The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) yesterday hailed as “an actutely astute decision” the hiring of its president as the Government’s new tourism director-general.

The Association, which represents the interests of tourism industry stakeholders, said in a statement that it will “imminently” announce an interim president to replace Jackson Weech following his employment by the Ministry of Tourism. They will hold the post until a new president is elected on December 2, 2026, at the BHTA’s annual general meeting (AGM).

Mr Weech, who most recently was general manager at the Royal Towers, and vice-president of operations at Atlantis, replaces Latia Duncombe as the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general following her four-and-a-half years in the post.

 “The BHTA extends heartfelt congratulations to Jackson Weech, a long-serving, seasoned tourism professional who has spent the last near-40 years entrenched in the tourism industry in The Bahamas,” the Association said.

“This decision, recently executed by The Government of The Bahamas, is an acutely astute decision given the depth and breadth of experience Mr Weech has gleaned being intricately engaged in the tourism industry.

“Mr Weech’s past experience as a senior level professional overseeing and operating varying aspects of hospitality businesses in The Bahamas, Caribbean and the UK, and leading organisations such as the Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers’ Association (BHEA) and The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), not only gives him formidable, invaluable knowledge regarding ‘The business of tourism’.

“It has afforded him the ability to fully appreciate the value of building and maintaining connection between the public and private sector, as we work in partnership navigating the ever-evolving ecosystem of our tourism industry, globally and locally.”

The Association continued: “The BHTA, for the last 75 years, has been pleased and privileged to work with the Government of The Bahamas, in particular the Ministry of Tourism, and varying public and private sector organisations.

“The BHTA considers the appointment of Jackson Weech, who has the experience and acumen to view the tourism industry through the prism of both the public and private sector, to this senior level position with the Ministry of Tourism will contribute greatly to ensuring continued public and private sector collaboration, cohesion and co-operation when government is contemplating polices, legislation, rules and regulations that are impactful to our tourism industry and the myriad of people deeply connected to it.”