Jamaica Director of Tourism Basil Smith will leave office in October this year. Smith, who was appointed to head the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in November 2006 following the departure of Paul Pennicook, has taken the decision to not renew his current contract which expires in October.

The tourism director has cited personal reasons for being unable to continue to serve in this capacity for a more protracted period. John Lynch, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, expressed his thanks on behalf of the Board to Smith for his leadership over the past three years during what has been a turbulent period in tourism worldwide.

Smith is credited with making strides in adapting new technologies, utilizing the internet to enhance internal and external communications. The use of the Tourism Information Publishing Site (TIPS) has been one of the tools that the director has utilized as part of his strategy.

The completely new and innovative website that is to be launched in August will seek to further enhance the industry’s interface with the consumer. Under the leadership of Smith, the JTB has also sought to build on the relationship with various partners to ensure the continued success of Jamaica’s tourism.