The Bahamas appoints Jackson Weech director general amid strong tourism momentum

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) reports it has appointed veteran Bahamian hospitality executive Jackson Alexander Weech as Director General, effective October 1, 2026. 

Mr. Weech brings more than 35 years of tourism leadership experience across The Bahamas, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom to the Ministry's senior executive team.

According to the ministry, Mr. Weech is a leading representative of the Bahamian hotel and tourism industry who has worked closely with government, tourism stakeholders and international industry partners on issues including airlift development, workforce development, infrastructure, product improvement, and the competitiveness of the destination.

As Director General, BMOT said Mr. Weech will leverage his extensive industry experience to provide technical leadership to the Ministry as it builds on strong tourism performance in 2026, which has featured continued growth in stopover arrivals and several record-setting months.

“Jackson Weech brings to the ministry a depth of tourism industry experience that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the sector and ensure that tourism delivers meaningful economic opportunities for Bahamians,” said the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, minister of tourism. 

“He understands this industry from the ground up, from the people who deliver the visitor experience every day to the businesses, stakeholders and partners who drive the success of our tourism economy. His experience, relationships and knowledge of the sector will strengthen the ministry's capacity to execute our tourism priorities and position The Bahamas for continued growth.”

Mr. Weech's career spans hotel operations, sales and marketing, strategic planning, financial management, labour relations and tourism industry advocacy. 

According to the ministry's release, he has been president of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) since December 2024 and most recently served as vice president and general manager of The Royal Towers at Atlantis Paradise Island, where he provided executive oversight of hotel operations, financial performance, guest experience, capital planning and the development of senior leadership teams.

His career also includes serving as vice president of hotel operations at Atlantis Paradise Island; hotel manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Negril; and general manager of SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas, a position he held for 15 years while also working across several of the company's hotel properties in Jamaica.

“I am honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as director general of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism,” said Mr. Weech. 

“I have spent my career in this industry and have had the privilege of working alongside many of the people and organisations that make Bahamian tourism successful. I look forward to bringing that experience into the Ministry and working with Minister Hanna Martin, the Ministry's team and our partners throughout the industry to advance the continued growth and development of tourism in The Bahamas.”

Mr. Weech succeeds Latia Duncombe, who led the ministry as director general for more than four years, first in an acting capacity from January 2022 and then formally from January 2023.

Canada continues to outperform

The destination reports that the appointment comes as The Bahamas continues to build on strong tourism performance in 2026. From January through August, the destination welcomed 1,449,294 stopover visitors, up 4.3 per cent over the same period last year. Canada continues to outperform overall growth, with 104,476 Canadian stopover visitors through August, an increase of 13.8 per cent year over year and 5.8 per cent above 2019 levels.

Adding to The Bahamas' momentum in Canada, the destination reports that Nassau was named the top family destination in Air Canada Vacations’ 2026 Travellers’ Top Picks. Announced this month, the annual awards drew more than 1.3 million votes across 10 travel categories. Nassau was recognized for its family-friendly mix of beaches and experiences, along with local favourites.

Five Canadian gateways, more ways to reach The Bahamas

This winter, BMOT shared that Canadians can fly nonstop to The Bahamas from Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Halifax and Calgary, with service from Air Canada, WestJet and Porter.

While Nassau and Paradise Island offer the broadest range of connections, nonstop service also links Toronto and Montréal with Grand Bahama, and Toronto with Great Exuma. Seasonal service from Montréal to San Salvador provides another direct option for travellers looking to explore beyond Nassau.

The ministry shared that Canadians looking to explore more of The Bahamas can take advantage of up to a US$250 air credit with qualifying stays of four nights or more at participating Out Islands hotels and resorts.

Available to Canadian residents, the offer can be booked through October 12, 2026, for travel through April 30, 2027, subject to blackout dates and other terms and conditions.

Participating properties span several of The Bahamas’ Out Islands, providing an added incentive to discover the beaches, communities, fishing, diving and boating that make each island distinct.

For more information on The Bahamas, visit here.

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