Latia DuncombeDirector General of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
Latia Duncombe is the Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. In the fall of 2021, Mrs. Duncombe started her tenure at the Ministry as Deputy Director General, and since January 2022, she has been at its helm, steering its course with dynamic, results-driven leadership. She is the seventh Director General and the third woman chosen as the Technical Head.
Duncombe has over thirty years of diverse leadership experience, and has held senior roles across banking and finance, wholesale and retail foods, beverage distribution, and the oil industry. She spent a decade as a Senior Executive and Head of Sales & Marketing for a global oil company, overseeing operations in The Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Her extensive private-sector experience in strategic management and business development laid the foundation for her transition into public service.
As the Technical Head, Duncombe leads all technical functions, including sales and marketing, communications, airline, cruise, and tour operator partnerships, while guiding the development of innovative tourism products that reinvigorate the industry. Under her stewardship, the Ministry has broadened its digital innovation initiatives, increased its focus on the development of The Out Islands of The Bahamas, expanded niche sectors such as SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal), advanced sustainable practices that underscore a commitment to environmental conservation, and opened two Bahamas tourist offices—one in Los Angeles, USA, and another on Cat Island, The Bahamas.
In addition to her leadership at the Ministry, Duncombe represents The Bahamas on the regional and global stage, providing policy insights, recommendations, and support to help shape tourism strategies. She serves on the Caribbean Tourism Organization Board of Directors and engages with international organizations such as the World Travel and Tourism Council and the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Her leadership has helped drive the destination to earn numerous prestigious awards and achieve record-breaking foreign air and sea arrivals—reaching 11.2 million in 2024. Notably, her contributions were recognized with the 2024 CMEx Leadership Award.
A proud Bahamian from Abaco, Duncombe holds an MBA with Merit from the University of Liverpool and an Associate of Arts in Accounting with Distinction from the Bahamas Baptist Community College. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated wife, mother, and active community member, committed to advancing the success and global reputation of The Bahamas.