Nicole Haughton - beauty queen turns tourism advocate

Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

It may have taken nine years for Nicole Haughton to get her dream job at the Jamaica Tourist Broad (JTB), but she believes it's a process getting where one wants to go.

Haughton, JTB senior assistant to the director of tourism, was introduced to tourism when she won Miss Jamaica Universe in 1999. She went on to represent Jamaica in the Miss Universe finals, and though she did not win the title, she became an ambassador for Jamaica, a duty she did proudly. As an ambassador, she received many opportunities and travelled abroad promoting Jamaica's tourism sector. When her stewardship ended and all the promotions, she realised that she had a passion for tourism.

"I knew then that I wanted to work with the JTB to help promote Jamaica. In 2000, I decided to go o London to do my master's degree in tourism marketing at the University of Surrey," said Haughton.

After she completed her studies, she stayed on in England and later landed a job at Western Union International as an international marketing consultant - Caribbean. She stayed in the job for 18 months before moving on to Jamaica National Money Transfer as international marketing manager. Just shy of two years, she moved on to MoneyGram International as marketing communication executive. Then, in January 2009, she returned home and, as fate would have it, five months later her passion became a reality; she got a job at JTB.

Her job entails working on special projects to promote Jamaica. She added that working in the public sector and in Jamaica is different from what she was exposed to in the United Kingdom. The working environment and culture are completely different.

Certain channels

She noted that in the public sector there are certain channels that things have to go through, thus they take a longer time to get done. On the other hand, in her experience with the private sector, things moved at a faster pace and decisions were made more readily.

"This difference, I might say, has been my only challenge so far. However, I do understand that these channels are put in place for a smoother operation and for more accountability."

Nonetheless, she is adjusting and is happy to be in a job she loves and, as a bonus, she gets to be among family and friends. Haughton's passion has always been about promoting and marketing Jamaica, and working directly with the industry is a "total bonus".

As the 35-year-old tourism advocate spoke with Flair at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, she explained that her job is no walk in the park. It is very rewarding and keeps her extremely busy. She believes that women in the workplace should always be professional, despite the fact that they often have to work harder to prove themselves. However, performance is key and adds value to your work.

Seeing Jamaica

Haughton told Flair that during her first two weeks on the job she had the opportunity to see Jamaica through the eyes of a tourist. She visited all the attractions across the island and was amazed to see how our attractions have grown and are labelled among some of the top attractions in the world.

Haughton highlights the naturally warm, hospitable personality of Jamaicans among their unique qualities. "This is what blows many tourists' minds and keeps them returning. The truth is, you can find sun, sand and beach in any Caribbean island, but only in Jamaica do you find that people are so embracing."

The JTB has many projects to promote Jamaica as the best vacation destination. The World Travel Award is one of them and it will be held for the first time in Jamaica later this month. Another promotional strategy is showcasing the island to the Jamaican diaspora abroad.

"Many Jamaicans come home but they don't get to experience what the country has to offer," she said.

Haughton is not sure what the future holds, but she believes the sky is the limit. The present is very exciting and she just wants to continue being productive while at the same time, enjoying her job.

Photoshoot done at Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston.

keisha.shakespeare@gleanerjm.com