John Byles Receives 2025 GTRCMC Tourism Resilience Award

Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, John Byles, has been recognized by the Global Tourism Resilience Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) for his outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Byles was awarded the 2025 Tourism Resilience Award in the arena of Resilience Corridor -Sustainable Practices, at a special awards gala held at the Princess Hotel in Hanover on February 18.

He was recognised for his leadership as Chairman of Jamaica’s resilient corridors, a strategic initiative that played a pivotal role in safeguarding the island’s economy and public health.

The corridors, spanning from the South Coast to Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio, were designed to funnel tourist activity into controlled zones where health protocols could be strictly enforced.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said the resilient corridors not only met expectations but exceeded them.

“The COVID-19 infection rates within these designated areas remained remarkably low, defying the troubling statistics reported across the rest of Jamaica. The success of the corridors was a testament to John’s strategic thinking and collaborative spirit, aspects that have always been integral to his leadership style,” Mr. Bartlett said.

The Minister noted that Mr. Byles’ commitment to community integration, a cornerstone of his work at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, also played a crucial role during this period.

“Recognizing that tourism is inextricably linked to the well-being of local communities, our thought process was to ensure that the benefits of tourism would extend beyond the confines of the resorts. Our emphasis on collaboration and communication became vital as stakeholders, including craft traders and transport operators, expressed concerns about the pace of recovery,” Mr. Bartlett stated.

For his part, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Robin Russell said Mr. Byles’ commitment to the community engagement philosophy, resonated deeply with those he engaged with.

“By emphasizing the mutual benefits of a successful tourism strategy, he was able to build strong alliances that would ultimately contribute to the programme’s success,” Mr. Russell told JIS News.

Former head of the JHTA, Clifton Reader, told JIS News that Mr. Byles’ ability to navigate the complexities of a global health crisis while maintaining a focus on community welfare and economic stability, proved to be a game-changer for the tourism sector.

“Those who witnessed his dedication and effectiveness readily acknowledge that his efforts were instrumental in preventing a full-blown economic crisis and averting a massive fallout in tourism,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Senior Strategist and Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright congratulated Mr. Byles on his award.

“Few would disagree that he is a deserving recipient of this accolade. His outstanding performance during the pandemic has earned him respect and admiration from colleagues, stakeholders, and the broader community,” he stated.