The Jamaica Tourist Board is bidding farewell to Deputy Director of Tourism Donnie Dawson, who is retiring on March 31, 2023. Dawson, who joined the organization in 1975 as a sales representative, was tasked with expanding their California satellite office to cover thirteen states. In 2003, he was appointed Deputy Director of Tourism in the Board’s Miami office and served twice as interim Director of Tourism. He is affectionately referred to as “Mr. Airlift” due to his work in providing airlines with services to Jamaica. Dawson was instrumental in developing the destination’s relationship with travel professionals, including the Jamaica Travel Specialist program that educates agents about Jamaica’s tourism offerings. “I am so proud of all Jamaica has accomplished throughout the years, having grown from having only charter flights and no all-inclusives to become one of the top tourism destinations globally,” said Dawson.