier, Cabinet, and senior leaders in the Cayman Islands Government throughout the COVID-19 pandemic including the critical early response phase. Marzeta also worked with the Cayman Islands Government’s special project team, Celebrate Cayman, to coordinate initiatives focused on discovering the Cayman Islands’ history, engendering national pride, engaging, educating, and inspiring youth, celebrating our diversity and encouraging connection, and nurturing a spirit of a cultural community. She has held positions at a leading offshore law firm and Cayman Airways.

Marzeta has a proven track record in private sector as the founder of Cayman Food Tours, a walking food tour company that shared the history, culture, heritage and culinary offerings of the downtown George Town area. Marzeta also established TEDxSevenMileBeach, a Caymanian extension of the global thought leadership and professional development brand.

As Deputy Director, Product Development Marzeta is responsible for the Tourism Product Development Unit which is focused on ensuring that the quality of the Cayman Islands experience meets or exceeds expectations of visitors and residents alike. Her team works to build local capacity and talent to manage the destination and works with local stakeholders to nurture and develop a diverse range of sustainable tourism products.

Marzeta holds a BBA in Finance and Marketing from Florida International University and an MSc in Marketing Management from the University of Surrey.

Lauren has more than 10 years of experience in public relations, internal communications, and business development in the Cayman Islands, UK, and Canada. Prior to joining CIDOT, she was employed as a Business Development and Communications Specialist by a prominent offshore law firm. Additionally, Lauren worked as PR Manager for a prominent local real estate developer, and as a Communications Manager for a large regional insurance company.

As Manager, Global Public Relations Services, Lauren is responsible for the department’s global public relations strategy, including media relations, local and international communications, brand management as well as managing the department’s international public relations agencies and the Visiting Journalist Programme.

Lauren’s PR and communications experience spans hospitality, commercial real estate, finance, and insurance. Lauren holds a BA in Professional Writing and Communications from York University and a MA in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Leeds Business School.

Tristaca has over 15 years of experience in the events field and the Cayman Islands Government Sector. Prior to joining CIDOT, Tristaca was employed as a Special Events Co-Ordinator and FOI Manager with the Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development. Additionally, Tristaca has worked as a Personal Assistant to the Chief Officer at the Ministry of Employment & Border Control and the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor at the Office of the Deputy Governor. She received the Cayman Islands Government Employee of the Year Award in 2017 and Certificate Badge of Honour for her contributions to the Cayman Islands community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Manager, National Promotions & Events, she is responsible for the department’s national marketing, including local and community sponsorship, special events, domestic advertising and collateral, the travel trade familiarisation programme and leading the Latin America strategy for the department.

Tristaca comes to CIDOT with experience in leadership, public administration, events, and promotional planning. Tristaca holds a BA in Public Administration and Human Resources Management.   

Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris said, “The department is pleased to welcome three experienced and talented Caymanian women to our team. They have all transitioned seamlessly into their roles, and I look forward to seeing how their ideas and perspectives advance the department’s mandate. The team is empowered to transform post-COVID the islands product offerings, marketing and promotional activity to deliver on quality experiences and business development expansion.”