Jamaica Appoints Basil H. Smith Tourism Director
JAMAICA, August 24, 2006. Basil H. Smith has been selected to fill the position of Director of Tourism of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), after an extensive local and international search.
His appointment has been announced by Mr. Dennis E. Morrison, Chairman of the JTB. Mr. Smith, a Jamaican national, whose term as head of the country's tourism marketing agency, will commence officially on November 1, 2006 brings with him many years of tourism and marketing experience. He earlier served as Deputy Director of Tourism for the JTB from 1995-1997, in which capacity he became well known in the local Jamaican tourism industry. Currently serving as senior director, communications, worldwide for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Smith was formerly executive vice-president of the Bahamas Hotel Association from 2001-2003. Before that he was managing director of the public relations agency Creative Projects Ltd. in Jamaica from 1997-1999.
Mr. Smith has, in the course of his career, also held the positions of partner and senior vice-president of The Counsellors Ltd., the leading marketing firm in the Bahamas, worked as the special assistant to the Minister of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and with Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, and the Bahamas News Bureau.
The Director-designate is expected to build upon the past successes of the Jamaica Tourist Board, help the JTB expand its global reach and continue to forge a strong partnership with the private sector.
"We are pleased with Mr. Smith's appointment, " said the Hon. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture. "He previously served as Deputy Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board and as Managing Director of Creative Projects Ltd., Jamaica, where he contributed to the development of Jamaica's Tourism Master Plan. He also served as first vice president of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE). As a member of Jamaica's tourism team, I am confident that Mr. Smith's experience will assist the JTB to continue on its current path of delivering increased tourism results through innovative public and private sector partnerships."
Chairman Morrison commented on Mr. Smith's appointment, "Basil brings the right experience and the respect of both the public and private sectors to this important position. In his capacity as Director of Tourism, he will lead the JTB as Jamaica's tourist industry enters its next round of global expansion."
Of his new appointment, Mr. Smith stated that he is privileged to be called to serve as Director of Tourism for Jamaica at a time when Jamaica's tourism developments are stronger than ever and major events such as Cricket 2007 are keeping Jamaica in the forefront of the travel industry.
Mr. Donnie Dawson currently serving as Interim Director will continue in that role until Mr. Smith assumes office.
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