OVERVIEW

It is the goal of the J.H.T.A. Ocho Rios / Runaway Bay chapter to promote and improve our local hospitality product as well as to encourage development of the tourist industry in our community as a whole. We are the local chapter of the established J.H.T.A. organization. Our goals are thus extensions of the national objectives and support the same aspirations, but with focus on our own locale. We help each member realize their goals as best possible, working intimately with members as well as representing them in matters which involve the government, international organizations or other agencies. Be sure to read about some of the benefits and services of membership in the J.H.T.A.

JHTA - THE SYNONYM FOR SERVICE TO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association is the organization which represents Jamaican hotels, other visitor accommodations and most suppliers of goods and services to the tourism industry.

Since 1961, the JHTA has been the vanguard of Jamaican tourism's private sector.

The main aim of the Association is to promote the development of the hospitality industry. We work for you - and with you in transforming ambitions into reality. Your membership is an investment which helps to achieve both your short-term and long-term goals.

JHTA promotes the interests of our members with the government and its agencies, with other elements of the private sector and with international organisations; for instance, we have representation on the Boards of Directors of the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Tourism Product Development Company, thus ensuring a strong voice for you in the development and marketing of Jamaica's tourism.

We are a major member of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. Our participation ensures a leading role for the private sector's tourism interests in the policies and programmes of the PSOJ.

And internationally, JHTA is affiliated to the Caribbean Hotel Association, the American Society of Travel Agents, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the International Hotel & Restaurant Association.

Our membership in these organisations helps our own members to obtain vital market exposure and intelligence. Notably, the annual Caribbean Hotel Association's Marketplace brings together suppliers from the Caribbean and buyers from all over the world. This is the largest and most important trade fair for Caribbean tourism. The JHTA's links put members in touch with those who can negotiate and seal the deals which increase your profits.