Morrison new JTB chairman
Published:Friday | February 10, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
ECONOMIST Dennis Morrison has once again been appointed chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
Morrison told The Gleaner yesterday that his appointment took effect on February 6, 2012.
"We have since had a quasi or introductory meeting with the minister in which he gave us a charge," he revealed.
He was also chairman of the JTB from 2002 to 2007, where he spearheaded its restructuring, including integration of global advertising, public relations and promotional programmes.
Asked yesterday what he would bring to the position, Morrison quipped, "That is a perfect question for the man who has appointed me."
He said, however, that he would be seeking to advance the vision of the industry to remain sustainable and competitive, bringing benefit to the people of Jamaica.
"The tourist board's remit has to do with marketing and it is the regulator for the product. Whatever we can do with those two objectives, we want to market Jamaica's destination in a very effective way, giving exposure to all of the attributes of the country," said Morrison.
Meet high standards
He added that it is hoped that this will enhance product serving and drive visitors to Jamaica.
"On the other side as regulator, we want to ensure that tourism facilities and the hotels and attractions are developed and operated in a way that meets the highest international standards," Morrison told The Gleaner.
Morrison is also a development specialist and analyst, with vast experience in public policy, the aluminium industry, tourism, infrastructure and airport development.
He was also a member of the team that prepared the National Industrial Policy of Jamaica.
Under his chairmanship of the Airports Authority of Jamaica from 1998 to 2007, the authority undertook major expansion and modernisation programmes at Jamaica's two international airports.
Morrison played a key role in negotiating the privatisation of the Sangster International Airport, and loan financing for development at the Norman Manley International Airport.