CIDOT Strengthens Management Team with New Hires & Appointments

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has strengthened its management team with two new hires and the appointment of a current team member to the Management Team.

The CIDOT warmly welcomes Sebastian Bodden as Manager Tourism Product Development and Joanna Walding as Business Development Manager for the UK and Europe and congratulates Ricardo Smith on his appointment as Manager, Research & Digital Strategy. Sebastian and Ricardo are based in CIDOT’s Grand Cayman office and Joanna is based in CIDOT’s London Office.

Sebastian Bodden is an accomplished professional with over twenty-five years of diverse experience and skills, encompassing property management, finance, audit, event management, operations, data analytics and corporate reporting. Holding a solid academic foundation with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, coupled with numerous professional certifications and training. Sebastian has also completed post graduate studies for his Master of Business Administration (MBA), whilst concurrently pursuing a Sustainable Tourism Destination Management certification from The George Washington University School of Business.

Sebastian’s role involves leading an innovative approach to enhancing national tourism experiences, tourism education awareness, guest accommodation standards and hotel licensing throughout the Cayman Islands, whilst ensuring the sustainable preservation of the destination’s rich cultural heritage and appeal.

Joanna Walding is a results-driven marketing strategist with a track record of driving arrivals and revenue growth for destinations and has a deep understanding of consumer travel behaviour and industry market trends. Prior to joining CIDOT Joanna worked for the Aruba Tourism Board for 17 years as their country Manager for the UK & Ireland. During this time, she was an integral part of the Air Transport Association team in securing the first ever direct flight from the UK to Aruba with British Airways in 2023.

She is well-connected within the travel trade and is a regular attendee at industry events and an active member of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s UK chapter.

As Business Development Manager for the UK & Europe Joanna is responsible for overseeing the Business Development and Marketing for CIDOT in that region.

Ricardo Smith has more than a decade of tourism research experience and is a nine-year veteran of CIDOT. As the Manager, Research & Digital Strategy he and his team make a crucial contribution to building brand awareness, promoting the Cayman Islands, and driving visitor arrivals. By leveraging datadriven insights, he ensures that the Department’s strategies are both targeted and effective, contributing to the success of the Islands’ tourism industry.

Ricardo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of the West Indies and is ACCA qualified. He also completed post-graduate studies in Data Analytics at Villanova University and Survey Statistics at the University of Michigan.

Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris said, “The department of Tourism is thrilled to welcome our exceptional new hires Sebastian and Joanna to the CIDOT team. Sebastian’s enthusiasm, passion for streamlining processes, community development, project management experience and innovative ideas have already made a significant impact on our Product Development Unit.

Joanna brings a wealth of travel and tourism experience in the UK & Europe and her business development expertise, particularly with launching new direct service to the Caribbean, will be critical as we look towards Europe to help flatten our seasonality and bring new visitors from this market.”

She continued, “I would also like to congratulate our new appointee Ricardo Smith who is a critical member of the Department. His blend of analytical expertise and digital marketing knowledge enables him to effectively lead research and digital strategy initiatives that are essential to maintaining the Cayman Islands’ position as a premier destination for visitors.”