The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association extends our condolences to the family of the Late Peter Rousseau, who served as a stellar President of the Association from 1988-1991.

It was a turbulent time for the country in many ways marked by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Gilbert, increased violence which attended the general elections, the Gulf War and various fractious issues of negotiation with the government as we worked towards the strengthening and preservation of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Fortuitously, Peter Rousseau was the right President at the right time. Marshalling a closure of hotels for two weeks immediately after the hurricane, he steered a most effective marketing strategy to put Jamaica back on the world tourism stage immediately thereafter.

His leadership ushered in a more integrated involvement between the Association and the Jamaica Tourist Board particularly in the marketing of the destination, which has withstood the test of time and proven most beneficial to the country.

Peter Rousseau’s stewardship saw the JHTA strengthening its collaboration with other private sector bodies, such as the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica through violence reduction campaigns.  He was central to the formation of the JHTA anti-harassment Task Force and negotiated several programmes with the government which helped to develop and strengthen the sector.

The JHTA, the hospitality and tourism sector and Brand Jamaica, and the country as a whole, owe a debt of gratitude to Peter Rousseau for helping to keep the wheels turning in the face of many challenges including natural disasters and man-made threats. 

Destination Jamaica benefitted well from his astute leadership.