The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) has acknowledged the contributions of John Byles, executive deputy chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures in sustainable tourism practices.

On Tuesday, February 18, the centre honoured Byles with the 2025 Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) Tourism Resilience Award in the area of “Resilience Corridor—Sustainable Practices” at the Princess Hotel in Hanover, Jamaica. The award was presented at the Global Tourism Resilience Day Gala.

Byles was recognised for his leadership and pivotal role in the development of the COVID-19 Resilient Tourism Corridor, which enabled the safe reopening and sustained operation of Jamaica’s tourism sector during the pandemic. His efforts, alongside a coalition of private sector and government stakeholders, ensured that rigorous health protocols were implemented, keeping COVID-19 positivity rates within the Corridor significantly lower than national and global averages.

“Receiving this award is an honour, but it is also a shared achievement. It reflects the extraordinary collaboration between private sector and government champions who worked tirelessly to create, implement, and uphold health protocols that safeguarded our industry,” Byles responded.

He further emphasised the collective effort that made the initiative successful, stating: “This achievement stands as a testament to the leadership of our country, ultimately driven by Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, our tourism minister, the Honourable Dr Edmund Bartlett, and the Honourable Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of Health, who all played pivotal roles in ensuring resilience through genuine collaboration. Under Minister Bartlett’s steadfast leadership, we united around a shared vision—one that prioritises sustainability, adaptability, and the long-term prosperity of our sector.”

The GTRCMC Tourism Resilience Awards celebrate visionary leaders who have demonstrated adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to long-term sustainability in the tourism sector. Byles’ recognition underscores the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring the resilience and future success of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

The award was presented during the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, held from 17 to 19 February 2025, under the theme “Building Tourism Resilience Through Digital Transformation”.