KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Tourist Board has named Paul Pennicook Director of Tourism effective July 9, 2014, according to Chairman Dennis Morrison.

Pennicook is no stranger to this post having served in that capacity from 2003 to 2006. He spent several years as a successful hotelier, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Couples Resorts, Executive Vice President of Sandals Resorts, and First Vice President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.

Pennicook was also Air Jamaica’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 2006 to 2008.

Paul Pennicook, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board

“Paul Pennicook is a solid choice to lead the Jamaica Tourist Board’s future,” commented Chairman Morrison. “Paul was selected for his highly accomplished, well-rounded experience as a hotelier, an airline executive and tourism director. He will hit the ground running building on the JTB’s current momentum, thus propelling Jamaica’s success to the next level.”

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeil said “I am very satisfied with the decision of the Jamaica Tourist Board. Mr. Pennicook is a well-known figure in Jamaica’s tourism industry and is highly respected at home and abroad. As we meet the challenges of modernizing the operations of the Board and deepening the partnerships with industry players, I am confident that the JTB has found the right man for the job.”

“I’m thrilled and honoured to return to service at the Jamaica Tourist Board. In the last few years, I have gained invaluable experience in the international industry and this will be brought to bear while working on the front lines of Jamaica’s multi-layered hospitality industry,” said Pennicook. “Jamaica has always been at the forefront of Caribbean tourism and I look forward to continuing in that tradition.”