PHOTO: © ST. KITTS TOURISM AUTHORITY
THE BASICS
Name: Ellison “Tommy” Thompson
Title: Chief Executive Officer, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts
First job: Messenger
Where to next: Thailand
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
I think Boris Kodjoe would be a great choice. We share a similar smile, and he has the presence to portray me well.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I would likely be an airline pilot. I love the idea of seeing the world from the cockpit and the freedom of travel.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
I enjoy anything written by Henry Patterson, better known by his pen name Jack Higgins.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
I would love to have dinner with Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados. There are many topics I would like to discuss with her.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority recently launched new branding and completed a professional photo shoot to raise the island’s profile and reinforce St. Kitts as a premier Caribbean destination.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
I enjoy collaborating with my team on marketing strategies and product initiatives that help grow the destination.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
Coordinating negotiations to bring Virgin Atlantic to one of our destinations was a major risk that required careful planning and commitment.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
I admire Arnold Donald, former CEO of Carnival Corporation, and the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, for their leadership and vision.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare:
Once, while traveling from Edmonton to catch a red-eye to Nassau via Toronto, a snowstorm left us stranded on the plane. The crew ran out of hours and we had to deplane because of heating issues. Air Canada initially rebooked me for the next night, but I chose a midafternoon flight the following day instead. It took 48 hours to finally get home, and I was extremely relieved when I did.
Share a comical travel experience:
In Morocco I went for a traditional Turkish bath and didn’t realize the attendant would be female. I was unexpectedly caught naked in the situation and had to laugh it off.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why?
I prefer flying, ideally in first class. It’s the fastest way to travel and, while airborne, I enjoy imagining myself in the pilot’s seat.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels?
On Cat Island in the Bahamas, after a jog and swim I returned to my villa to find a bucket of water waiting at the steps so I could wash the sand from my feet. It was a small but thoughtful gesture and stands out as an excellent example of service.