Hotelier Robin Russell has been re-elected Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president for a third term at its 63rd annual general meeting on October 12, 2024, at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew.

The newly elected council also comprises Christopher Jarrett, first vice-president; Vana Taylor, second vice-president; Karen Lanigan, third vice-president; and Kyle Mais fourth vice-president.

After election Russell, general manager of Deja Resorts in Montego Bay, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their continued trust in him and affirmed his commitment to the sustained development of Jamaica’s hospitality and tourism industry.

“The JHTA will continue to collaborate with allied agencies to ensure that Jamaica’s tourism industry flourishes for the benefit of all Jamaicans,” Russell said.

During the meeting, Wayne Cummings elaborated on the proposed structural changes within the JHTA, which include:

* Recategorising and defining member categories to better support the proposed new structure;

* Election of officers to ensure the association’s primary purpose is well-represented by a diverse range of individuals;

* Revisiting the tenure of elected officers to enhance governance;

* Redrawing the numbered chapters to better reflect the current and future realities of Jamaica’s tourism landscape; and

* Revised head office functions to better support the JHTA’s evolving role and strategic direction.

In his remarks, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett projected a significant increase in global tourism activity, forecasting that the number of travellers will rise from 1.4 billion to 1.5 billion next year.

“In the next 10 to 20 years, nearly three billion people are expected to be travelling all over the world,” Bartlett stated. “Jamaica must position itself to attract these travellers and ensure they are well received.”

He also urged continued collaboration and cohesive messaging as the country embraces the need for a rally to recover and excel from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the success of Jamaica’s growth in tourism.