Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • Training & Resources
  • Luxury Travel Report

Jamaica Tourist Board’s Donnie Dawson Announces Retirement

by Daniel McCarthy  March 23, 2023
Jamaica Tourist Board’s Donnie Dawson Announces Retirement

Photo: Donnie Dawson

Donnie Dawson, the current deputy director of tourist for the Americas for the Jamaica Tourist Board, will retire at the end of March after 40 years at the organization.

Dawson first joined the Jamaica Tourist Board at its Kingston headquarters in 1975 as a sales representative. He left the organization for a brief stint at Jamaica resort Hotels, before rejoining its regional California office in 1982. He was appointed deputy director of tourism for the board in 2003 at its Miami offices and served two full terms as interim director of tourism.

In its announcement, Jamaica Tourist Board said Dawson, who earned himself the nickname of “Mr. Airlift” among colleagues due to his ongoing work with airlines to provide service to Jamaica, is credited with helping to develop the destination’s strong relationship with advisors, including the Jamaica Travel Specialist education program. 

“Jamaica is deeply indebted to Donnie Dawson for his decades of service to develop and promote tourism to the island,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “He has been a steadfast ambassador throughout the years, dedicated to helping Jamaica become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. We are truly grateful to him for everything he has accomplished and wish him a very happy retirement.”

In a statement announcing his retirement, Dawson said he was proud of the work that he and the team at the Jamaica Tourist Board have done over the past few decades.

“I am so proud of all Jamaica has accomplished throughout the years, having grown from having only charter flights and no all-inclusives to become one of the top tourism destinations globally,” said Donnie Dawson.

“It’s amazing to me and, while I have made the decision to enter retirement and instead work on my golf game, I want to thank the Jamaica Tourist Board and Ministry of Tourism for all the wonderful opportunities and career they have afforded me. I have sincerely cherished it and am grateful for a lifetime of fond memories.”

  
  
Related Articles
Jamaica Joins Virtuoso’s Coveted Roster of Luxury Travel Partners
Half Moon Unveils Redesigned Villas in Montego Bay
One Love Affair: Celebrating 70 Years of the Jamaica Tourist Board
Jamaica’s First Casino Hotel, Princess Grand Jamaica, Set to Open in November
Jamaica Tourism Minister: Tariffs Will “Cut Deeply” Into Tourism
Palladium Hotel Group Expanding Resorts in Jamaica
Royalton Chic Resorts to Debut in Jamaica in 2026
Jamaica Tourist Board Expands U.S. Team with New Appointments
Big Up: Jamaica Tourist Board Adds Two to Canadian Sales Team
An Inside Look at Beaches Negril’s Suites & Villas

MOST VIEWED

  1. Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels 40+ Cruises on Two Ships
  2. U.S. Issues Worldwide Travel Warning for All Americans Traveling Abroad
  3. Travel Leaders Network President John Lovell to Depart for Cruise Role
  4. Hilton Rewards Reservations Canceled Amid Transition of Playa Hotels to Hyatt
  5. Here Are All the New Cruise Ships Coming in 2026, 2027, and Beyond
  6. Ask-an-Advisor: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Fire a Client?


  1. U.S. and International Airlines Halt Dubai, Mideast Flights Due to Iran-Israel Conflict
  2. Overtourism Backlash Heats Up in Europe as Summer Season Kicks Off
  3. New Greece Cruise Passenger Tax Coming this July
  4. What Does Success Look Like for a Travel Advisor?
  5. Two Wins and Two Losses for Travel in the New U.S. Budget Bill
  6. New U.S. Travel Bans Would Hinder Tourism, Industry Leaders Say
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth luxury coverage, analysis of luxury news, luxury trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
The Top 11 Hottest Adventure Tours of 2025 (So Far)
The Top 11 Hottest Adventure Tours of 2025 (So Far)

Top tour operators talk their best-selling products for 2025.

U.S. Issues Travel Alerts for Myanmar & Thailand Following Earthquakes
U.S. Issues Travel Alerts for Myanmar & Thailand Following Earthquakes

On Friday, March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Burma in Myanmar, with tremors felt in neighboring Thailand and China.

Free Roundtrip Airfare from AmaWaterways for Egypt River Cruises
Free Roundtrip Airfare from AmaWaterways for Egypt River Cruises

Your clients can get free air on select 2025 and 2026 cruise and land journeys.

U.S. Secretary of State Promises to Reevaluate Jamaica Travel Warning
U.S. Secretary of State Promises to Reevaluate Jamaica Travel Warning

The U.S. State Department has told Americans to “reconsider” travel to Jamaica since July 2024.

What to Expect from Celestyal’s Middle East Desert Day Cruises
What to Expect from Celestyal’s Middle East Desert Day Cruises

With its first-ever Arabian Gulf season wrapped up, here’s everything your clients need to know about Celestyal’s offering in the region.

Tahiti Tourisme Appoints New CEO
Tahiti Tourisme Appoints New CEO

The new CEO currently serves as the organization’s CMO.

TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
View All
Advertiser's Voice
The Collette Premium Experience
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
© 2005 - 2025 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences