KINGSTON; Jamaica; Monday June 29, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has extended congratulations to the newly elected President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Sandals Resorts International executive, O’Brian Heron, expressing confidence that the organization will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett welcomed the new JHTA President to the leadership of one of the country’s most influential tourism organizations, noting that the association has long been a valued partner in shaping initiatives that have strengthened Jamaica’s tourism sector.

“I extend heartfelt congratulations to the new President of the JHTA. The JHTA has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the growth and development of Jamaica’s tourism industry, and I look forward to building on our longstanding partnership as we continue to enhance the resilience, competitiveness and sustainability of the sector,” said Minister Bartlett.

Established in 1961, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association is the organization, which represents Jamaican hotels, other visitor accommodations as well as most suppliers of goods and services to the tourism industry. The association promotes the development of Jamaica’s hospitality industry and represents the interests of its members.

The Minister emphasized that the Government remains committed to working closely with the JHTA and other tourism stakeholders to drive innovation, improve visitor experiences, strengthen linkages across the economy and ensure that the benefits of tourism continue to reach more Jamaicans.

The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing President and highlighted that, “As Jamaica continues to set new benchmarks in global tourism, collaboration between the public and private sectors will remain essential. Together, we will continue positioning Destination Jamaica as the premier choice for visitors while creating greater opportunities for investment, employment and inclusive economic growth.”

Heron, who served as first Vice-President of the association, was elected on the weekend at the JHTA’s 65^th annual general meeting in Ocho Rios. The new President brings more than two decades of hospitality experience.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.