Heron vows stronger voice for tourism after JHTA victory

WESTERN BUREAU:

Sandals Resorts International executive O'Brian Heron was on Saturday elected president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), defeating Christopher Jarrett after members voted for new leadership at the organisation's annual general meeting.

Heron won the closely contested election with 76 votes to Jarrett's 55, ending Jarrett's one-year tenure as president.

Heron, who was serving as first vice-president of the association, assumes leadership at a time when the tourism industry is navigating several critical issues, including proposed tax measures affecting the sector, investment in tourism infrastructure, workforce development and maintaining Jamaica's competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global marketplace.

The senior corporate director, operations at Sandals Resorts International campaigned on a platform of stronger advocacy, promising that the association would continue to be "a strong, credible and respected voice" for its members while promoting the sustainable growth of Jamaica's tourism industry.

Among his priorities are engaging the Government on proposed increases to the general consumption tax (GCT) and other fiscal measures affecting the sector, lobbying for greater investment in tourism towns and ensuring that the industry has stronger representation on tourism-related boards and committees.

In his campaign message to members, Heron argued that Jamaica's tourism industry remains one of the country's most important economic drivers and said the association must continue to provide effective leadership on issues affecting hotels, attractions and allied businesses.

Heron brings more than two decades of hospitality experience to the presidency.

He joined Sandals Resorts in 2003 as a trainee front office agent at Sandals Montego Bay before rising through a succession of leadership positions across the Caribbean in resort operations, finance, human resources, learning and development, strategic planning and organisational transformation. He was recently promoted to senior corporate director-operations at Sandals Resorts International after serving as general manager of Sandals South Coast.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Heron has been actively involved in national tourism and workforce development.

He serves as chairman of the HEART/NSTA Trust Regional Advisory Board, is a member of the HEART/NSTA National Training Advisory Council and sits on the Sandals Corporate University Advisory Board.

A justice of the peace, he is currently pursuing a doctor of business administration degree after earning a master of science in hospitality management from Florida International University and a bachelor of arts in linguistics from The University of the West Indies.

During the campaign, Heron said one of his key objectives would be strengthening collaboration between the private sector and Government while ensuring that the concerns of JHTA members remain at the forefront of policy discussions.

He also pledged to champion investment in tourism infrastructure, including improvements to roads, sidewalks, beaches, parks and public facilities in resort communities, arguing that these investments benefit both visitors and residents.

Heron’s team includes Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, regional commercial director, Royalton Resorts, who will serve as first vice president; Kyle Mais, managing director, Jamaica Inn, second vice president; William Vassell, general manager, Coco La Palm, Negril, third vice president and Nadine Spence, director, Sixt Rent A Car, the fourth vice president.

The JHTA represents hotels, attractions, transportation companies and allied businesses across Jamaica and serves as the tourism industry's principal private-sector lobby.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com