Jamaica Tourist Board 50 Years 1955 - 2005
...sharing the Jamaican experience

50th Anniversary Exhibition Launch
Montego Bay Civic Center, Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay - Thursday, December 15, 2005

Mission

"To develop and market the tourist industry so that Jamaica remains the premier Caribbean tourism destination"

Background

Attempts to organize a Bureau responsible for marketing Jamaica resulted in the formation of the Jamaica Tourist Association, a private sector entity supported by the government, in 1910. Its primary purpose was to enhance the claims of the colony as a health and pleasure resort and provide reliable information to both prospective visitors and those already holidaying in the island.

In 1922 the government started its direct intervention in the promotion of the industry and enacted laws which saw the establishment of the Tourist Trade Development Board. This entity and the Jamaica Tourist Association was amalgamated in 1926.

By the early 1950s it became evident that the island needed a much more effective organization with a greater scope of responsibility and operation. In 1954, the Tourist Trade Development Board was abolished and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), governed by the Tourist Board Act, created. The Board which came into being April 1, 1955 is completely financed by the government of Jamaica.

In keeping with its mandate, the JTB maintains an international network of representatives/offices in key markets. In Jamaica, it's offices are in Kingston, Montego Bay and Port Antonio. Its Board of Directors sets policies for the functioning of the organization and the Director of Tourism is responsible for the day-to-day administration with the support of two Deputy Directors - Marketing and Sales and their respective teams. The government of Jamaica overseas the board through the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.