Tourism stalwart Lionel Reid has died

WESTERN BUREAU:

Former Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president Lionel Reid, renowned for his strong advocacy for small hotel operators and his passion for the growth and development of Jamaica's tourism sector, has passed away.

The 89-year-old Reid, whose distinguished career in the tourism industry set him apart as a champion in building Jamaica's tourism brand, died yesterday morning at a hospital in Montego Bay.

His unwavering support for small and independent players in the sector left an indelible mark on the industry.

In response to Reid's passing, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised his invaluable contribution to the sector, which spanned over 50 years.

"He was the quintessential tourism entrepreneur, administrator, thinker, and advocate," said Bartlett.

"The pride that Lionel Reid showed in executing his duties in tourism is absolutely unmatched. His role in creating the foundations for Jamaica's airlift security, particularly in negotiations with American Airlines, helped establish more than 200 gateways connecting us across the United States."

During Reid’s tenure at the helm of the JHTA, he played a pivotal role in conceptualising the annual Abe Issa Award for Excellence in the tourism sector. The award was designed to recognise individuals or groups who performed exemplary work in promoting Jamaica's reputation and image as a premier tourist destination.

Reid’s influence in the hospitality sector extended beyond the JHTA. As the longest-serving chairman of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), he was instrumental in promoting the island as a top travel destination. His expertise and leadership made him the ideal candidate to lead several of Jamaica’s overseas missions to prestigious events such as The Caribbean Hotel Association’s annual trade show, where Jamaica was highlighted as a major force in global hospitality.

While Reid’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the elevation of Jamaica’s tourism sector, his keen business acumen was also evident in his broader leadership roles. In October 2000, he was elected president of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader.

In 2008, when the Jamaica Tourist Board sought to tap into the multi-billion-dollar sports tourism industry, Reid was appointed to a special board tasked with exploring ways to develop a sports tourism brand for Jamaica—one of the many reasons Bartlett described his contributions as “absolutely unmatched”.

Even after ill health forced him to step away from the frontline, Reid remained a guiding light in the sector, offering invaluable wisdom and experience.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and his children, Paula and Andrew.

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com