Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association

04/09/2026

Jamaica’s beach access debate needs more than slogans. 🇯🇲🌊

What if the way forward starts with something practical: a clear national map showing where public access exists, where traditional accessways are located, what facilities are available, what fees apply — and where access remains blocked or uncertain?

In this latest Have Your Say, Navonod makes the case for moving the conversation from competing claims to a system of guaranteed access, managed use and public accountability.

What do you think? Does Jamaica need a national beach access map?

Read the full article on OUR.Today:
⁠our.today/navonod-jamaica-doesnt-need-a-beach-slogan-it-needs-a-beach-map/

JamaicaTourism CoastalDevelopment PublicBeaches

26/08/2026

One occupied hotel room represents far more than a night’s stay. 🇯🇲

It creates a ripple across Jamaica — supporting our farmers, hotel workers, transport operators, entertainers, suppliers, restaurants, small businesses and communities.

Tourism doesn’t operate in isolation. It is an interconnected network of Jamaican lives, jobs, businesses and livelihoods — all benefiting when visitors choose Jamaica.

When tourism thrives, the ripple spreads. Businesses grow. Jobs are supported. Communities benefit. And Jamaica thrives.

One occupied room. Many lives impacted. 💚💛🖤

13/08/2026

JHTA President Obrian Heron and Nicola Madden-Greig: JHTA Past President and JAPEX planning committee Chair shared important insights on the staging of Jamaica”s premiere industry trade show scheduled for Ocho Rios, September 14-17, 2026. Already international buyer delegates from over 22 countries have registered to meet with Jamaican hoteliers, attractions, transportation and other tourism service providers.
JAPEX returns to Ocho Rios after an over 10 year hiatus. Hon. MInister Edmund Bartlett also addressed the media virtually endorsing the event which started in 1992.
Registration is still open for JHTA members and international buyers to meet. To register now, go to www.JAPEX.org
Key partners for JAPEX include the Jamaica Tourist Board, The Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Moon Palace , Sandals Resorts International and Island Village.

06/08/2026

🇯🇲 Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, creativity and warmth of our people — the spirit that makes Jamaica truly extraordinary.

From our rich culture and natural beauty to the unmistakable hospitality we share with the world, there is so much to be proud of as we celebrate 64 years of Independence.

Together, let us continue to build a stronger Jamaica and proudly share the very best of our island with the world.

Happy Independence Day from the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association! 🇯🇲💚💛🖤

02/08/2026

The JHTA remains committed to constructive engagement and evidence-based advocacy on behalf of Jamaica's tourism industry.

Following a productive meeting with the Honourable Fayval Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, both parties have agreed to continue working collaboratively to explore practical solutions that support Jamaica's fiscal objectives while preserving the long-term competitiveness of our tourism sector. As JHTA President O'Brian Heron shared:

"Yesterday's meeting was an important step forward. While we recognize the challenges involved, we also left encouraged by the Minister's willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. Our responsibility now is to continue bringing credible, evidence-based solutions to the table that protect Jamaica's tourism industry while supporting the country's long-term economic success."

We appreciate the opportunity for open dialogue and remain committed to working in partnership to support a strong, resilient and competitive tourism industry.

O'Brian Heron (3rd right), JP - President, JHTA with Hon Fayval Williams (4th right), MP - Minister of Finance and The Public Service following a meeting with

26/07/2026

The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association joins the global community in observing International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (World Mangrove Day).

Mangroves are among Jamaica's greatest natural treasures. They do far more than beautify our coastlines—they protect our communities from storm surges, reduce coastal erosion, store significant amounts of blue carbon to help combat climate change, and provide vital habitats for fish, birds and countless other species that sustain our marine ecosystems.

As a tourism destination celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, protecting our mangrove ecosystems is essential to safeguarding the future of our environment, our communities and our tourism industry.

The JHTA encourages everyone to learn more about the importance of mangroves, support local conservation initiatives and play your part in protecting the natural heritage that makes Jamaica so extraordinary.

Together, let's preserve the ecosystems that protect us.

🌿 Happy International Mangrove Day!

# Jamaica

n 26 July, the world observes World Mangrove Day, UNESCO's International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. To mark the occasion, the JHTA Prod

03/07/2026

Industry celebrates excellence, leadership and lifetime contributions at landmark 65th Annual General Meeting and Awards LuncheonOcho Rios, Jamaica, 1 July 2026 — Jamaica's tourism industry paused to celebrate the individuals and organisations whose vision, innovation and unwavering commitment continue to define the country's global reputation as a premier destination, as the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) staged its prestigious Awards Luncheon during the Association's 65th Annual General Meeting and Tourism Forum on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Held at Sandals Dunn's River, the ceremony brought together tourism leaders, government officials, hoteliers, attractions, airlines, allied partners and industry stakeholders for an afternoon dedicated to recognising those whose work has elevated Jamaica's tourism product and strengthened one of the country's most important economic sectors.

Industry celebrates excellence, leadership and lifetime contributions at landmark 65th Annual General Meeting and Awards Luncheon Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 1 July 202

30/06/2026

Newly elected President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) O’Brian Heron with his executives: 1st Vice President, Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, Regional Commercial Director, Royalton Resorts, 2nd by Vice President, Kyle Mais, Managing Director, Jamaica Inn, 3rd Vice President, William Vassell, General Manager, Coco La Palm and 4th Vice President, Nadine Spence, Director, Sixt Rent A Car Jamaica.

30/06/2026

REGISTER NOW!

30/06/2026

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 29 June 2026 — The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has elected Sandals Resorts International Senior Corporate Director, Operations, O'Brian Heron as its new President, ushering in a new chapter of leadership focused on stronger advocacy, greater industry collaboration and ensuring Jamaica's tourism sector remains globally competitive.His election comes at a pivotal time for the industry as stakeholders navigate significant policy discussions, including proposed fiscal measures affecting tourism, investment in resort infrastructure, workforce development and maintaining Jamaica's competitive edge within an increasingly dynamic global tourism landscape.A respected tourism executive with more than two decades of experience, Heron was recently promoted by Sandals Resorts International to the position of Senior Corporate Director, Operations, following an accomplished career that has seen him rise through virtually every level of the hospitality industry.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 29 June 2026 — The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has elected Sandals Resorts International Senior Corporate Director, Ope