ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — General Manager of Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Omar Robinson, is the new President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

He was elected at the association’s 55th annual general meeting held on June 11, at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann.

Robinson replaces Nicola Madden-Greig, who opted against seeking re-election after two years at the JHTA’s helm.

“I am extremely humbled by this opportunity and pledge my continued commitment to the advancement of the mandate of the JHTA,” Robinson said in his acceptance speech.

He acknowledged the work of Madden-Greig, whom he said, ably carried out the affairs of the association, noting that the JHTA “has been able to make great inroads in lobbying for the interests of the sector”.

Robinson said that in the coming weeks, the JHTA will formulate a concrete action plan to build on the foundation that has been laid and serve as a guide for the way forward.

He noted that the JHTA will continue to: help promote tourism while improving the experiences of locals and visitors; recognise the importance of the hotel and tourism sector for strategic economic planning and growth; and encourage consultation among the various partners at the national and local levels, especially in the monitoring of the resort areas.

“We will also be initiating dialogue with the government on key issues such as safety and security, taxation, licensing, immigration and environmental practices, among other issues,” Robinson informed.

He said the JHTA will assist in facilitating training programmes to lift standards and retain employees within the industry and strengthen linkages with local suppliers.

The JHTA executive team consists of four vice presidents – Adam Stewart, Carol Bourke, Vana Taylor and Marilyn Burrows. Executive Director is Camille Needham.

Madden-Grieg, for her part, said she was proud to have represented “such a talented, focused, and dedicated set of individuals, who never lost sight of the fact that the success of our industry underpins the success of Jamaica and have been able to make collective decisions that ensure the growth and development of Brand Jamaica”.

She noted that during her first year in office, the JHTA achieved profitability and was able to make further gains in 2015. She said that membership in the association has grown from 202 to 241.