The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is mourning loss of tourism pioneer Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

In a statement Tuesday, the JHTA said Stewart’s exploits and accomplishments are well known as founder of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and their parent company Sandals Resorts International and founder of the ATL Group.

“His peers in the JHTA also know well his personal contributions intellectually, and financially, to the development of brand Jamaica and the Caribbean tourism industry,” the JHTA said in the statement over the name of the association’s president, Clifton Reader.

“Butch was highly respected as the conceptualiser of the most innovative and creative tourism products which endeared his iconic Sandals and Beaches Hotels to millions of visitors from all over the world, including Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora.

“As a former president of the JHTA and an “elder head” of the association over four decades, Butch Stewart helped to mould the organisation, guiding and mentoring our members and his employees.”

The JHTA said Stewart was a generous contributor to the building of the Jamaican economy, to recovery efforts following disasters here and in the region and to the development of young tourism and business professionals who aspired to mirror his success.

“He was the consummate marketer and salesman whose attention to detail and insistence on perfection ensured that what was promised, was always delivered, beyond expectation.”