John Byles to Receive National Honour for Service to Tourism

The name John Byles, while synonymous with tourism, is also known for hard work, professionalism, and dedication to serving his country.

For more than 20 years, the Montego Bay native has given yeoman contribution to tourism as Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, which is one of the largest attraction companies in the region, and serving on various boards and committees charged with advancing the sector.

He sits on the boards of the Jamaica Tourist Board as Deputy Chairman, is a Director at Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), and serves as Chairman of the Destination Assurance Council – Montego Bay Chapter.

But probably his most important appointment, to date, is that of Chairman of the Resilient Corridors Committee, which is an important voice for Jamaica’s tourism and economic recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He has been working tirelessly over the past 18 months to ensure that there is strict adherence to the health and safety protocols within the three corridors – the North Coast from Negril to Port Antonio, the South Coast from Milk River to Negril, and the Kingston Business District (New Kingston and its environs).

“The resilient corridors, which encompass the majority of the island’s tourism regions, provide the opportunity for visitors to enjoy more of the country’s unique offerings, as many COVID-19-compliant attractions, including craft shops, located along the corridors, are authorised for visits by the health authorities,” Mr. Byles tells JIS News.

“The corridors have been very instrumental in holding our tourism sector together… to the point where we are now seeing our airline and cruise partners showing increased confidence in our ability to provide a safe and healthy environment for our visitors,” he notes.

He credits the Ministry of Tourism and all its relevant agencies for the support and dedication in making the corridors a “massive success”.

On National Heroes’ Day, Monday (October 18), Mr. Byles will receive the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for outstanding service to tourism.

Mr. Byles says he feels grateful to be recognised for his service to tourism and is dedicated to the sector’s continued advancement.

“For tourism to work and to maximise its full potential, ordinary Jamaicans must feel like they have a seat at the table and that their voices are heard. There must also be a level of sustained inclusiveness where the necessary infrastructure is put in place, where we are able to build on the quality tourism product and brand Jamaica. That is my goal, commitment, and dedication,” he tells JIS News.

President of the Harbour Street Craft Market Vendors’ Association, Melody Haughton, says that Mr. Byles is deserving of the national honour, noting that he has the respect of the Montego Bay craft vendors.

“If you are a craft trader here in Montego Bay and you are not familiar with the name John Byles, then something is seriously wrong,” she laughs.

“Mr. Byles has never been too busy to visit us here at the craft market… to listen to our problems and to help and guide us as best as possible. He is a good man and a wonderful friend,” she adds.

President of Jamaica Co-operative Automobile and Limousine Tours Limited (JCAL) Brian Thelwell agrees, noting that “Mr. Byles is very deserving of all the accolades and awards in the world”.

“He has done a great job for tourism and for Jamaica on a whole,” he says.

In addition to his work in tourism, Mr. Byles, who has a background in business and finance, is a Vice President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and was recently appointed to serve on the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.