Eminent marketer John Lynch has been appointed director of tourism replacing Basil Smith who opted not to renew his contract which expired in October.

His appointment takes effect on December 1.

According to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Lynch will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the country’s global tourism marketing.

“Lynch’s knowledge, experience and strength in sales make him an ideal candidate to fill the available post,” Bartlett said in a press release late yesterday.

He added that the JTB board, prior to its dissolution last week, recommended by resolution that Lynch – the sitting chairman – be considered for the top post given his “vast global experience and to facilitate a smooth transition”.

“The appropriate selection panel conducted an extensive search, which included Mr Lynch among the shortlist of candidates interviewed and recommended to the minister his appointment as director of tourism,” the release stated.

Lynch recently resigned as executive vice-president of sales worldwide of the Miami-based Unique Vacations – worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, The Royal Plantation Collection, and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts – after 17 years of service in various capacities.

He also previously served the JTB as senior manager of trade services, regional director based in Chicago, and deputy director of tourism, responsible for sales, marketing and conventions, overseas offices. He currently sits on the board of the Caribbean Tourism Development Corporation – a merger of the Caribbean Hotel Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.